After a soldier expressed concern about his barracks room's tap water, the Directorate of Public Works at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, tested the water in several buildings starting Jan. 9, 2024. (U.S. Army)
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — After nearly a week’s worth of further testing, the U.S. Army found no problems with water quality at the headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea, according to a report from the garrison.
Water laboratory engineering technicians from the Directorate of Public Works at Humphreys tested the tap water in several buildings starting Jan. 9 after a soldier expressed concern about his barracks room’s tap water.
Unit leaders immediately advised troops not to drink the water out of an abundance of caution until the directorate and the 65th Medical Brigade could investigate, a 2nd Infantry Division spokesman said at the time.
Messages circulating among service members warning of a potential problem with the base’s water reached U.S. Army W.T.F! moments, a Facebook page with 1.4 million followers, which posted a screenshot of one of the messages on Jan. 10.
Analyses from samples taken Jan. 9-10 found no abnormalities in the water, according to the garrison’s reports. The analysis included testing for temperature, pH levels, chlorine levels, water clarity, coliform and E. coli in six randomly selected kitchens, bath sinks and laundry rooms in the barracks.
“These test results conclusively affirm the cleanliness and safety (potability) of the drinking water,” the report said.
The Directorate of Public Works conducted more tests in the barracks and adjacent buildings Jan. 11-13, with results within normal parameters, according to the report.
About 70% of Humphreys’ water is purchased from Pyeongtaek city and the remaining 30% is sourced from wells inside the base, which houses a water treatment plant, Directorate of Public Works chief of operations and maintenance Kim Jae-won said by phone Friday.
Water quality is assessed by taking public testing standards from the United States and South Korea, and then applying “all of the most stringent guidance” from both countries, Lt. Col. Julie Bridges, chief of Force Health Protection and Public Health at the Eighth Army’s Surgeon’s Office, said by phone Friday.
“All the water that is sent out into the water system here in the garrison is potable water,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s from the shower or the sink, kitchen tap, water fountains — it’s all the same quality and it’s all potable.”
