UV Disinfection in Alaska: Meeting the Challenges of Weather, Terrain, and Permitting

Abstract

This article discusses four Alaskan community drinking water systems that operate under filtration avoidance status as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The article describes how each one chose ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to bring their utility into compliance with the USEPA's Long Term 2 Enchanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), which requires all water systems operating under filtration avoidance status to add filtration or a second disinfectant to the treatment system. Project challenges unique to working in Alaska are discussed.