2012 annual drinking water quality report summary Published July 23, 2013 By Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight 86th Medical Group RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The 86th Medical Group's Bioenvironmental Engineering flight has released Ramstein Air Base's Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. This report, required by Air Force Instruction and mirrors the Consumer Confidence Report required by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, is designed to inform you about the water and services delivered in the past year. Their goal is to provide a safe, quality and reliable drinking water supply. The 786th Civil Engineer Squadron water plant and exterior utility sections operate and maintain the KMC water distribution equipment and systems. CES personnel work 24/7 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 -- the drinking water in the KMC. Since Nov. 1 2007, the two Vogelweh systems including at Kapaun are combined and are supplied by the City of Kaiserslautern water provider Technische Werke Kaiserslautern. The 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering flight routinely monitors water quality throughout the systems. Each week the bioenvironmental engineering 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 (FGS-G). 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 Public Health Command Public Health Region - Europe (PHRE) at Landstuhl, a German and U.S. certified and accredited laboratory, performs most of our analytical requirements. The 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering flight routinely monitors for over 100 drinking water parameters. The table below shows the 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2012 results for Ramstein AB System I from Jan. 1, through Dec 31, 2012. The complete report for all 7 systems is available at: 2012 Drinking Water Report Due to the exceptional quality of the 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 water sources are chlorinated, except the Vogelweh systems, and some water sources are filtered. This is done to ensure the safest, most aesthetically pleasing product for our consumers. Although the base does not hold public meetings on its water distribution systems, there are avenues to address any questions or concerns. Housing residents should contact the Housing Office, at DSN 489-6643, with any water concerns. Dorm residents should contact their building manager. Additional questions can be directed to 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering flight, at DSN 479-2220 and Commercial 06371-46-2220.