Commentary: Cannon drinking water compliance notification

link U.S. Air Force graphic: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

27th Special Operations Medical Group

Bioenvironmental Engineers routinely monitor our drinking water system at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico to independently verify the water produced by the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron is healthy and safe for public consumption.

In July, two water samples tested positive for Total Coliforms. This prompted Bioenvironmental Engineering to immediately conduct additional sampling to determine if a credible problem existed within the drinking water system.

The Total Coliforms test is one of many tests used to indicate the overall safety and health of a drinking water system. Total Coliforms are microorganisms that occur naturally in the environment and are generally not harmful.

The test results for all subsequent water samples at Cannon were negative for Total Coliforms. The drinking water is safe. The health risk to the public is negligible and no further actions were required by the base or the base populous.

The New Mexico Environmental Department also requires all water consumers to be informed using the attached Public Notice. This notice will be emailed to all Cannon e-mail accounts, a copy provided to Balfour Beatty Community for privatized housing residents, and posted on the wing’s Facebook page.

Again, the water is safe for consumption. If you have any concerns, please contact Capt. Patrick Morris, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering flight commander, at 575-784-4063.

Review the NMED Public Notice at http://www.cannon.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-140724-023.pdf