Kaktovik Water Incident Management Team
Operational Update – September 16, 2026 13:30
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.
The controlled discharge of the North Tank is complete. Crews have begun cleaning and preparing the tank for refilling. Refilling through the pipeline from the lake is scheduled to begin Friday, September 18, and may take approximately one week, depending on weather conditions. Contingency plans are being developed to haul additional water if pipeline operations are interrupted.
Additional water samples collected September 14 have been sent to the laboratory for analysis using lower detection limits. Results are pending. Response decisions will continue to be based on laboratory results, with field testing used only as supporting information.
The failed heat exchanger associated with the North Tank has been removed from the potable water system. Pressure testing of the reservoir heating-loop piping is continuing to rule out any additional sources of contamination. The response team is also inspecting the water-storage areas and evaluating treatment options for the water remaining in the South Tank.
The nanofiltration/reverse-osmosis system continues to produce potable water. The water truck is approved to distribute treated water produced by the system. Kaktovik currently has an adequate supply of potable water available in cases of bottled water, 5-gallon jugs, and through water-truck distribution.
Additional updates will be provided as laboratory results and other confirmed information become available.
Please click the following link for the PDF version of the Public Service Announcement, September 15, 2026:
NSB-IMT Kaktovik Water Operational Update, September 16
Past Public Service Announcements
Please click the following link for the PDF version of the Public Service Announcement, September 15, 2026:
NSB-IMT Kaktovik Water Operational Update, September 15
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:
