Report on Water Shortage Emergency in Napaskiak Community

Overview of the Water Crisis

The community of Napaskiak, home to approximately 450 residents, has been facing a critical water shortage since June 21 due to the inoperability of its water treatment plant. The local tribe has reported reliance on water donations while technicians work to repair the plant.

Declaration of Emergency

1. On June 26, the Napaskiak Tribal Council passed a resolution formally declaring a water shortage emergency.
2. Tribal Chief Sharon Williams attributed the crisis to an accidental drop in water levels within the plant, causing system failure.
3. Technicians aim to complete repairs by June 30 through a state-run remote maintenance program in partnership with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) and other regional healthcare providers.

Community Response and Support

• On June 27, YKHC donated several boatloads of bottled water from Bethel to support the community.
• Additional water supplies were provided by the Association of Village Council Presidents.
• The Lower Kuskokwim School District agreed to supply water from the treatment system at the Z.J. Williams Memorial School in Napaskiak.

Chief Williams emphasized the urgency of the assistance, noting that after six days, residents were likely out of water and had resorted to sourcing river water, which she personally treated by boiling.

Assessment of Infrastructure and Future Needs

• Even when operational, Napaskiak’s water treatment plant is in a critical state of disrepair, with visible structural sinking of over a foot.
• The community is hopeful for a federally funded project to drill a new well, although such infrastructure improvements are expected to take years.
• Immediate priority remains the restoration of water treatment plant functionality to ensure safe drinking water availability.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This water crisis in Napaskiak highlights critical challenges related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The incident underscores the urgent need for reliable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sustainable water management systems.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring access to clean water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases and promoting community health.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The situation calls for investment in resilient infrastructure and innovative solutions to maintain water treatment facilities in remote communities.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Strengthening community resilience through improved water infrastructure supports sustainable living environments.

Conclusion

The Napaskiak water shortage emergency illustrates the intersection of infrastructure challenges and sustainable development imperatives. Immediate relief efforts through water donations have mitigated the crisis temporarily, but long-term solutions aligned with the SDGs are essential to secure safe water access and community well-being.

Note: This is a developing story and may be updated with additional information.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article focuses on the water shortage emergency in Napaskiak, highlighting issues with the water treatment plant and access to safe drinking water.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The involvement of health organizations such as the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) and concerns about water safety relate to public health and well-being.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article discusses infrastructure challenges in a small community and the need for sustainable water infrastructure.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaboration between state programs, tribal councils, health corporations, and local organizations reflects partnerships to address the crisis.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities and programs.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, including water and sanitation.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 6 Indicators:
   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services – implied by the community’s reliance on bottled water and river water due to the treatment plant failure.
   • Indicator 6.a.1: Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan – implied by the mention of federally funded projects and state programs.
2. SDG 3 Indicators:
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene – implied concern due to water contamination risks when residents resort to untreated river water.
3. SDG 11 Indicators:
   • Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing – implied by the description of critical infrastructure disrepair.
4. SDG 17 Indicators:
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships – implied by the collaboration among tribal councils, state programs, and health organizations.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kyuk.org