Base water plant pumps high-quality H2O
By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
/ Published March 30, 2010
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Before flowing from a faucet, fountain or other source on-base, raw water is first treated at the Whiteman Air Force Base Water Treatment Plant to remove any harmful bacteria and unpleasant coloration, taste and odor.
To ensure the water treatment process runs smoothly, Airmen and Department of Defense civilians work around the clock maintaining equipment, facilities and performing more than 340 water quality tests per 24 hours.
"When water is continually being pumped, you have to make sure every gallon is fit for human consumption," said Mr. Jason Rhyne, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron water treatment plant manager. "We perform daily well checks to ensure our source water is sustained. During the summer we also perform checks on the base swimming pool every two hours."
The mission of Whiteman Water Treatment Plant personnel is to maintain water production levels, ensure softened water reaches critical on-base infrastructure and guarantee safe, potable water is served to the base populace.
Mr. Rhyne and his crew maintain similar drinking water standards on the base pool water, though they don't recommend anyone should drink it.
Boasting a model system, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Whiteman Water Treatment Plant is used as part of a high-intensity, 12-day certification and test program for the state.
"We go beyond what MODNR requires," Mr. Rhyne said. "Where other systems only do what is minimally acceptable, we strive to provide the highest quality of water we can."
Mr. Rhyne attributes the "model" quality system to his highly skilled and resourceful shift operators.
"They are the unseen, rarely thought of people who make sure every time you turn on the faucet, there is safe, pristine, quality water flowing," Mr. Rhyne said.
The Water Treatment Plant averages only two complaints per year, according to Mr. Rhyne.
"We investigate every water quality complaint with enthusiasm," Mr. Rhyne said. "If we suspect any problem at all, we contact the bio/environmental office and coordinate more extensive testing with their equipment. We take it very seriously."
Mr. Rhyne said his operators have been invited to help write new test questions for the Missouri Public Drinking Water Program Certificate of Competency. The levels range from "D" being the lowest to "A" being the highest.
"Certifications are partly based on time on the job," said Airman 1st Class Jayson Eddelman, 509th CES water treatment plant operator. "There are four levels of certification and once you have reached the time requirements you are eligible to test for the next level of certification."
The Whiteman Water Treatment Plant has the most per capita "A" level operators in Missouri.
"We take pride in what we do and our certified operators are a testament to that," Mr. Rhyne said.