Running water on the edge of the Bering Sea

Project: Water source, treatment plant, water distribution and sewage collection system and lagoon to serve approximately 68 homes with running water.

The Bering Sea. It’s one of the deadliest places in the world. The name conjures images of giant ice-laden waves, furious storms and famous fishermen. To the residents of Goodnews Bay, it also means home.

Until recently, most of the conveniences we often take for granted hadn’t found their way to Goodnews Bay. Human waste could only be removed from homes via five-gallon buckets. Running water was limited to a central community washeteria. Homes remained unplumbed.

That was before DEHE went to work. From project central in Anchorage, our engineers traveled over 400 miles one way to Goodnews Bay. A relatively short trip by Alaska standards, it’s a distance equaling the entire length of the state of Florida.

This fall, DEHE completed the construction of a water and sewer system. The water and sewer system includes core facilities that consist of a water source, treatment plant, water distribution and sewage collection system and sewage lagoon.

For the first time ever, the children of Goodnews Bay can get a glass of water right from the kitchen sink. Now 68 homes have in-home plumbing, fresh running water, flush toilets and hot showers. It’s a historic moment for the residents of Goodnews Bay and for the health of an entire community.