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SWinter is Coming: Get
Ready and Don’t Miss ARWA’s 27th Annual Training Conference
By Robyn Dombroski, ARWA Executive Director
ummer sure seems to go by quickly, and this year is no different! Time to start thinking about those necessary winter prep activities as it will be upon us soon. According to the fireweed height predicting the amount of snow legend, we are going to get hit pretty good as the fireweed I’ve seen is definitely tall this year!
The change in seasons also means our 2025 annual training is quickly approaching. Once again, Kelly has put together a great agenda with some great speakers to help get you through the grueling four days to earn those CEUs. As always, a big thanks to her for all the hard work putting this together! If you haven’t done so already, mark your calendar for October 20–23 and make plans to join us at the Sheraton in Anchorage where, as usual, we are offering an opportunity to earn a full 3.0 CEUs. Registration is open, and all registration forms and information can be found on our website – www.arwa.org – as well as within this publication. Hopefully, you can join us. We always look forward to seeing everyone!
Fall also means it won’t be long before I begin working on compiling success stories to share with our Congressional delegates in the hopes of securing their continued support for our federally funded programs. That means I am once again begging for your letters of support, just as I do every year. If ARWA brought training to your community, or you received some praise-worthy assistance from our awesome field staff members, please take a moment to email us a letter to express your appreciation. Our Congressional delegates want to hear from YOU. I can tell them the stories all day long, but
hearing it directly from you speaks volumes. This will help us to continue to bring you assistance. Speak up and let your voice be heard! Letters can be emailed to me at robyn@arwa.org
A few minutes of your time truly can make a big difference.
Speaking of supporting ARWA (and rural water in general), we are urgently asking as many individuals as possible to sign the Rural Water Strong pledge to show your support for rural community funding. This is needed to show Congressional and federal agency leadership how important rural funding is across the nation. There is no commitment on your part. It is simply to show support for rural funding programs that help so many. We would really like Alaska to stand out among other states! The pledge
and more information can be fund here: www.ruralwaterstrong.org
Show your support by signing today, and thank you to those that have already signed!
Lastly, remember that if you are in need of just a few CEU credits to renew your operator’s certification, we offer online training that can fulfill that need. Go to our website (www.arwa.org) and click on the top right menu where it says “Online Training.” These courses have been fully approved for CEU credit by DEC. If your system is a current member, you can receive a $30 discount per course.
We are always here to assist you in any way we can so don’t hesitate to contact us. Speaking on behalf of our fabulous ARWA team, we look forward to seeing everyone at the conference!
Send Us Your Letters of Support
What Are You Thankful For?
• How has ARWA helped you and your system?
• Have you saved any money attending any of our trainings?
• Did an ARWA staff member help you solve a problem?
• Have you been to one of our recent training events and thought the trainer did an excellent job?
We need to hear from you! Letters of support will be included in our Annual Report for our Congressional Delegates. Your written support is important and will help us continue to serve rural water and wastewater systems throughout the state!
Send letters of support to:
Alaska Rural Water Association 1075 S Check Street, Suite 106 Wasilla, AK 99654-8067 Or email kelly@arwa.org
WHAT ARE HABS
and How Do They Affect Surface Water Treatment?
By Sarah Ramey, Source Water Protection Specialist, sarah@arwa.org
Alaska has some of the most beautiful lakes, rivers, and coastal waters that draw fisherman, tourists, recreational enthusiasts, and subsistence hunters. But beneath that beauty, a less visible shift is underway. The same sun and warmth that nourish Alaska’s ecosystems are also fueling harmful algal blooms (HABs), where algae grow out of control, sometimes producing toxins that threaten fish, wildlife, people, drinking water, and surface water treatment systems.
So, what exactly are harmful algal blooms? Algae, the microscopic plant-like organisms at the base of the aquatic food chain, are not inherently bad. They produce oxygen and sustain zooplankton, salmon fry, and countless other species. And, let’s face it, we are all chasing salmon from the ocean into
the rivers. But some algae can release potent toxins when conditions are right. When these species multiply rapidly, forming what scientists call a “bloom,” the result can be dangerous.
In Alaska, the primary culprit are cyanobacteria (often misleadingly called “blue-green algae”) in freshwater. Cyanobacteria are very concerning in lakes and reservoirs used for recreation and drinking water sources and subsistence fishing. Their toxins, like microcystins, can cause liver damage in mammals and birds. Even exposure through skin contact or inhaling aerosols can lead to rashes, nausea, or respiratory problems.
