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Fate's Hot Springs Bill Passes House
HB 263 Would Preserve Natural Quality of Mineral Water

(JUNEAU) - Hot springs resorts in Alaska will be able to keep their water free of chlorine under a bill passed unanimously today by the House and sponsored by Rep. Hugh "Bud" Fate (R-Fairbanks.)

House Bill 263 would exempt geothermal bodies of water from having to treat their naturally recycling bodies of water with chlorine or other chemicals, as long as coliform counts, pathogens, and adverse chemicals in the water remained low, Fate said.

"One of Alaska's main attractions for the visitor is the wild, unspoiled quality of our natural wonders, and that includes the many naturally occurring mineral hot springs in the Interior and elsewhere," said Fate. "This bill will allow people to operate springs in accordance with state environmental and public health standards, without having to diminish the experience by adding unnecessary chemicals to their water."

Fate said that there are several springs in his district, including not only the well-known Manley, Circle and Chena hot springs resorts, but also the less-well known such as the Tolvana Hot Springs. Concerns expressed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation about whether the public health could be adequately protected at springs open to commercial visitors without chlorine disinfection ran up against the desire of springs operators to offer their visitors a natural experience.

Fate crafted a compromise that satisfied both sides, by clarifying state law to exempt naturally recycling bodies of water from the chlorination regulations, as long as regular water quality tests showed the water met other state standards.

"The DEC signed off on this bill, and the resort operators like it, too," Fate said. "With final passage of this bill into law, we should see one more barrier lifted to bring the pleasures and benefits of these springs to more visitors, and to more Alaskans, too."

HB 263 moves next to the Senate for consideration.

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