CLOSE-OUT REPORT

WATER USE

 

February 24, 2000

Environmental Exposure Close-Out Reports present findings and conclusions reached to-date on investigations involving potential exposures of US military and civilian personnel to environmental contaminants that may cause adverse health effects. The Office of the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Gulf War Illnesses began this investigation of water use during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in response to congressional inquiries and reports by veterans of adverse health effects from contact with water. The investigation included extensive research into water sources, treatment, storage, and distribution, as well as water use plans and policies.

The Presidential Special Oversight Board requested that we provide a summary of this investigation, which we did at a public hearing on September 16, 1999. Based on its review of this material, the Board concluded that the information obtained to date did not support a cause-and-effect relationship. The emerging results and anticipated outcomes from continued investigation are not likely to improve our understanding of any of the unexplained illnesses. Consequently, the Presidential Special Oversight Board recommended terminating further investigation. In addition, to bring the investigation to closure, the Board requested that we complete a close-out report to present the data, documentary evidence, and findings compiled during the course of the investigation. The close-out report that follows complies with the Board’s direction, but if you believe you have additional information related to water use, please contact my office by calling:

1-800-497-6261

Bernard Rostker
Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses
Department of Defense

2000028-0000018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.     BACKGROUND

II.    OVERVIEW

III.   INVESTIGATION

IV.   SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS

A.  Water-Borne Diseases and Contaminants
B.  Water Quality Monitoring
C.  Water Use Plans Were Successful
D.  Water Supplies
E.  Chlorinated Water

V.    WATER EQUIPMENT, DISTRIBUTION, AND USE POLICY CONCERNS

A.  Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units (ROWPUs)
B.  Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricant Tankers Transporting Water
C.  Inability to Perform Timely Field Tests
D.  Many Field Sanitation Teams Not Trained in Water Purification

VI.   LESSONS LEARNED

A.  Logistics
B.  Tri-Service Field Water Quality Standards
C.  Sources
D.  Ice
E.  Equipment Improvements
F.  Water Testing and Treatment

ff

VII.   DISCUSSION

TAB A - Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Glossary

TAB B - Bibliography

END NOTES


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