Valdez-Cordova Census Area County, Alaska — public water systems

How does Valdez-Cordova Census Area County compare with other Alaska counties?

Valdez-Cordova Census Area County has the 9th-most active public water systems among the 25 counties listed for active Alaska systems in EPA records; among the 24 with 3 or more systems, the median has 23. Its systems report 14,835 people served in total, the 9th-largest county figure in the state and 1.7% of the statewide total. The average system here reports serving 285 people, about 56% below the Alaska average of 653. Population figures are what each system reports; people served by more than one system, such as a wholesaler and the town that buys from it, are counted by each.

Where does Valdez-Cordova Census Area County's drinking water come from?

By primary water source, Valdez-Cordova Census Area County's active systems draw on groundwater (41, 79%), surface water (8, 15%), groundwater under influence of surface water (2, 3.8%) and purchased groundwater (1, 1.9%). Overall, 85% rely mainly on groundwater (including purchased groundwater) and 15% on surface water, compared with 84% and 16% across Alaska. Groundwater means the system draws its water from wells or springs fed by underground aquifers. The county's largest system, Valdez Water System - Main, draws primarily on groundwater.

What kinds of water systems operate in Valdez-Cordova Census Area County?

Valdez-Cordova Census Area County's active systems break down as 18 community systems (35%), 8 non-transient non-community systems (15%) and 26 transient non-community systems (50%). A community water system serves at least 15 connections used by year-round residents, or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. Homes, apartments and mobile-home parks are served by these. A non-transient non-community water system regularly serves at least 25 of the same people for more than six months a year, but not where they live. Schools, factories, office buildings and hospitals with their own supply are typical examples. A transient non-community water system serves places where people do not stay long, such as gas stations and campgrounds, and regularly serves at least 25 people a day for at least 60 days a year. EPA lists their owner types as private (48%), local government (23%), Native American (15%) and federal government (12%).