238 Alaskan Science Conference 



Development of Low Temperature Area Water Supply 

 Methods Which Are Safe and Practical 



Present water supply methods in use in low temperature areas 

 are expensive (3). The development of suitable sources, distri- 

 bution of water under pressure, and provision of structures 

 and facilities necessary to development and distribution are 

 far beyond the economic reach of the majority of inhabitants 

 of the low temperature regions. 



The result is that adequate and safe water supplies are not 

 being provided in most Arctic communities. They probably 

 will not be provided until we learn more of the physical fea- 

 tures of low temperature areas and more about sources of water. 

 We must also adapt our treatment and distribution methods 

 to the economy and needs of the Arctic dweller. 



We must make safe water supplies for these people obtain- 

 able as an initial step toward comfortable and healthful living 

 in the North. A good water supply must be purchasable wher- 

 ever it is needed. 



I am certain that through a concerted effort and a redoubled 

 investigation and research program that we will be able to solve 

 these many problems in the low temperature regions just as we 

 have in other parts of the world. 



Summary 



Adequate and safe water supplies are difficult to locate and 

 develop in the low temperature regions. Water is scarce and 

 much of what is available must be used as ice and snow. 



Temperature has an appreciable effect on practically all 

 treatment processes. 



Permafrost complicates distribution of water and special 

 means must be used to keep pipe lines and service connections 

 from freezing. Permafrost also affects the design of other water 

 supply structures. Design must minimize the effects of unstable 

 soil conditions which result when the thermal regime of the 

 soil is disturbed. 



