Doyon Utilities commissions new water plant at JBER, replacing 1957 facility

Doyon Utilities, LLC commissioned a new ultrafiltration water treatment plant at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Thursday, retiring infrastructure that had supplied the Anchorage installation's drinking water since 1957. The facility spans more than 10,000 square feet and treats up to 7.5 million gallons per day, serving more than 40,000 service members, families, and civilian personnel.

The plant uses membrane ultrafiltration technology to remove contaminants, improving water quality and system reliability while providing capacity to support future mission growth and installation requirements. The project broke ground June 12, 2024, following a 2022 environmental assessment. Lou Florence, President and CEO of Doyon Utilities, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held June 25, 2026. "As Alaska's strategic importance continues to grow, dependable utility infrastructure remains essential to mission success," Florence said. "This new water treatment plant strengthens water security, improves system resilience, and ensures Doyon Utilities can continue delivering reliable service to the airmen, soldiers, civilians, and families who live and work on JBER."

Jon Daniels, Vice President of Operations at Doyon Utilities, spoke at the ceremony about the plant's advanced technology and the detailed planning required to bring it to completion. He acknowledged the company's Engineering, Environmental, Operations, and Maintenance teams for their work building resilient infrastructure for the installation. Attendees included representatives from the 673d Air Base Wing, 673d Civil Engineering Squadron, state and federal agencies, project partners, and community stakeholders. Doyon Utilities owns and operates utility infrastructure on the Fort Richardson side of the installation and provides treated water to both the Richardson and Elmendorf portions.

The project's origins trace to Malcolm "Mac" Nason, who joined Doyon Utilities in 2011 and became the principal author of the business case that secured approval and funding for the membrane treatment system. Nason died in 2021 and did not see the facility completed; the ceremony included a formal tribute to his role. Tina Ko, Chief Operating Officer of Doyon Utilities, recognized three project contributors at the ceremony: Environmental Director Kathleen Hook, who is set to retire in July 2026 after nearly 18 years with the company; Director of Engineering and Projects Development Trevor Howard; and former Senior Project Manager Steve Hatzis. Each honoree received a commemorative glass waterdrop.