160 likes | 262 Views
ARUC: Multi-Tribe Utility Management. Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative John Nichols, PE, ARUC Manager. Health impacts of water/sewer. Building infrastructure is the first step Management of infrastructure is next Maximize health impact of system Reduce true cost to operate
E N D
ARUC:Multi-Tribe Utility Management Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative John Nichols, PE, ARUC Manager
Health impacts of water/sewer • Building infrastructure is the first step • Management of infrastructure is next • Maximize health impact of system • Reduce true cost to operate • Protect investment (life of system) • Minimize ‘repair by replacement’
Structure of ARUC • 23 Tribes “Strength in Numbers” • Centralized billing, parts ordering, management, accounting • Local labor with central supervision • Finances: Each Tribe a stand-alone nonprofit • Rates vary per Tribe: must cover expenses • Emergency repair reserve • Advisory Board member from each Tribe • Non-paying customers disconnected
Southwest members • Chignik Lagoon • Chignik Lake • Newhalen • South Naknek • New Stuyahok • Tyonek
Northwest members • Golovin • Saint Michael • Savoonga • Selawik • Kiana • Ambler • Kobuk • Noorvik
YK Delta members • Chevak • Goodnews Bay • Lower Kalskag • Russian Mission • Sleetmute • Toksook Bay • Upper Kalskag • Kotlik • Holy Cross
Advantages of ARUC • Reliability of service • Selawik • Provides stability during transitions • Noorvik & Holy Cross • Operator turnover: 8% vs 75% • Data!!! • Improved designs, energy use & monitoring • Collaboration & Standardization
Challenges for ARUC • Responsible for system • Repairs needed prior to joining • Liability • Management cost • Water/sewer rates increase • Adequate maintenance costs money • Is it worth improved public health?
Skin infection rates in YK Delta vs homes in community with water
Gastrointestinal and postneonatal* mortality rates compared with percent of American Indian and Alaska Native homes having sanitation facilities Gastrointestinal mortality rate per 100,000 population (age-adjusted) Postneonatal mortality rate per 1,000 births Percent of homes having sanitation facilities * 29 days to one year of age
ARUC’s purpose • Provide good water every day to rural Alaska • Ensure our Tribes never go back to pre-water/sewer health status
Contacts • If interested in ARUC concept, contact me. John Nichols, ARUC Manager ANTHC (907) 729-5695 jpnichols@anthc.org