Naval Support Activity Naples Detachment (NSAND) Gaeta Drinking Water Advisory (Update 7 October 2013)
DRINKING WATER NON-POTABLE/“NOT FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” AT NSAND and OLDE MILL INN, GAETA As previously announced on 20 September 2013, NSAND Fleet Landing and Olde Mill Inn, Gaeta drinking water continues to be declared NON-POTABLE/“NOT FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” by the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples Preventive Medicine Authority. This update addresses today’s test results at NSAND Gaeta. As typically occurs during periods of heavy rain activity, on 7 October 2013 routine medical surveillance sampling tests of the drinking water system at NSAND Gaeta noted an increase in turbidity (cloudiness) levels. Turbidity levels onboard NSAND Gaeta are normally less than 1.0 turbidity units. Water samples taken 7 October 2013 showed levels greater than 11.0 turbidity units which are above the standard of 1.0 turbidity units. Because of these high levels of turbidity, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms. We also routinely monitor for disinfectant residual, or the amount of chlorine present in the pipes of the distribution system. This measurement tells us whether the water supply is effectively disinfected. If the amount is too low, organisms could grow in the pipes. On 7 October 2013, disinfectant levels tested below the standard 0.2 milligrams per liter. The USNH Naples Preventive Medicine Authority will continue routine medical surveillance sampling and oversight of drinking water compliance sampling conducted by Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples. We will also continue to keep you informed through periodic publishing of information and updates regarding the drinking water system. Bottle Water Advisory: NSAND Gaeta personnel working and living in the Gaeta area are advised to continue use of bottled water for drinking, food preparation, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, and for pets. What does this mean? This is not an emergency. Turbidity has no health effects. Turbidity, however, can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for bacterial growth and may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. Additionally, if water is inadequately treated and disinfected, it could potentially contain organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If present, these organisms could cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. It is important to note that these symptoms are not only caused by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. For health related issues/questions, please contact USNH Preventive Medicine Authority at DSN 629-6299 or commercial 081-811-6299. After normal working hours, call the USNH quarterdeck at 629-6155 or commercial 081-811-6155. For questions related to NSA Naples area water systems, please contact the NSA Naples, Public Works Department at DSN 626-6644 or commercial 081568-6644. *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 mail.* This notice is being sent to you by the NSA Naples, Public Works Department. Date distributed: 7 October 2013.