Alaska’s Leading Laboratory Testing and Compliance Contractor

Northern Utility Services collects over 1,200 water and wastewater samples per year for both private parties and water and wastewater systems. Community water and wastewater systems in our care rely on Northern Utility Services to ensure 100% compliance with state and federal regulatory standards. Our compliance staff works to verify all sampling, waivers, and reports are submitted on time and in compliance with regulation. Records of all compliance activities are retained for a minimum of 10 years.

Regulatory Compliance Is More Than Just Sampling

Water and wastewater regulations are complex and always in flux, so maintaining compliance can mean frequent updates to procedures and schedules. Northern Utility Services employs dedicated regulatory compliance specialists whose sole focus is ensuring all sampling, reporting and paperwork is completed correctly, and that errors in the State database are corrected promptly. We sweat the details so you don’t have to.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Northern Utility Services has invested in enterprise level maintenance management software to ensure that preventative maintenance is completed regularly and on time. Not only do our systems ensure all equipment is running smoothly and with minimal down time, they allow tracking of previous repairs and maintenance on individual pieces of equipment. Maintenance histories can be tracked asset by asset, ensuring key historical information about your system does not reside with one person.

Fire Hydrant Maintenance & Winterization

Northern Utility Services provides full fire hydrant maintenance, testing, winterization, repair, and snow removal for over 100 fire hydrants throughout Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. We have experience with most common makes and models and have invested in the tools necessary to renew seals and all wearable parts.

Distribution Main Flushing

Over years of service, distribution mains can gradually fill with biofilms, fine sediments and minerals commonly found in drinking water systems. While not typically harmful, these contaminants can dramatically reduce water quality and customer satisfaction.  Northern Utility Services has wide ranging experience with multiple methods of distribution main flushing and pigging, and has invested in a wide variety of equipment necessary to flush your system efficiently and safely.

Storage Tank Cleaning

Storage tanks, both pressurized and atmospheric, are high value investments that are key to the effective operation of most water utilities. If well maintained, these assets should last indefinitely, with a cost of ownership well below amortized replacement cost. However, these assets are often neglected until deterioration is beyond reasonable repair. Northern Utility Services recommends inspection and cleaning of tanks on a 5 year basis to ensure protective coatings are maintained and to control sediment build-up. Northern Utility Services has also invested in equipment and training to provide sanitary and OSHA compliant water storage tank inspections and repairs including inspections while the tank is in service.

Aquifer Testing

Wells are the primary source of water for most Alaskan community water systems, and while groundwater supplies have remained stable for many years, increased development and recent seasons of  low precipitation are beginning to affect the aquifers. Therefore, Northern Utility Services has invested in a high definition well level logging device designed specifically for the purpose of monitoring aquifer health. Aquifers are typically at their lowest during late winter, so aquifer tests are best performed at that time.

Northern Utility Services has a team of highly qualified water and wastewater operators with over 50 years of combined experience. Our operators hold certifications in:

• water treatment, 
• water distribution, 
• wastewater treatment
• wastewater collection. 

Our operators run 70 different water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems all over the state. As a result, our operators have experience with a wide range of equipment, treatment methods, and operational procedures.

Need backup? We can help!

In cases where you need a temporary operator or a backup operator in emergency situations, Northern Utility Services is the ideal choice. Our experienced operator’s broad experience means they can get up to speed quickly and ensure your treatment plant runs properly while your primary operator is unavailable.

More Than Just an Operator

When you hire Northern Utility Services to operate your utility, either temporarily or on a long term basis, you are hiring more than just an operator. Our operators are supported by a team of office and field staff that provide experienced insight and support when an operator encounters a problem. Our support staff ensures no sample is missed, all reports are submitted, and plants are operating efficiently. It’s our goal to provide both you and your customers the highest level of utility operation.

Emergencies Rarely Happen During Business Hours

The highest water and wastewater utility usage typically occurs in evenings, weekends and on holidays. Therefore, system failures are much more likely during off hours than normal working hours. While Northern Utility Services makes every effort to ensure the infrastructure in its care is well maintained, failures occasionally happen.

24/7 Rapid Response

Northern Utility Services subscribes to a 24/7 emergency dispatch service where every emergency is addressed by a real human being. Our on call staff are prepared to respond to any major emergency and will tirelessly work to restore service as soon as possible, rain or shine, noon or midnight, weekends and holidays.