Kaktovik Water Incident Management Team
Operational Update – September 15, 2026 12:00
The Do Not Drink the Water notice remains in effect until officially lifted. Kaktovik residents should continue using an alternative source of water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, and other activities involving consumption.
New laboratory results received September 14 showed no ethylene glycol or propylene glycol detected above the laboratory method detection limits in samples collected September 7 from the North and South water storage tanks, both heating-loop returns, the nanofiltration system, and the water truck. Although these results are encouraging, the laboratory method detection limits were 12 mg/L for ethylene glycol and 5 mg/L for propylene glycol. Additional samples were collected September 14, and results are pending.
Additional testing of the water system’s heat exchangers identified a failed heat exchanger associated with the North Tank. The failed heat exchanger has been removed from the potable water system, and upgrades are being planned for all heat exchangers. The response team is also pressure-testing the reservoir heating-loop piping to rule out other potential sources of contamination.
The Incident Management Team continues efforts to provide potable water, discharge and replace stored water, and evaluate treatment options while laboratory testing and investigation continue.
Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Please click the following link for the PDF version of the Public Service Announcement, September 15, 2026:
NSB-IMT Kaktovik Operational Update
Past Public Service Announcements
Please click the following link for the PDF version of the Public Service Announcement, September 14, 2026:
NSBIC-JIC-Kaktovik PSA IC Structure, JIC and Townhall
Please click the following link for the PDF version of the Public Service Announcement, September 12, 2026:
NSB KAKTOVIK PUBLIC Water Pumping and Lagoon Discharge
Please click the following link for the PDF version of the Public Service Announcement, September 10, 2026:
NSB KAKTOVIK PUBLIC WATER NOTICE + FAQs
Please click the following link for the PDF version of the Public Service Announcement, September 5, 2026:
NSB KAKTOVIK PUBLIC WATER NOTICE + FAQs
Please click the following link for a flyer from the NSB Department of Health & Social Services:
