Alaska has filed new environmental regulations that will change how the state calculates acceptable copper levels in water. The regulations take effect May 3, 2026, and apply statewide.

The Department of Environmental Conservation developed these rules using a "performance-based approach" to determine copper criteria for water quality standards. This technical change affects how the state monitors and regulates copper pollution in Alaska's waterways.

The regulations were filed April 3, 2026, and will be published in the Alaska Administrative Register in July 2026. Four supporting documents are available online, including an implementation guide, technical support document, and toxics manual that explain the new approach.

Residents can view the complete regulation documents on the Alaska Online Public Notices website under project number 2024200476. The public can also submit comments about the regulations through the online system, though the Department of Environmental Conservation will not respond individually to comments.

These water quality rules are part of Alaska Administrative Code Title 18, which governs environmental regulations throughout the state.