September 5, 2026
PUBLIC WATER NOTICE — KAKTOVIK
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
KAKTOVIK, Alaska – The North Slope Borough, in coordination with Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS) Emergency Management and the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is directing Kaktovik residents not to drink the community water until further notice.
Recent testing has detected ethylene glycol in the community water system. To protect public health, residents should use an alternative source of water for drinking and other activities involving consumption.
Important:
- Do not drink the water.
- Boiling the water will NOT make it safe to drink.
- Do not use the water for cooking or food preparation, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth.
- Please do not consume the water until the North Slope Borough announces that the advisory has been lifted.
Regarding the August 16 Incident
The Borough previously responded to the detection of ethylene and propylene glycol in Kaktovik’s South Tank on August 16. At that time, Public Works removed the South Tank from service and transitioned the community water supply to the North Tank. The North Tank was isolated from the water system prior to and during the glycol exposure and water supply since the August 16th incident has been from the North Tank.
The current detection of ethylene glycol is in a different part of the water system. It is unknown if this is related to the August 16 incident. The Borough has continued to test and monitor the system since August 16, and the community was supplied with water from the North Tank during this period.
Public Works, DEC, and technical experts are working to identify the source and extent of the current contamination.
Emergency Water Supply and Health Monitoring
The North Slope Borough is mobilizing emergency drinking water supplies to Kaktovik, with delivery expected to begin this evening at approximately 9:00 p.m. Additional water supplies will also be delivered on Sunday, September 6.
Medical staff from Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) will also arrive on Sunday, September 6, to assist with health monitoring and provide support to community members.
The Borough is conducting additional testing and working closely with state agencies and technical experts to better understand the extent and source of the contamination and identify options to restore safe drinking water as quickly as possible.
More information will be provided as it becomes available. Please continue to use an alternative source of drinking water until the ‘Do Not Drink’ notice is formally lifted by the North Slope Borough.
Kaktovik Water Advisory
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a water advisory?
Laboratory testing has detected ethylene glycol in the Kaktovik community water system. The Borough and State are taking precautionary measures to protect public health while additional testing and investigation continue.
Can I boil the water to make it safe?
No. Boiling the water will not make it safe to drink.
Can I use the water for cooking or preparing food?
No. Use bottled or emergency-supplied water for drinking, cooking, preparing food or beverages, making ice, and brushing teeth.
When will emergency water be available?
Emergency drinking water supplies will begin arriving in Kaktovik on Saturday, September 6, at approximately 9:00 p.m. Additional distribution information will be provided as it is available.
Can I use the water for bathing or washing?
Yes. Consistent with Alaska DEC guidance, the water may continue to be used for showering, washing dishes, and washing clothes.
Where did the ethylene glycol come from?
The source of the ethylene glycol detected in the water has not yet been confirmed. North Slope Borough Public Works is monitoring the system, conducting additional testing, and investigating potential sources.
How long will the advisory remain in effect?
The ‘Do Not Drink’ notice will remain in effect until further notice. The Borough will provide an update when testing demonstrates that the water can safely be consumed and the notice can be lifted.
Who can I contact with questions?
Residents should follow updates and instructions from the North Slope Borough and ICAS Emergency Management. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
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:
KAKTOVIK WATER INFORMATIONAL FLYER