For decades, harmful algal blooms were thought of as problems in warmer climates located much further south than our boarders. In the past, Alaska’s cold nutrient-poor waters
seemed immune. This is no longer the case. I was recently asked by the State of Alaska Source Water Protection folks and a system up north why HABs are becoming an issue and, from my research, several factors are becoming apparent.
• Warming waters: Recent warmer temperatures are raising average summer water temperatures, creating more favorable growth conditions.
• Longer ice-free seasons: Lakes that once had short growing periods now remain open longer, giving blooms more time to develop.
• Nutrient input: Runoff from septic systems or natural erosion can enrich waters with nitrogen and phosphorus. Both of these nutrients cause algae to thrive.
• Changing precipitation: Heavy rain events flush nutrients into the water, adding to the blooms. I would say Alaska has been relatively dry this year with many beautiful days this summer, and last winter proved to be a dud with no snowfall to speak of.
Researchers are still piecing together how these factors interact in Alaska’s unique ecosystems, but one thing is clear, HABs are no longer rare in the North. Since starting in Source Water Protection, I have had several discussions with folks around the state that are experiencing operational issues due to HABs seasonally. The topic has even come up the last few years in my annual source water planning meeting with the State of Alaska.
Fish kills, waterfowl die-offs, and marine mammal strandings have all been linked to algal toxins. Subsistence harvesters face difficult choices when mussels, clams, or fish may be unsafe to eat. For rural communities without treated water supplies, an algal bloom
FOR DECADES, HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS WERE THOUGHT OF AS PROBLEMS IN WARMER CLIMATES LOCATED MUCH FURTHER SOUTH THAN OUR BOARDERS. IN THE PAST, ALASKA’S COLD NUTRIENT-POOR WATERS SEEMED IMMUNE.
in a drinking source could be more than a nuisance, it could be a health emergency. Even non-toxic algal blooms can cause problems. Some village water systems now require increased filter backwashes during the summer due to clogging by algal blooms. There is the loss of water production, increased polymer addition, and time spent by the operator in the plant. Some villages have had to relocate water system intakes or change sources of village water intakes all together. This is often associated with expensive engineering and building of new intake structures and piping to deliver the new source to the water treatment plant.
Even human’s best friend is affected. Dogs are especially vulnerable because they tend to drink while swimming and may ingest toxic algae along shorelines. So, what do we do about this? Preventing harmful algal blooms entirely is nearly impossible once the conditions for growth are there. But when blooms occur in waters used as drinking water sources, treatment options are available.
• Activated Carbon Filtration: Granular activated carbon (GAC) can absorb many algal toxins, particularly microcystins. Smaller systems may use powdered carbon, though frequent replacement is needed.
• Oxidation (Ozone or Chlorine): Strong oxidants can break down toxins, though effectiveness depends on careful dosing and contact time.
• Membrane Filtration: Ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis physically remove algal cells and many dissolved toxins. Effective, but often costly for small or remote systems.
• Aeration and Mixing: Mechanical mixing in reservoirs disrupt the still, warm surface layers that cyanobacteria like and can reduce bloom intensity.
• Nutrient Management: Long-term, the most effective approach is reducing nutrient inputs through
improved septic systems, riparian buffers, or erosion control.
• Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF):
A treatment process that uses air bubbles to float and remove suspended solids and includes algae from water. A new DAF plant went online recently in Southeast Alaska. It’s important to note that boiling water does not destroy algal toxins and, in fact, can make things worse by releasing more toxins from ruptured cells. Alaska is building its capacity to track and respond to blooms. State and tribal health agencies, researchers, and local citizens are partnering through initiatives such as the Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network, https://ahab.aoos.org
Volunteers collect water samples from lakes and coastal areas and labs test for toxins. Local warnings are issued when levels exceed safety thresholds.
Still, the sheer scale of Alaska’s waterways consisting of over three million lakes and 33,000 miles of coastline means most remain unmonitored. That’s where public awareness becomes critical.
Recognizing warning signs such as pea-soup green water, floating mats, or unusual scums along the shore, and avoiding exposure are the best defenses for now.
