The source water has no detectable levels of lead, so officials are certain the culprit lies in the pipes. Sembach is about 45 minutes east of Ramstein Air Base and serves a population of about 2,000. Two of Sembach's four wells are prone to seasonal nitrate contamination from nearby farming. Households with infants are provided bottled water. In addition, Sembach occasionally experiences high levels of trichloroethane, or TCE, an organic liquid used in the making of synthetic fibers and plastic wraps.
Excessive exposure can cause liver damage and other health problems.
A study scheduled last year to assess and improve the operations and maintenance of the Sembach system was delayed so system upgrades and modifications could be undertaken and completed. Spangdahlem Air Base is located about 90 minutes northwest of Ramstein in the Eifel region of western Germany. The base population is roughly 8,500. An outbreak of coliform, which indicates fecal contamination, occurred in the distribution system in June and July 1999. Chlorine levels were increased, lines were flushed and residents notified.