Tier-2 Public Notification: Bacteriological Maximum Contaminant Level Exceeded, but Water Safe to Drink

  • Published
  • 2nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Your Barksdale water safety is consistently monitored on a weekly basis for bacteriological contamination by Bioenvironmental Engineering and the Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals Laboratory in Shreveport. This notification is to inform you that during the reporting period of December 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, the Barksdale Air Force Base Public Water System (PWS) ID #1015022 violated the maximum contaminant level of coliform bacteria as set forth in the State and Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:XII)]. During the week of Dec. 10-14 , two of nine samples analyzed indicated a presence for coliform bacteria. The water line where the two samples were obtained was flushed and additional samples were analyzed. All additional samples were free from the presence of coliform bacteria.

This is not an emergency. If it had been you would have been notified immediately. Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other; potentially-harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms were found in more samples than allowed and this was a warning of potential problems.

Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or distribution system (pipes). Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. coli, are present. We did not find any of the E.coli bacteria in our routine or subsequent testing. If we had, you would have been notified immediately.

You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-(800)-426-4791.

Bacteria are commonly found in any water source. Chlorine is added to drinking water to kill bacteria that may form in the water. The samples that showed the presence of coliform bacteria were isolated to water lines leading to the fuel offload terminal near bldg 6352 and the east commercial gate entrance. In order to correct this problem, the water main serving this facility was thoroughly flushed until chlorine residuals were normal. Further testing conducted Dec. 15, 2012 at the East Gate, Security Forces Facility and the Fuel Offload Terminal shows no presence of coliform bacteria. The water is safe for drinking.

Providing the installation with clean drinking water is a coordinated effort between personnel in the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron and the 2nd Medical Group. We are dedicated to providing the base populace with the highest quality drinking water. If you would like additional information or have questions regarding the quality of the drinking water, please call Bioenvironmental Engineering at (318) 456-6730.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing by hand or mail.