As Alaska warms, harmful algal blooms are expected to become more frequent and widespread. While we can’t eliminate them, better monitoring, smarter water treatment, and community participation can reduce the risks. Alaskans who work and play on the water can take a simple lesson with them as they enjoy our H20. If the water looks suspicious, it’s best to stay out and keep pets out of that water, too. With so much of the Lower 48 struggling with drought, Alaska’s waters are among the state’s greatest assets. Understanding the growing challenge of HABs in our source water and responding wisely with proper planning of plant upgrades and increased water treatment options.
LEAK DETECTION BENEFITS
By Kevin Schoneman, Circuit Rider, kevin@arwa.org
Ihope everyone enjoyed summertime in Alaska with all of the many activities it has to offer. Unfortunately, the days are already getting a little shorter day by day. It always seems like the summers here in Alaska sail right by before you know it.
One of our popular requests for assistance here at the Alaska Rural Water Association is leak detection surveys. Not always, but often, water distribution loss is stated as causing problems for the system operators. This results in not being able to produce enough water to meet the demand. Water loss can also cause unnecessary or increased chemical treatment costs. Plus, increased stress for the operator and most operators that do not need any additional stress added to an already stressful and demanding job.
Water leaks can also add to customers complaining to the water department about pressure or water quality issues. As a certified water operator here in the State of Alaska for almost 30 years, customer complaints are something we could all do without for sure!
As an operator, it’s probably a good idea to monitor the water demand in the water distribution system on a daily basis. Water leaks can develop rapidly or over a long period of time. In my experience, here in Alaska the average person uses about 75 to 100 gallons of drinking water per day. You, as an operator, can take the number of people in your village or community and multiply by either 75 or 100 and this should let you know if you’re in the ballpark. So, if your community has a population of 100 people on
the distribution system the demand on the water production plant should be somewhere in the neighborhood of about 7,500 to 10,000 gallons per day. If the number is really out of line, just reach out to any of us here at ARWA and we will schedule a trip to your community as soon as possible, or email kelly@arwa.org
WATER LEAKS CAN DEVELOP RAPIDLY OR OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. IN MY EXPERIENCE, HERE IN ALASKA THE AVERAGE PERSON USES ABOUT 75 TO 100 GALLONS OF DRINKING WATER PER DAY.
and request assistance. It costs your community absolutely nothing other than a small amount of your time.
In a couple of my more recent leak detection and repair activities in two separate communities, there were some eye-opening results.
For example, I had a request from a community for leak detection in an area where at least one customer was complaining about low water pressure and flow. After spending several hours in the area and using two separate leak detection devices we were able to pinpoint the exact location of the suspected leak. The location was in a very inconvenient location of a busy four lane high traffic area. After the leak was excavated and repaired, the system reported 80,000 gallons of water demand reduction the next day.
The culprit ended up being a service line leak with a hole about the size of a penny!
The second example was an even more eye-opening experience involving water distribution leaks. I received a phone call on my cell phone one Sunday morning this past July, from a system operator here in Alaska. He explained they were having trouble making enough water to keep the water in the water storage tank and it was starting to cause issues with the water treatment process. He also explained he was having to visit the water treatment plant all hours of the night just in order to keep from running out of water for the community. This situation caused a great amount of stress for the water operator. I was able to book air travel to the community the very next day. The day I arrived we began
addressing a couple of the issues in the plant to get it back on-line producing water. We next directed our attention to locating the cause of all of the water loss. After several hours listening to hydrants in the distribution system with my LD-18 acoustical device, I located one hydrant that was screaming in my headset. We then set up a deployment of Z-corr correlators in the area of the hydrant. The results pointed us to the exact spot of the leak and it was marked. The very next morning the marked area was excavated and the leak was exposed and repaired. This leak was a main-line leak in 6" ductile iron pipe under 60 psi pressure. The leak ended up being calculated at between 150,000 to 200,000 gallons per day. The chemical cost savings estimated by the city administration was around $50,000 per year, not including freight costs. Not to mention the stress this leak created for the operator and the village leaders.
Please don’t hesitate to call anytime you’re in need of assistance from the ARWA field staff.
Best wishes for you and your communities.
DUV OR CHLORINE
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DISINFECTION METHOD FOR SMALL WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
By Nicholas Sena, Wastewater Training & Technical Assistance Specialist, nicholas@arwa.org
isinfection is the final critical barrier in wastewater treatment, responsible for inactivating pathogens and protecting public health and the environment. For small wastewater treatment systems (whether municipal plants serving a few hundred residents or decentralized systems at industrial, commercial, or resort facilities) the choice between ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and chlorine disinfection can significantly affect operations, safety, and long-term costs.
