Drink up!
Annual drinking water quality report shows Ramstein in full compliance

The 435th Aeromedical Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight collected more than 960 bacteriological and 300 chemical drinking water samples from the 12 drinking water systems in the KMC under the 435th Air Base Wing’s jurisdiction in 2004.

All samples were in compliance with the final governing standards for Germany.
The KMC draws its drinking water from wells several hundred feet below ground. Water is pumped from these wells, treated and then distributed to communities to ensure there is always a source of potable water.

The 735th Civil Engineer Squadron’s 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. They also conduct daily operational monitoring to maintain the quality of the final product.
The U.S. Army supplies water to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

The 435th Medical Group routinely monitors water quality. Each week the BE flight tests chlorine and pH levels and collects samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis. All routine monitoring requirements are conducted in accordance with FGS-G.

The FGS-G defines the parameters to be monitored, the sampling frequency, the maximum concentration level, the notification procedures and what processes should be initiated if non-compliance is detected. The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center – a German and U.S. certified and accredited laboratory – performs most of the analytical requirements.

The 435th ABW monitors for more than 100 drinking parameters. Due to the quality of the groundwater source, treatment for the most part is unnecessary. Chlorination is accomplished because it provides a measurable means of ensuring water is properly disinfected. All of the water sources are chlorinated, and some are filtered.

Although the base does not hold public meetings on its distribution systems, the flight is available to address any questions or concerns at 479-2220. Housing residents should contact the KMC Housing Office at 489-6643 with water concerns. Dorm residents should contact their building managers.
(Courtesy of the 435th Aeromedical Squadron)