Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

The 86th Medical Group’s Bio-environmental Engineering Flight is pleased to present Ramstein’s annual drinking water quality report.

This report, which is required by Air Force Instruction and mirrors the Consumer Confidence Report required by the EPA in CONUS, is designed to inform the KMC about the water and services delivered to the base population over the past year. The goal is to provide safe, high quality and reliable drinking water. The Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight is continually striving to improve services and protect vital community water resources.

The 786th Civil Engineer Squadron 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. CES personnel conduct daily operational monitoring to maintain the high quality of its final product — drinking water.

Since Nov. 1, 2007, the two Vogelweh systems, including Kapaun Air Station, were combined and are supplied by the City of Kaiserslautern water provider, Technische Werke Kaiserslautern.

The 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight routinely monitors water quality throughout the systems. Each week, the flight tests chlorine and pH levels and collects water samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis. All routine monitoring requirements are conducted in accordance with the Final Governing Standards for Germany.

The FGS-G defines the parameters to be monitored (most stringent U.S./German requirements), the sampling frequency, the maximum contaminant level, the notification procedures, and what processes should be initiated if non-compliance is detected (i.e., treatment techniques, bottled water issuance, etc).

The U.S. Army Public Health Command Public Health Region-Europe at Landstuhl, a German and U.S. certified/accredited laboratory,  performs most of the analytical requirements. The 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight routinely monitors for more than 100 drinking water parameters. The table here shows the Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2012, results for Ramstein System I.

Due to the exceptional quality of the groundwater source, treatment is for the most part, unnecessary.
Chlorination is accomplished because it provides a measurable means of ensuring the water is properly disinfected. All of the water sources are chlorinated, except the Vogelweh systems, and some water sources are filtered.  This is done to ensure the safest, most aesthetically pleasing product for consumers.

Although the base does not hold public meetings on its water distribution systems, experts are available to address any questions or concerns. Housing residents should contact the housing office at  489-6643 with any water concerns. Dorm residents should contact their building manager.

Additional questions can be directed to the 86th MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight at
479-2220 or 06371-46-2220.