Upgrades to the plant and reservoir are likely. The quality of the treated water at both plants is generally good, although the distribution system has had historical problems with color and taste as a result of corrosion problems from an aged distribution system. In an effort to temporarily resolve this, polyphosphate is dosed into the water at the treatment plants to minimize its corrosivity. Furthermore, the Air Force, which is responsible for Vogelweh, the largest U.S. housing area in Europe, is replacing aging water lines as part of a decade-long renovation effort. Nonetheless, some residents have filed formal complaints with their congressmen.
Main complaints are rust coloration of water and high lead levels.
In November 1999, water treatment for both problems was begun and has improved both iron and lead levels. Residents are notified when lead levels exceed acceptable standard. Elevated levels do not pose a major health risk if residents run their tap water for up to two minutes before drinking or cooking, especially when water has been sitting in the pipes for awhile. Officials are weighing the merits of contracting with the city of Kaiserslautern to manage their water facilities. Ramstein Air Base, the headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, is located in the Rheinland-Pfalz region of southwestern Germany.