Cordova’s water system is a surface water system. It utilizes water from Murcheson Falls, Heney Creek Dam/Meals reservoir, and Orca catchments that is chlorinated prior to use. Eyak Lake is used as a back-up source. Water from the lake is filtered and chlorinated at the 3.5 MGD filter plant lift stations that serve the higher elevations of the system.

Wastewater is treated in a secondary treatment package plant. There are six lift stations the pump sewage to the treatment plant.

Cordova is blessed with some good, natural water sources like Crater Lake, that feeds Orca catchment, and Heney Creek/Meals reservoir. When involved in outdoor activities in the areas please respect our watersheds. Don’t leave trash or anything else that might affect the quality of the water that we enjoy.

Water/Sewer Connection Permit
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Cordova's Water Quality Report
for 2007

Cordova's Water Quality Report
for 2006

Cordova's Water Quality Report
for 2005

Information about Copper and Lead

Recent News
from the Water & Sewer Department

The Sewer Dept. replaced 28 old manhole covers with new water tight manhole covers and repaired 10 manholes that were leaking in an effort to reduce the amount of ground water entering the sewer system. Since those repairs have been made we have noticed some reduction in the flow received at the wastewater treatment plant. The Sewer Dept. purchased an inspection camera and smoke detection equipment to inspect the interior condition of the sewer mains and find leaks in the systems. This summer we will be inspecting the sewer system and making repairs has needed. 

Phase II A, the SCADA upgrade and electrical portion of the Wastewater Plant upgrade has been completed. Phase II B, the upgrade to the headworks, solids handling and side stream treatment started in May 05 and should be completed by July 06.

The Water Dept. has purchased and is in the process of installing corrosion control equipment. For corrosion control we will be injecting an orthophosphate (see orthophosphate info) into the drinking water to prevent lead and copper from leaking out of household fixtures (see lead and copper info). This is required by EPA and is a safe way to treat the water to meet the EPA’s lead and copper rule.

Water Dept. operators will be flushing the water mains as part of our maintenance program and to distribute the orthophosphate treated water through out the water system. Orthophosphate is a commonly used corrosion inhibitor that is added to finished drinking water.   To learn more about orthophosphate, click here.

Winter tips

Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl space and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.

Heat tape can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization like Underwriters Laboratories. Closely follow all manufacturer’s installation and operation instructions.

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical outlets.

Flood Information

Click here for info on how to decontaminate wells and purify household drinking water

Contact the City of Cordova Water Dept. at 424-6338 for info on coliform testing after decontaminating wells. The city has a certified lab and will perform the first coliform sample for free.

Additional info:

Private Drinking Water Wells information

What to do after a flood - drinking water info

Protect Wells from Flood Contamination