Instructors from Naval Sea Systems Command’s Water Quality Oversight Council Laboratory Authority conducted an overseas drinking water sampling course for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe, Africa, Central aboard Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, July 16-18, 2024.

The course stressed the importance of protecting the health and well-being of seafarers, their families and the civilian population by ensuring the safety of drinking water in all areas of operations in the Europe, Africa and Central Africa region.

“Given the number of people affected, this program is critical,” said Captain Rafael Miranda, NAVFAC Europe, Africa, Central, commanding officer, in his address, underscoring the importance of the overseas drinking water program. “Our soldiers must be in top shape, confident in the safety of their drinking water and able to carry out their mission without concern.”

The training covered important topics such as sampling, sample analysis and quality assurance/quality control and provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of drinking water quality management.

“This course is designed for facility personnel responsible for analyzing drinking water samples, verifying drinking water data, and supervising contractors,” said Lindsay Nehm, Environmental Product Line Manager at NAVFAC EURAFCENT. “This training aims to increase understanding of the processes involved, identify potential pitfalls, and continuously improve data quality across the AOR. It is critical to ensure that every step, from sample collection to receiving results from an approved laboratory, follows proper procedures and ensures compliance with our policies and regulations.”

The course brought together a diverse group of participants, from laboratory managers and their staff to newcomers and basic operations support contract reviewers, enabling discussion and the exchange of different perspectives and expertise.

“If your samples are not high quality, you cannot be confident in your results,” said Judy Solomon, chemist and program manager for the NAVSEA Water Quality Oversight Council Laboratory Authority. “Those results must meet compliance requirements and Environmental Protection Agency regulations to ensure the health of the people who drink the water.”

The course also addressed the challenges of managing water quality programs at the facilities. The Navy Overseas Drinking Water Program Ashore manual, which is currently being updated and is open for comment, provides standardized guidelines for facilities within EURAFCENT and other overseas regions. Training opportunities such as this help water managers network with colleagues across the area of ​​responsibility and access the resources and support they need.

“Sometimes people feel isolated in the various facilities of the AOR or think their challenges are unique,” Nehm said. “This course breaks down those barriers, promotes interpersonal connections and expands the network of professionals available to address specific challenges.”

Solomon echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of flexibility. “If one method doesn’t work, there are always alternatives,” Solomon said. “I want participants to have confidence in collecting and analyzing samples or sending them to an accredited laboratory for testing.”

The course also included hands-on exercises in which participants used equipment to analyze water pH, turbidity, conductivity and free chlorine—key parameters of EPA methods commonly used in field collection.

“Drinking water management is critical,” Solomon said. “Many people take clean water for granted, but ensuring its quality, especially on naval bases, requires a lot of hard work from many dedicated people.”

Drinking water systems at facilities in Marine Region Europe, Africa and Central comply with all EPA Drinking Water Act regulations, host nation requirements and Navy guidelines. Facilities monitor water quality for various contaminants, including bacteria, lead, copper and disinfection byproducts. They also provide customers with an annual Consumer Confidence Report and address customer complaints to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water.

“I appreciate your commitment to excellence and dedication to the team,” Miranda said. “If you need resources to succeed or if you are facing challenges, please let us know so we can support you.”

About Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe, Africa, Central

NAVFAC EURAFCENT manages the planning and design of facility projects, including all related procurement, construction, leasing, environmental protection, maintenance and contingency support required by the Navy and Department of Defense commands, with the Navy designated as the lead agent in Europe, Southwest Asia and the Gulf of Guinea, Africa and the Horn of Africa. Subordinate construction offices in Bahrain, Devesulu, Romania, Djibouti, Naples, Italy, Redzikowo, Poland, Rota, Spain, Sigonella, Italy and Souda Bay, Greece, provide facility support services to each installation throughout the area of ​​responsibility and employ approximately 1,200 military personnel, government officials, locals and contractors.