ARUC: Multi-Tribe Utility Management Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative John Nichols, PE, ARUC Manager 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’

Alaska Public Radio: Chevak

Structure of ARUC 23 Tribes “Strength in Numbers” 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 Non-paying customers disconnected

Southwest members Chignik Lagoon Chignik Lake Newhalen South Naknek New Stuyahok Tyonek

Northwest members Golovin Saint Michael SavoongaSelawikKianaAmblerKobukNoorvik

YK Delta members Chevak Goodnews Bay Lower Kalskag Russian Mission Sleetmute Toksook Bay Upper Kalskag Kotlik Holy Cross

Advantages of ARUC Reliability of service Reliability of service –Selawik Provides stability during transitions Provides stability during transitions –Noorvik & Holy Cross Operator turnover: 8% vs 75% Operator turnover: 8% vs 75% Data!!! Data!!! –Improved designs, energy use & monitoring Collaboration & Standardization Collaboration & Standardization

Challenges for ARUC Responsible for system –Repairs needed prior to joining –Liability –Management cost Water/sewer rates increase Water/sewer rates increase –Adequate maintenance costs money Is it worth improved public health? Is it worth improved public health?

Skin infection rates in YK Delta vs homes in community with water

Infant Hospitalization

Gastrointestinal mortality rate per 100,000 population (age-adjusted) Postneonatal mortality rate per 1,000 births Percent of homes having sanitation facilities Gastrointestinal and postneonatal* mortality rates compared with percent of American Indian and Alaska Native homes having sanitation facilities * 29 days to one year of age

Provide good water every day to rural Alaska Ensure our Tribes never go back to pre- water/sewer health status ARUC’s purpose

Questions?

Contacts If interested in ARUC concept, contact me. John Nichols, ARUC Manager ANTHC (907)