This article explores the pros and cons of each method and provides a comparative cost analysis to help decision-makers choose the most suitable option.
Chlorine Disinfection
Chlorine has been used for over a century in wastewater treatment. It is typically applied in the form of chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach), or calcium hypochlorite solution.
Chlorine works by breaking down the cell walls of microorganisms or disrupting their enzymes, rendering them inactive.
Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
UV disinfection uses high-intensity ultraviolet light to damage the DNA of pathogens, preventing them from reproducing. UV systems consist of lamps housed in quartz sleeves through which treated effluent passes. Unlike chlorine, UV leaves no residual in the water.
Both methods are effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, but they behave differently under varying conditions.
• Chlorine is effective even in turbid water, as it disperses and maintains a residual concentration throughout the effluent.
• UV systems require low turbidity and good transmissivity. Suspended solids can shield pathogens from UV light, reducing effectiveness. Protozoa resistance is also an issue: UV is more effective against chlorine-resistant protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia
IN MOST JURISDICTIONS,
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Chlorine carries significant safety concerns, especially in gas form. Chlorine gas is toxic and requires stringent handling protocols, secure storage, and emergency planning. Even sodium hypochlorite and tablets can pose risks to operators and the environment. Additionally, chlorine forms disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo acetic acids (HAAs), which are regulated due to potential health risks. Chlorinated effluent must often be dechlorinated (e.g., with sulfur dioxide or sodium bisulfite) before discharge, adding another treatment step and cost.
UV, on the other hand, poses minimal safety risks. There’s no chemical storage, no risk of toxic exposure, and no byproduct formation. However, it does require consistent power supply and periodic lamp replacement.
Operation and Maintenance
Chlorine systems are simple and familiar to many operators. For small systems using tablets or hypochlorite, daily maintenance is minimal – usually monitoring residual levels and refilling chemical containers. However, chemical feed systems require calibration and regular inspections to avoid over- or under-dosing.
UV systems demand different maintenance. The quartz sleeves housing the lamps must be kept clean to maintain effectiveness. Wipers or chemical cleaning systems help, but periodic manual cleaning may still be necessary, especially in high-hardness water areas. UV lamps also degrade over time (typically 8,000 to 12,000 hours) and must be replaced annually or biannually.
In remote areas or during power outages, UV systems are vulnerable, as they rely entirely on electricity. Backup generators or battery systems may be needed for reliability.
Regulatory Acceptance
In most jurisdictions, both UV and chlorine disinfection are accepted methods. However, some regions are moving away from chlorine due to environmental and safety concerns. Regulators increasingly favor non-chemical disinfection, especially in areas discharging to sensitive ecosystems.
Cost Comparison
Cost is often a deciding factor, especially for small systems operating on tight budgets. Here’s a side-by-side comparison for a small wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) treating 100,000 gallons per day (GPD).
Capital Costs Item
Equipment & Installation
$15,000 $25,000 – $35,000
Infrastructure Modifications Minimal May need electrical upgrades
• UV systems have a higher upfront cost due to lamp systems, controls, and installation.
• Chlorine tablet systems are more cost-effective to install, especially in retrofits.
Annual Operating Costs
Category Chlorine Chemical UV System
Chemical/ Consumables
Maintenance &
$3,000 – $5,000 $0 (no chemicals)
–
Labor (monitoring, etc.) Similar Similar
• Chlorine chemical involves recurring chemical costs and proper storage.
• UV systems incur energy and lamp replacement costs but no chemicals.
Five-Year Life-Cycle Cost Estimate
Disinfection Method
Chlorine chemical
UV Disinfection
5-Year Total Cost Estimate
$30,000 – $35,000
$35,000 – $45,000
Though chlorine has lower startup costs, UV systems can become cost-competitive over time, especially if chemical costs rise or more frequent dechlorination is required.
Suitability for Small Systems
Chlorine Advantages:
• Lower upfront cost
• Familiar technology
Chlorine Disadvantages:
• Chemical handling risks
• Dechlorination required
• DBP formation
UV Advantages:
• No chemicals
• No byproducts
• Environmentally friendly
UV Disadvantages:
• Higher capital cost
• Energy-dependent
• Requires clean water (low turbidity)
Tailoring the Solution
• Simple operation
• Works in higher turbidity
• Environmental and regulatory concerns
• Effective against chlorine-resistant pathogens
• Maintenance for lamps and sleeves
The decision between UV and chlorine disinfection depends on site-specific factors: budget, operator skill level, local regulations, power reliability, effluent quality, and environmental impact.
