Osan's H2O is G-O-O-D

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Osan members need not fear the water as Osan's water has been deemed safe to drink. 

"The water is healthy, safe to consume and cook with," said Senior Airman Verna Munoz, 51st Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental technician. 

Among the many responsibilities of Bioenvironmental Flight is keeping Osan's water safe, clean and even tasty. Tap water on-base is actually filtered twice before making its way to the consumer. 

According to the Osan Air Base Drinking Water System Consumer Confidence Report for 2008, the water used on-base comes from a pipeline traced to Seoul. 

The water is first treated at water treatment plant near Seoul. The treatment includes settling, chemical mixing with powdered activated carbon, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination. 

Aluminum sulfate and lime are used in the chemical mixing process during the summer months to aid in coagulation. 

The water is again treated once it reaches Osan. Additionally chlorine is added at the Osan Water Treatment Facility before the distribution to ensure the quality of the water and the health of every consumer. 

Chlorine acts as a disinfectant to minimize potential bacterial contamination. 

It is only after going through both treatment plants that the water is distributed to Team Osan's homes and offices. 

While the water remains safe to drink and use for cooking, the bioenvironmental engineering flight recommends residents and facility managers practice routine maintenance as older metal pipes can rust, resulting in water with reddish-brown color or occasionally small solid particles. 

"Facility managers and residents can minimize rusty water by flushing affected pipes (running the water) for 30 to 60 seconds, especially after long holiday weekends," Airman Munoz said. 

The EPA makes the same recommendation for consumers in the U.S. 

"The bottom line -- Osan water is safe for consumption," Airman Munoz said. "I'll drink it any day of week." 

The Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight is ready to help with any drinking water issues, and can be reached at 784-2623. 

Customers are reminded to work with their facility manager to conduct routine preventative maintenance on their building's plumbing before contacting the Bioenvironmental Engineering office. 

To read the full 2008 Osan Air Base Drinking Water System Consumer Confidence Report, click here.