CDC drinking water being treated; no immediate risk Published Aug. 25, 2011 By Capt. Crystalyn Brown Bioenvironmental Engineering MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- After construction of a new wing for the Malmstrom Air Force Base Child Development Center, water testing was done to ensure water in the new wing was safe to drink. The tests showed the levels of lead and copper exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency action level. Additionally, exploratory sampling done in the old wing of the CDC showed an increase in copper with a few locations above the action level. This is not an emergency and does not pose an immediate health risk; interim control measures have been put in place at the Child Development Center. The CDC was instructed to delay using the water from the new wing and, instead, rely on bottled water or water from specific other sources. Lead and copper are naturally occurring metals that can be leached from corrosion in the pipes of the drinking-water system. Currently, the CDC is using bottled water. Malmstrom AFB is in the process of implementing a long-term fix, which consists of treating the water with Orthophosphate. Orthophosphate will coat the pipelines and prevent corrosion and the leaching of metals into the drinking water. Orthophosphate is safe for consumption and is commonly used in treating water lines, preserving food and as a salt substitute. For additional information, please contact Capt. Crystalyn Brown, Bioenvironmental Engineer, at 731-4406.