With Leister: Future-Proof Solutions for Anchorage

Abwasserkläranlage der AWWU in Anchorage (Alaska)
Success Stories29 Jan 2025
With almost 300 employees and an annual budget of USD 50 million, Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) ensures reliable water and wastewater services for over 55,000 customers. It not only protects people’s health, but also Alaska’s priceless resources – an indispensable contribution to the quality of life of its inhabitants.

Author: Chloe Stambaugh, Marketing Associate, Leister Technologies USA

Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) is one of the largest water and wastewater companies in Alaska. For example, the Eklutna water treatment plant is a key facility for the treatment and provision of drinking water for the Anchorage region. It processes an impressive 26.84 billion liters of water annually, representing 85 percent of the region’s total water production. The water originates from the protected Eklutna area, whose natural purity guarantees high water quality. The plant plays a crucial role in the safe and reliable supply of water to communities in the surrounding area.

Eklutna water treatment plant, Anchorage

“Our task is not limited to service provision,” emphasizes a representative of AWWU. “We are dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of our residents while preserving the environment for future generations.” This dedication is impressively demonstrated by the work of employees like Dale Moore, a certified mechanic who plays a key role in the maintenance and further development of AWWU’s infrastructure.

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A Master of Excellence

Dale Moore has worked at AWWU since 2010 and has become a key figure in the upkeep of Anchorage’s water infrastructure. His know-how and dedication are second to none when it comes to the repair and maintenance of complex systems such as pumps, compressors and chemical storage systems. For his exceptional dedication and expertise, he was honored by the Alaska Water Wastewater Management Association (AWWMA) as “Person of the Year 2023” in the field of major wastewater systems.

Efficient and Reliable: Leister Devices in Use at AWWU

Leister Technologies USA has been a trusted partner of AWWU since 2019. Leister supports the repair and production of plastic parts with high-quality welding machines such as the WELDPLAST S2, PENWELD and HOT JET S. These tools proved to be indispensable, especially in early 2024 when the AWWU's Hypo system – a key water disinfection component –suffered fire damage.

Thanks to his DVS training and Leister equipment, Dale Moore was able to quickly fabricate a brine heating tank and get the system back up and running in just four days. This quick deployment saved AWWU around USD 10,000 and prevented weeks of downtime. “Leister’s tools are not only extremely precise, but also extremely reliable,” says Dale, praising the partnership.

The photo shows a waste water distributor that was removed from a machine and repaired in several places with Leister equipment.

Innovative Solutions for a Resilient Water Supply

Dale Moore’s know-how is not limited to quick repairs – he was also heavily involved in the Strategic Pressure Initiative (SPI), AWWU’s largest internal restructuring project. As part of the project, a booster station in Eagle River was modernized to guarantee the community’s water supply and fire protection in the long term.

“Dale's work at SPI has impressively demonstrated how crucial it is to give highly qualified specialists the right tools,” emphasized the project manager. This project underlines the importance of innovative solutions and shows how specialist knowledge and modern technology can work together to future-proof the infrastructure.

Leister Tools: Reliable and Flexible for Demanding Tasks

The welding devices from Leister have established themselves as indispensable tools for AWWU’s work. Thanks to features such as digital displays and interchangeable nozzles, they offer exceptional precision and flexibility. This makes it easy to carry out repairs on a whole range of plastics such as HDPE, CPVC, PP and PVC.

“Even the most demanding tasks can be mastered with Leister devices,” emphasizes Dale. Their versatility and reliability make them an indispensable partner in the maintenance of critical water infrastructure.

A Look into the Future: a Partnership for Lasting Success

AWWU’s investments in employee training and reliable tools have improved the company's ability to overcome internal challenges. “With Leister, we have not only saved considerable costs, but also noticeably improved our efficiency. The precise tools and practical training give us the confidence to master even the most challenging tasks successfully,” emphasizes Dale.

Leister Technologies USA is proud to support AWWU in its mission to promote public health and protect the environment. By working closely together, they are creating a robust foundation for Anchorage’s future and ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come.