Base officials release drinking water standard report Published June 4, 2009 LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- While conducting routine checks on Luke Air Force Base, members of the 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight recently measured drinking water contaminants at a level that slightly exceeds standards. Test results from samples collected March 31 show the system exceeding the maximum contaminant level for arsenic. The standard is 10 parts per billion; the levels on base were 14 parts per billion. The bioenvironmental flight is required to monitor drinking water for specific contaminants regularly. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not the drinking water meets health standards. Bioenvironmental began increased monitoring for arsenic and radionuclide Aug. 28, 2008, and will continue monitoring quarterly until Luke qualifies for reduced monitoring. According to the bioenvironmental engineering flight, the arsenic found in the groundwater is not the result of any man-made contamination; it occurs naturally due to the salt deposits beneath the surface and is frequently seen at similar levels across the southwest desert. Based on health concerns, the EPA has recently dropped the allowable level of arsenic in the finished drinking water delivered to consumers from 50 to 10 parts per billion, resulting in four of five drinking water wells on base slightly exceeding the new standard. Luke began operating the arsenic treatment system March 31 for two groundwater supply wells located on the north side of the base. This system is designed to reduce arsenic to levels below the MCL, and currently water from this location does not have detectable arsenic. The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron has also started projects on the south side of base to continue to improve our water system and maintain compliance with the arsenic standard. According to the Environmental Protection Agency and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the MCL over a period of many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of cancer. People who drink water containing radio nuclides in excess of the MCL over a period of many years may have toxic effects to the kidneys as well as an increased risk of cancer. For more information, call bioenvironmental engineering at (623) 856-7521. Click here, to view the 2008 Consumer Confidence Report. Courtesy of the 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight and 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Asset Management Flight