Within Alaska there are significant health disparities related to the lack of access to in-home water and sewer services. This inequity is particularly felt in remote villages. There is strong evidence that in-home water and sewer service is linked to better health. Research in Alaska has shown that infection rates are higher among persons living without running water for respiratory, skin, invasive bacterial, intestinal infections, and dental disease. New research shows that installing in-home running water service reduces rates of these infections (Figure 1).^1,2 This research demonstrates that having in-home running water is directly linked to the improved health of rural Alaskans, especially young children and the elderly.

The United Nations defines water security as the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socioeconomic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability.³ Across the Arctic, lack of reliable and affordable access to water often results in extreme water conservation behavior and low use of water, leading to suboptimal health. Additionally, thawing permafrost and changes in the quality of water from lakes and rivers is affecting the water and sanitation infrastructure in communities.