Private well assessments support Kodiak homes and local businesses
KEDC and RCAC provided no-cost private well assessments and water testing at 15 Kodiak Island properties.
Clean, reliable water is essential to every home. Many Kodiak Island homes are not connected to a public water system. These households manage their own wells and need clear information about water quality and system condition.
Kodiak Economic Development Corporation partnered with Rural Community Assistance Corporation, or RCAC, to assess 15 properties on August 12 and 13.
Two RCAC staff members traveled to Kodiak to complete the fieldwork. KEDC handled local outreach and scheduling. Staff also stayed in contact with homeowners and joined the site visits.
The project connected local households with technical help that is not usually available in Kodiak.
What the assessments included
RCAC staff inspected the wellhead and household water-distribution system at each property. They also reviewed the location of nearby septic systems and other conditions that could affect water quality.
Staff collected water samples for laboratory testing. The testing included arsenic and E. coli, along with other common water-quality indicators.
Homeowners will receive written reports that explain RCAC’s findings and recommendations. Follow-up technical assistance may also be available.
A written report gives each homeowner a clear place to start. It can help the household decide whether repairs are needed or continued monitoring makes sense.
Supporting homes already serving Kodiak families
KEDC’s housing work includes existing homes as well as new housing. A house cannot remain a safe, dependable place to live if its water system fails.
Private wells are essential infrastructure for the properties that rely on them. An assessment can help a resident identify a concern before it becomes harder or more expensive to address.
“For a home that relies on a private well, the water system is essential housing infrastructure. This partnership gave Kodiak homeowners practical information they can use to protect their health, preserve their homes and make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs. Supporting the safety and reliability of existing homes is an important part of KEDC’s housing work.” said Melissa Schoenwether, executive director of KEDC.
Connecting Borough households with City businesses
Most participating homes are in Borough areas outside public water service. Many owners had already requested well-related service or were waiting for someone to complete the work.
Much of that support comes from businesses located in the City of Kodiak. Residents may buy supplies in town or hire a City-based business to work on the system.
The assessment can make those conversations easier. A homeowner can share what RCAC found and ask better questions about the next step.
Kodiak’s economy crosses the City and Borough boundary every day. Service provided at a Borough home can lead to work for a City business. It can also help keep that home occupied and in good condition.
KEDC sees both outcomes as part of housing and economic development.
Helping homeowners understand their wells
RCAC staff did more than inspect equipment and collect samples. They talked with homeowners about how their systems work and what may need attention.
Margaret Greutert, a participating homeowner, shared, “I think this program is a huge need in our rural community because it empowers homeowners to make more informed decisions about their water and makes Kodiak a healthier and even better place to live.”
Opening a home to an assessment team requires trust. The participating homeowners made the project possible.
“It can take courage to ask for help, especially from someone you have not met before. We are grateful to every homeowner who welcomed us into their home. We hope the observations, recommendations and free water testing help improve both water quality and quality of life.”said Pele Risley-Warnock, from RCAC.
The questions raised during these visits will help KEDC and RCAC understand what residents need from any future well-assistance work.
More Kodiak residents are waiting for help
The response exceeded the number of available appointments. More than 90 people have joined the waitlist for a future assessment.
RCAC plans to return to Kodiak as its private-well assistance work expands across Alaska.
The Individual Well Program is part of the EPA/RCAP “Improving Water Quality through Training & Technical Assistance to Private Well Owners” Project. RCAC also offers a well-owner guide that KEDC plans to share as a community resource. Please contact Melissa @ kodiakedc.com for more information on this resource.
Fifteen households received help during this visit. The waitlist shows that many more need it. KEDC will keep working with RCAC to bring that help back to Kodiak.
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