226 Alaskan Science Conference 



on the surface of the ground, placement of water mains in 

 utilidors (heated conduits), recirculating water mains and by 

 use of a conventional water distribution system. The most 

 common methods for distribution are by sledge and barrel and 

 by tank conveyance. These methods subject the water to un- 

 desirable handling and possible contamination, and are also 

 very inconvenient. Some distributors heat the water while it is 

 on the tank truck. Batch chlorination of the water and care in 

 dispensing it are desirable but not common. 



Very few homes include water flush toilets and bath tubs in 

 the communities where water under pressure is dispensed sea- 

 sonally by surface distribution system. During a period of 

 about eight or nine months of the year the distribution system 

 is dismantled and left to lie along the street to collect filth. This 

 method of water distribution in permanent communities is 

 very inadequate and only serves to delay interest in an adequate 

 system. 



Distribution mains placed in heated conduits called utilidors 

 provide a positive means for maintaining continuous service. 

 Utilidors may be constructed of concrete or wood or they may 

 consist of commercially produced metal, wood, or terra cotta 

 units which are sold in prefabricated sections. The utilidor is 

 usually heated but may in some installations depend entirely 

 on heat in the fluids contained in the mains within the conduit. 

 Heating of utilidors may be accomplished by placement of 

 steam or condensate lines within the conduit or by forcing 

 warmed air through the conduit. Heat mav also be added to 

 fluids passed through the lines in the utilidor. Figure 1 shows 

 a design for a cast-in-place concrete utilidor and Figure 2 shows 

 construction details for a small wooden utilidor. Steam, water, 

 sewer, communications and power utilities may be placed in 

 the utilidor. The cross-section of the utilidor may be of suffi- 

 cient size to allow maintenance personnel to walk through the 

 utilidor or it may be of small cross-section possibly no larger 

 than necessary to encase the utility lines. 



Drainage of utilidors constitutes a problem and in some in- 

 stallations housing both sewer and water lines the latter have 



