KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- We are pleased to present this year's Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) for Keesler Air Force Base (KAFB) and the Biloxi Veterans Administration Medical Center (BVAMC) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This report is designed to provide details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. This report is a snapshot of last year's water quality. We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies.
Where does my water come from?
Drinking water from KAFB/BVAMC, which will be referred to as Keesler throughout the document, is pumped from the Lower Graham Ferry Aquifer; a groundwater source. All water provided to Keesler is pumped from wells located on base property. The water from the wells is mixed, treated, stored, and distributed.
Is my water safe?
Yes, drinking water at Keesler is safe. Bioenvironmental Engineering follows all regulatory compliance regarding drinking water testing directed by the EPA. The purpose of this assessment is to determine the quality of the raw water used for drinking water. At Keesler, the only treatment performed on source water is the addition of chlorine and fluoride. Because of the limited chemical treatment, the analytical results for Keesler's drinking water are representative of its source water.
Do I need to take special precautions?
Most people do not need to take special precautions. However, some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised individuals such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people 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 individuals 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).
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. Those substances include microbial contaminants, inorganic contaminants, and organic Chemical Contaminants. More information regarding these substances can be found at https://www.epa.gov/ccl/types-drinking-water-contaminants. 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.
How is the water treated?
Your water is treated by chlorine disinfection. Disinfection involves the addition of chlorine or other disinfectant to kill dangerous bacteria and microorganisms that may be in the water. Disinfection is considered to be one of the major public health advances of the 20th century.
How can I get involved?
Education is key to getting involved and understanding your drinking water. Additional information is available from the Environmental Protection Agency; located at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/.
View the full report.