For remote, off-grid, or budget-constrained systems, chlorine chemical may be the pragmatic choice – provided that safety protocols are followed. For environmentally sensitive discharge locations or where operator safety and regulatory trends are a concern, UV offers a forward-looking, chemical-free solution.
Ultimately, small system managers must weigh the true cost of ownership, not just the initial price tag. A lifecycle approach that considers maintenance, regulatory compliance, and longterm sustainability will lead to your best outcome.
Proactive Notifications
Proactive Notifications
• Alarms dispatched to all your devices— phone, tablet, computer, fax, pager
• Customizable notifications
• Convenient alerts
Secure Data
Secure Data
• Defense–in–depth security policies
• Multiple security measures layered to protect your system
• Securely access your data anywhere
Purpose–Built Hardware
Purpose–Built Hardware Convenient Support
• Radio supports multiple carriers to ensure optimum connection
• Standardized RTUs are economical
• Fast and easy installation increases efficiency
• Advanced remote–control business logic
• U.S.–based technical support 24-7-365
• Live weekly training webinars
• Audit trail for accountability
• All resources at no charge
• No software or cellular carrier relationships to maintain
• Continual system enhancements
• State–of–the–art web portal features live data, multiple windows, and more
• Comprehensive reports
• All necessary components included—no hidden fees
FALL INTO WINTER PREPARATIONS
By Jordan Cameron, Circuit Rider, jordan@arwa.org
What a great summer in southcentral this year!
I hope systems took advantage of the weather to get some projects done before it turns more fall/ winter like. Fall, of course, is the change of the season typically to less than favorable weather, mainly rain. Northern parts are already seeing snow storms. With those conditions, we have a ton of surface water moving around and the load on water treatment plants usually increases. Typically, though, customer demand is down, but turbidity goes up and filter loads go up.
As operators, it is best to head off situations with raw water issues by using simple measures such as insuring good access to the reservoir. Valves have access and chemicals are on hand. Since it is later in the year, we should also think about how much chemicals
to have on hand. I can imagine in up-river communities it might be wise to have at least six months on hand at the water plant or in storage at the public works facility. Other supplies could be chemical dosing and circulation pumps and motors. Heating systems tuned up to include loop heat exchangers or heat trace in working order, and a full fuel tank.
These kind of maintenance items and plant supplies are critical when the weather turns bad. A town could be isolated for weeks either because of boats, planes, or roads being on a weather hold. Plant spares for filtering process are also a good idea. As time goes along your streaming current detector isn’t getting any younger, and it may be time to have a few spare parts or a whole unit located that can be borrowed in an emergency. Don’t forget spare bulbs and calibration standard for your turbidimeters.
The list goes on, but simple things such as access to your reservoir or water treatment plant should be considered. Are culverts and ditches clear so roads don’t flood or wash away? It is easy to get used to the nice weather and get caught off-guard by the weather changes. Another one is backup operators. Do they have the training needed to do their job? If a primary operator can’t treat water, is the backup operator able to step up and run the plant?
Fall time leads into winter and no one wants to be scrambling for chemicals and parts during a storm or when its -40°. So, I hope operators and administrators have been planning to get things in order for winter because it’s not far away.
Have a good fall and take care for winter!
27TH ANNUAL TRAINING CONFERENCE AGENDA
Do you need CEUs? The Alaska Rural Water Association is excited to bring you an opportunity to receive a total of 3.0 CEUs in our four-day conference filled with fun and innovative courses, and an award ceremony recognizing your fellow operators for their achievements throughout the year.
This year, ARWA’s Annual Training Conference will be held at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa located in downtown Anchorage. For reservations call 907-276-8700 and mention ARWA for the group rate. Or, go to our website, www.arwa.org, click the link under 2025 Conference, and reserve your room online.
Conference Room Rates: Single/Double $152.00 per night. All reservations at the Sheraton require the first night’s deposit be paid at the time of reservation, or held with a credit card number.
