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Testing shows issues with water

By David McNally
USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea —
Garrison officials announced the discovery of raised mercury levels in the water supply for both Hannam Village and the Far East District Engineer Compound in Seoul.

Officials recommend water users at those two locations do not use tap water for drinking or cooking immediately until further testing is conducted.

Garrison Public Works technicians send monthly water samples from Hannam Village and the FED Compound to Okinawa, Japan for testing.

Today at 3:50 p.m., the testing center contacted Garrison officials to report that test results showed an increased mercury level.

Garrison Public Works Director Michael Chung said the tolerance level for mercury is .002 parts per million.

“Hannam Village has .0024 parts per million,” Chung said. “This is just barely over the threshold for potability.”

The report stated that there are .0092 parts per million of mercury for the FED Compound, or about three times the acceptable level.

“This has never happened before,” said Deputy Garrison Commander Don Moses. “We’re sending additional samples to an authorized test center in Suwon. In the meantime, we want people to stop using the water for drinking or cooking.”

Officials have positioned two 2,500 gallon water tankers at Hannam Village to provide potable water.

“The MWR club at the FED Compound, as well as AAFES eateries at both locations, have already stopped using the water until further testing,” Moses said. “We have also contacted the Commissary and AAFES to make sure additional bottled water is available.”

Officials stressed that the water is acceptable for washing, showering and for flushing toilets. But until further test results are received, officials recommend against using the water for drinking or cooking.

“We do not want people to drink the water,” said 18th Medical Command Deputy Chief of Staff for Force Protection Col. Martha Sanders. “Children and nursing mothers are especially susceptible to mercury.”

Sanders said bathing or showering is safe as long as you use soap and not get water in your mouth.

There are no issues with water at Yongsan Garrison, Camp Market, K-16 Air Base, the Religious Retreat Center or any other USAG-Yongsan installations, officials said.

“My intent is to inform the community of potential health concerns,” said Garrison Commander Col. Ron Stephens. “Our first concern is for the safety of our community members.”

Garrison officials immediately sent additional water samples to a certified lab in Suwon Friday evening and expect results by Tuesday.