Mat-Su Borough addresses arsenic in Talkeetna water

ANCHORAGE — The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has taken action to address arsenic levels in the Talkeetna water system that violated federal drinking water standards.

Arsenic occurs naturally and can be picked up by groundwater. The permit for the Talkeetna system allows no more than 10 micrograms of per liter.

Tests in December detected 14.8 micrograms per liter. The borough installed a pump to add a chemical to the water to remove arsenic but tests in January found 13 micrograms per liter.

The pump was rebuilt and recalibrated Jan. 21. New tests show 3 micrograms of arsenic per liter.

Results from additional testing Monday are due back Feb. 1.

A notice of the violation is being sent to water customers. The borough says the arsenic levels were not an immediate health risk.

Previous
Around Town
Next
Wasilla theft suspect flees troopers, leaving child behind

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 10

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota speaks to reporters at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia in advance of the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Sept. 10, 2024. President-elect Trump has tapped Burgum to lead the Interior Department, leading the new administration’s plans to open federal lands and waters to oil and gas drilling. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)
Trump nominates governor of North Dakota — not Alaska — to be Interior Secretary

Doug Burgum gets nod from president-elect, leaving speculation about Dunleavy’s future hanging

Maple the dog leads Kerry Lear and Stephanie Allison across the newly completed Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei (also known as the Brotherhood Bridge Trail) over Montana Creek Monday, November 11. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Reconnected: New bridge over Montana Creek reopens portion of Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei

People again able to walk a loop on what’s commonly known as the Brotherhood Bridge Trail.

City officials pose with a gold shovel at the location of a new marine haulout Friday at the Gary Paxton Industrial Site. Pictured are, from left, Assembly member Kevin Mosher, GPIP Board of Directors members Chad Goeden and Lauren Howard Mitchell (holding her son, Gil Howard), Municipal Engineer Michael Harmon, Assembly member Thor Christianson, Municipal Administrator John Leach, Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz, Sitka Economic Development Association Executive Director Garry White, and GPIP Board of Directors Chair Scott Wagner. (James Poulson / Sitka Sentinel)
Sitka Assembly approved memorandum of understanding on cruise ship passenger limits by 4-3 vote

MOA sets daily limit of 7,000, guidelines for docking bans for ships that would exceed that total.

Wrangell’s Artha DeRuyter is one of 300 volunteers from around the country who will go to Washington, D.C., later this month to help decorate the White House for the Christmas season. (Sam Pausman / Wrangell Sentinel)
Wrangell florist invited to help decorate White House for Christmas

For Artha DeRuyter, flowers have always been a passion. She’s owned flower… Continue reading

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, Nov. 11, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 14, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Empire Archives: Juneau’s history for the week ending Nov. 16

Three decades of capital city coverage.

A map shows Alaska had the largest increase in drug overdose deaths among the five states reporting increases during the 12-month period ending in June. Overdoses nationally declined for a second straight year. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention map)
Drug overdose deaths in Alaska jump 38.68% in a year as nationwide rate drops 14%

National experts see hope in second annual decline as Alaska officials worry about ongoing crisis.

Most Read