Classes will take place 7:00 am – 5:30 pm daily to ensure 3.0 total CEUs can be properly obtained. We will also be holding our Annual Water Taste Test, so don’t forget to bring in your water sample!
If you have any questions concerning your membership, feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to help.
Please contact Kelly (kelly@arwa.org) for your Conference Registration Form. Make sure you check our website often for conference updates, or call the ARWA office at 907-357-ARWA (2792) with any questions.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
Please note the following:
• As a courtesy to our speakers we ask that you silence your cell phones (or turn them on vibrate) during all training sessions.
• Classes start at 7:00 am promptly (maximum five minutes per hour may be missed to ensure CEUs are earned).
• Your badge must be scanned in and out of every session by the proctor when you enter and leave. Failure to do so will result in no CEUs being awarded for that session. There are no partial credit options.
• Please join us at our Annual Meeting of the Members on Tuesday, October 21 at 4:30 pm. The Annual Awards Ceremony
Conference Agenda
Monday, October 20
Registration will begin at 7:00 am and will be open throughout all four days of the conference. 7:25 am – 7:35 am Opening Announcements – Kuskokwim Room Room 1 Room 2
Eliminating FOG and Odor from Your Collection System Wet Wells
Jim Dartez
Reliant Water Technologies
3:00 pm – 3:20 pm Vendor Breakout
3:20 pm –4:20 pm
Rehabilitating WW lagoon Systems and Bringing them Back into Compliance
Jim Dartez
Reliant Water Technologies
4:30 pm Annual Meeting of Members – Kuskokwim Room
Annual Water Taste Test
Do you think you have the “Best Water in Alaska?” You’ll never know unless you bring a sample of your water to this year’s conference! Bring your water to this year’s conference and find out if you will be representing the State of Alaska at The Great American Water Taste Test finals in Washington, DC!
Room 2
Automatic Control Valves Jim Lugo Watts Water Technologies
Solving Infiltration and Corrosion Problems in Sewer Structures Jim Swain CIP Construction
Operator Certification Program Updates Ron Crompton ADEC
Revolutionize Water Quality with Tank Mixing and Active Air Ventilation Kevin Chapa Big Wave Technologies
Critical Application Solutions in Water and Wastewater
John Smith VEGA Americas
A preliminary judging will take place prior to the awards luncheon to narrow it down to the top three samples for our judges to rate. The final judging will take place at the awards luncheon, Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
To enter:
• Bring 1/2 gallon of your system’s water in a clear, clean glass container (no plastic).
• Turn it in on Monday at the registration table.
• Be sure that your water system’s name, and the system representative’s name is clearly marked on your container.
Water will be judged on a scale of 1–10 with a maximum score of 30 in the following categories:
• Clarity • Taste • Odor
The water system voted the best water in Alaska will send their water to compete at the 2026 National Rural Water Association Rally in Washington, DC.
Conference Agenda
Wednesday, October 22
7:00 am –
8:00 am
Room 1
Water Storage Tanks (2 hours)
8:00 am – 8:20 am Vendor Breakout – Coffee/Tea Provided
The Annual Meeting of the Members of the Alaska Rural Water Association will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2025, beginning at 4:30 pm in the Kuskokwim Ballroom at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa, 401 E. 6th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Please contact Kelly (kelly@arwa.org) at ARWA for your Certification of Delegates form. This form must be obtained, filled out, and returned prior to the Annual Meeting of the Members. Contact the ARWA office at 907-357-ARWA (2792), or kelly@arwa.org if you have any questions.
The meeting is called for the purpose of electing directors, presenting reports, and conducting business properly brought before the delegates.
ALASKA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS AGENDA
October 21, 2025 | Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa | 4:30 pm
I. Call to Order Jana Littlewood, President
II. Determination of Quorum Jana Littlewood, President
III. Reading of Notice of Meeting Jana Littlewood, President
IV. Reading and Approval of Minutes of Last Annual Meeting of the Members Jana Littlewood, President
V. Presentation of Financial Report of the Association Robyn Dombroski, Executive Director
VI. Reports of Directors, Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees
VII. Reports of Special Committees
VIII. Election of Directors
Seat D – Director (Voting Members Only)
Seat F – Director (Voting Members Only)
Seat G – Member-at-Large Director (Eligible Members in Accordance with Bylaws)
IX. Unfinished Business
X. New Business
i. Auditor’s Report Michael Foster, CPA
ii. President’s Year in Review Jana Littlewood, President
XI. Adjournment
Agenda is subject to change.
