Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA -- Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ) officials routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to maintain compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not its drinking water meets health standards. If contaminants are detected which violate state and/or federal regulations, we are obligated to inform the public upon notification.
During the second, third, and fourth quarters of calendar year 2017, MCBQ discovered we were out of compliance with the Primary Maximum Contaminant Level (PMCL) for total trihalomethanes (TTHM). There are no indications that you should be concerned for your health based on the elevated levels. There is no need for Quantico’s general population to use an alternative water supply (e.g., bottled), nor must you boil your water. The area where the elevated sample was taken is located on Officer Candidate School Area-1.
Even though this is not an emergency, you as our customers have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct the situation. There is no action you need to take at this time. MCBQ is responsible for ensuring that all required sampling in its distribution system is done in accordance with the state and federal drinking water regulations. MCBQ is taking all steps to reduce the probability of this situation reoccurring in the future. Quantico will continue to conduct a comprehensive flushing of the system to help ensure the required levels of TTHMs are met. TTHMs are a by-product of drinking water disinfection by chlorination. Elevated levels in this case were caused by a reduced flow of water due to the remote location of the sampling site. Testing results from the average of third quarter 2016 through the second quarter 2017, fourth quarter 2016 through the third quarter 2017, and first quarter 2017 through fourth quarter 2017 compliance periods show our system exceeds the PMCL for TTHMs (the standard is 0.080 mg/L). Our samples revealed that an average level of total TTHMs over the compliance periods at one of the four sample sites was 0.086 mg/L, 0.098 mg/L, and 0.104 mg/L, respectively. It has been shown that some people who drink water containing TTHMs in excess of the PMCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. This is not an immediate health risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. We continue to monitor and sample as required and consumers will be notified if there are any further issues.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly. You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or e-mail.
For more information concerning drinking water, visit http://www.quantico.marines.mil/Water-Quality/, or please contact CDR Preston Taylor, PE at 703-784-5409.