Base officials release drinking water standard report Published Nov. 14, 2008 LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- While conducting routine checks on Luke Air Force Base, the 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineer Flight have recently measured drinking water contaminants at a level that slightly exceeds standards. Test results from samples collected Sept. 26 show the system exceeding the maximum contaminant level for arsenic. The standard is 10 parts per billion; the levels on base were 12 parts per billion. Luke has a history of being below the MCL for radionuclides, to include the most recent samples taken this year. Bioenvironmental engineering was conducting samples more frequently to meet revisions to the radionuclide rule and initial monitoring requirements. Luke members do not need to boil their water or take other corrective actions, such as using an alternative water supply. Members may continue to drink the water. If a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, Luke members will be notified within 24 hours. However, if there are specific health concerns, consult a doctor. 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 radionuclides 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. [The Bioenvironmental Flight is] required to monitor drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not the drinking water meets health standards. During the second quarter [bioenvironmental] did not monitor for arsenic and radionuclides and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of the drinking water during that time. Bioenvironmental began increased monitoring for arsenic and radionuclide on Aug. 28 and will continue monitoring quarterly until Luke qualifies for reduced monitoring. According to the bioenvironmental 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. Uranium, radium and radon are naturally occurring radionuclide's found in the environment. 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 to slightly exceed the new standard. Officials from the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight said plans have been in the works for several years to meet this new standard, and are nearing the completion of two projects that will reduce the arsenic in the finished drinking water supplied to Luke. For more information, call (623) 856-7521. Courtesy of the 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineer and 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Asset Management Flight.