Base tap water in spotlight

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
While living on base has its advantages, there are some things the base community has become concerned about. One such item is the quality of the tap water.

The 39th Medical Operations Squadron bioenvironmental section has confirmed the tap water on baseĀ is safe, and they have some additional tips to help the Incirlik community.

The Airmen of the bioenvironmental office conduct 14 samples of base drinking water per month. Samples are taken from the dining facility, club, child development center, youth center, school and multiple sites in the housing areas, said Staff Sgt. Tashawn Burns-Davis, 39th MDOS bioenvironmental engineering craftsman.

"We provide a monthly report of our results to base agencies," Burns-Davis said. "In addition to the monthly sampling, we conduct quarterly water samplings for things that would cause chronic health effects. The results of these tests are published in a report called the Consumer Confidence Report. This report is distributed base-wide in June each year."

It is important for base residents to review the CCR. This report includes all samples that had even the smallest hint of irregularity. Even if a finding is harmless and has no effect on consumers, it will be reported in the CCR, said Staff Sgt. Margueriette Pinnix, 39th MDOS bioenvironmental engineering craftsman.

Airmen can also monitor their water personally by using a few tips from the bioenvironmental office.

"If Airmen notice discolored water, they should let it run for approximately one to three minutes until color returns to normal," Pinnix said. "Any time there is a water outage, residents should also flush the line for a few minutes."

"One thing Airmen can look out for is a drop in their normal water pressure," Burns-Davis said. "If the water is running slower than normal there might be a break in the line, and Airmen should call the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron to come check it out."

The bioenvironmental office ensures the water on base is safe to drink, so don't hesitate to fill up a glass of water from the tap.

For water issues contact the 39th CES help desk at DSN 676-7008. For more information on drinking water or CCR contact the 39th MDOS bioenvironmental office at DSN 676-6305.