RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The 86th Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight is pleased to present Ramstein Air Base’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report.
This report, which is required by Air Force instruction and mirrors the Consumer Confidence Report required by the Environmental Protection Agency in the continental United States, is designed to inform the public about the water and services delivered to Ramstein Air Base over the past year. The goal is to provide a safe, high quality and reliable drinking water supply. The bioenvironmental engineering flight is continually striving to improve its services and protect our vital community water resources.
The 786th Civil Engineer Squadron Water Plant and Exterior Utility sections operate and maintain the Kaiserslautern Military Community water distribution systems and equipment. The 786th CES personnel work 24/7 to ensure the system is pressurized and maintains sufficient disinfectant (chlorine) residual. The 786th CES personnel conduct daily operational monitoring to maintain the high quality of their final product -- our drinking water.
The 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight routinely monitors water quality throughout the systems. Each week they test chlorine and acidic (pH) levels, and collect 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 (which incorporates the most stringent U.S. and German requirements), the sampling frequency, the maximum contaminant level (MCL), the notification procedures, and what processes should be initiated if non-compliance is detected such as 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 the analytical requirements.
The 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight routinely monitors for over 60 drinking water parameters. Ramstein has five systems. The complete report is available here.
Due to the 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 for Vogelweh, and some water sources are filtered. This is done to ensure the safest, most aesthetically pleasing product for consumers.
Since Nov. 1, 2007, Vogelweh, including Kapaun Air Station, has been supplied by the City of Kaiserslautern water provider Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern (SWK). Similar water system information is available from SWK. The bioenvironmental engineering flight can help individuals find this information.
Although the base does not hold public meetings on its water distribution systems, the 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Flight is available to address any questions or concerns you may have. 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.