Report confirms base drinking water safe Published May 12, 2006 By 1st Lt. Kourtney Kleemann 20th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- This is the annual consumer confidence report on the quality of water delivered by Shaw Air Force Base (AFB) during calendar year 2005. Under the “Consumer Confidence Reporting Rule” of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), community water systems are required to report water quality information to the consuming public. As required by regulation, results reported in 2006 are based upon samples collected and analyzed in 2005. Where does my water come from? Our well water sources are from the Upper and Lower Black Creek Aquifers. There are currently six (6) wells permitted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) that operate on Shaw AFB. Is my water safe? Last year, as in years past, your tap water met all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state drinking water health standards. Shaw AFB vigilantly safeguards its water supplies and once again we are proud to report that our system has not violated a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard. Do I need to take special precautions? Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline (800-426-4791). Source water assessment and its availability In 2003, SCDHEC conducted a source water assessment for Shaw AFB. If you would like to access a copy of this report, please contact Lt Kourtney Kleemann at (803) 895-6196. Why are there contaminants in my drinking water? Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. Water Quality Data Table The table linked below lists all of the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the calendar year of this report. The presence of contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing done in the calendar year of the report. The EPA or the State requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Questions? If you have any questions or would like additional copies of this report, please contact the Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight (Maj Vincent Falls or 1Lt Kourtney Kleemann) at (803) 895-6196. Water Quality Data Table