Alaska Training Coalition Calendar
Through collaboration with ADEC Division of Water, we are providing you with the most up-to-date training information for the State of Alaska. We hope this is helpful for you to fulfill your training needs. If you are interested in a particular course, you must call the contact listed to register for the course. Training classes may be canceled or rescheduled at the discretion of the instructor. Per Board Policy 2016-01, training must be at least one hour long to be eligible for CEUs.
OCTOBER
6–10
Wastewater Collection Levels 1 & 2
Course cost: $800 for AWWA/WEF members, $875 for non-members
Exam fee: $150
The course will be held at the Diamond Center Hotel in Anchorage. If you will be staying at the hotel call 907-770-5000 and use “AWWMA” for group discount rate.
Introductory courses that “qualify” the attendee for a provisional level certification upon passing the provisional level certification exam and applying for certification. The Provisional Level exams may be administered on the last day of the course.
Courses other than introductory courses that will have exams administered on the last day of the course.
Webinars/webcasts that are NOT approved for the CEU credit unless prior arrangements have been made with the Operator Certification Program.
6–17
Level 1 Water Distribution
This class is intended for operators who require Level 1 Water Distribution certifications. The course will be held on the Zoom platform from October 6–17, 2025, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. At the conclusion of the course, operators can take their State of Alaska, Level 1 Water Distribution Exam in their home communities. For more information and to register, complete an online registration form. Please register before September 8, 2025 to reserve a place in the course. Online 1.5 DW Core ANTHC kmwhelan@ anthc.org
13–17 Water Treatment Level 1
Course cost: $850
Exam Fee: $150
Exam session on Friday
15–16 2025 SE Alaska Operator Training Conference
Location: Ted Ferry Civic Center
20–23 ARWA 27th Annual Training Conference
Anchorage – Sheraton Hotel
Do you need CEUs? Alaska Rural Water Association is excited to bring you your one-stop shop for your opportunity to receive a total of 3.0 CEUs in our four-day conference. This year, we will host two training tracks focusing on water, wastewater, and source water protection. In addition, we will also be holding our Annual Water Taste Test. So don’t forget to bring your water sample!
ntlalaska.com
awwma.org
Anchorage Up to 3.0 CEUs ARWA kelly@arwa.org
20–24
Personnel Management for Rural Utilities
The course builds the skills and knowledge needed for personnel management of a small water and wastewater utility in rural Alaska. The instructors present seven lessons with topics that include personnel policies and procedures, safety policies and resources, recruiting, interviewing, and selecting, orientation and training, regulations and the law, people, communication, and conflict, motivation and management skills. Course registration will be open approximately six weeks before the training.
20 –Nov. 14
Level 1 Water Treatment
This class is intended for operators who have passed the Small Treated exam and need a Level 1 certification or higher. The course will be held on the Zoom platform from October 20 – November 14, 2025, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. At the conclusion of the course, operators can take their State of Alaska, Level 1 Water Treatment Exam in their home communities. For more information and to register, complete an online registration form. Please register before September 22, 2025 to reserve a place in the course.
28–31 Introduction to Small Water Systems (with Small Treated Exam)
For operators new to water treatment or who need small treated certifications, including backup operators, and those who have had trouble passing higher-level ADEC exams. Register by October 3, 2025 to reserve a spot.
NOVEMBER
3–7 Water Distribution Levels
Introduction to Small Wastewater Systems Course cost: $800 for AWWA/WEF members, $875 for non-members Exam fee: $150
The course will be held at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage. There is a group hotel rate available at the nearby Residence Inn Midtown. This is the introductory course for wastewater collection and treatment systems operations in Alaska. Attendees can take the Wastewater Collection Level 1 and/or the Wastewater.
The course builds the skills and knowledge needed for the elected official’s management of a small water and wastewater utility in rural Alaska. The instructors present seven lessons with topics that include an overview of government, roles and responsibilities, meetings, ordinances and resolutions, policies and procedures, financial management, and sustainability.
When it comes to pipeline inspection, having the right equipment for the job is essential. No two inspections are the same - different pipe sizes, conditions, and accessibility challenges require different solutions. That’s why we offer the most extensive variety of portable pipeline inspection systems in the industry. Whether you’re inspecting municipal sewer lines, industrial pipelines, or residential drains, we have a portable system to meet your needs!
