2007 annual drinking water quality report released

  • Published
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 435th Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight collected more than 960 bacteriological and 650+ chemical drinking water samples in 2007, from the 11 drinking water systems under the 435th Air Base Wing jurisdiction in the KMC.

The KMC draws all its drinking water from wells several hundred feet below ground. Water is pumped from these wells, treated and then distributed to our communities.

The 735th Civil Engineer Squadron Water Plant and Exterior Utility sections operate and maintain the KMC water distribution equipment and systems. CES personnel work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the system is pressurized and maintains sufficient chlorine residual. CES personnel conduct daily operational monitoring to maintain the high quality of their final product -- our drinking water.

Since Nov. 1, 2007, the two Vogelweh systems including Kapaun Air Station, are combined and are supplied by the City of Kaiserslautern water provider Technische Werke Kaiserslautern.

The 435th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight routinely monitors water quality throughout the systems. Each week, the flight tests chlorine and pH levels, and collects water samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis. All routine monitoring requirements are conducted in accordance with the Final Governing Standards for Germany.

The FGS-G defines the parameters to be monitored (most stringent U.S./German requirements), the sampling frequency, the maximum contaminant level, the notification procedures, and what processes should be initiated if non-compliance is detected (i.e. treatment techniques, bottled water issuance, etc).

The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine at Landstuhl, a German and U.S. certified and accredited laboratory, performs most of the analytical requirements.

The 435th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering routinely monitors for more than 100 drinking water parameters. The attached table shows the Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2007 results for Ramstein Air Base System I. The complete report for all 11 systems is available at:https://wwwmil.ramstein.af.mil/.

Due to the exceptional quality of our groundwater source, treatment is for the most part, unnecessary. Chlorination is accomplished because it provides a measurable means of ensuring our water is properly disinfected. All of our water sources are chlorinated, except the Vogelweh systems since Nov. 1, 2007, and some of our water sources are filtered. This is done to ensure the safest, most aesthetically pleasing product for our consumers. In 2007, we had slightly elevated lead levels in Fliegerstrasse water system and slightly elevated nitrate levels in the Sembach water system. Public notifications were made and subsequent follow up monitoring is in progress.

Although the base does not hold public meetings on its distribution systems, we are available to address any questions or concerns you may have. Housing residents should contact the Housing Office, at 489-6643, with any water concerns. Dorm residents should contact their building manager. Additional questions can be directed to 435th AMDS Bioenvironmental Engineering at 479-2220 or 06371-46-2220. 

(Courtesy of 435th Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering)