Water notification letter Published Oct. 27, 2014 By Staff writer 2nd Medical Group, Aerospace Medicine Squadron BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA. -- 1. Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. The water is safe to drink. Even though this was not an emergency, as consumers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct the situation. Tests showed Coliform Bacteria in Barksdale AFB Water System. 2. We routinely monitor your drinking water for contaminants. During the reporting period of September 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014, the Barksdale Air Force Base Water System 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)]. Action has been taken to eliminate the contamination. 3. During September, two of eighteen samples analyzed indicated a presence for coliform bacteria. The water line where the two samples were obtained was investigated and all taps were opened to flush the line. All additional samples taken afterward were negative for the presence of coliform bacteria. 4. The situation was due to: Low water usage in the extended loop leading to the Shreveport Gate. 5. The following corrective actions have been taken: The samples that showed the presence of coliform bacteria were isolated to only one water line leading to the Shreveport Gate. The water line serving this area had normal chlorine residuals during sampling. All taps were opened to flush the line and increase turn-over of water in the loop. Follow-up testing showed no presence of coliform bacteria. The water is safe to drink. 6. What should I do? 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. 7. What does this mean? 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 these (E.coli) bacteria in subsequent testing. If we had, you would have been notified immediately. 8. Providing the installation with clean drinking water is a coordinated effort between personnel in the 2d Civil Engineer Squadron and the 2d Medical Group. We are dedicated to providing the base populace with the highest quality drinking water. If you would like additional health information or have questions regarding the quality of the drinking water, please call Bioenvironmental Engineering at (318) 456-6730. 9. 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. 10. This notice is being sent to you by Barksdale Air Force Base PWS ID # 1015022. If you have questions about this notice please contact the water system POC: Mr. Robert M. Cote, at 318-456-3522 or Bioenvironmental Engineering at 318-456-6730.