East Waterline Transfer frequently asked questions as of Nov. 1

  • Published
  • By 28th Bomb Wing
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  1. Why has the Air Force been operating a water line?
Between 1996 and 2000, the Air Force constructed a waterline to provide an alternative source of drinking water to individual property owners whose wells were affected by groundwater contamination extending to the east from Ellsworth AFB. The contamination was from trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent widely used as a cleaner and de-greaser in aircraft and vehicle maintenance. It was common practice of military and civilian users to dispose of used solvents by burial or dumping until the 1970s.

2. Why is Ellsworth transferring the water line to Box Elder?
Two reasons. First, Ellsworth's mission is to provide air power for our national defense. We are doing that in many parts of the world and need to focus on that mission. The role of cities, on the other hand, is to provide services for the public. Secondly, in 2000 we signed an agreement to transfer the water line to Box Elder and provided funds toward the construction of Box Elder's current water tower. Box Elder's lack of sufficient water supply prevented earlier transfer. With the recent acquisition of two existing wells and the drilling of another, they now have the capability to supply the waterline. We are simply executing our previous agreement.

3. Will Box Elder now own the water line?
Not immediately. The licensing agreement recently signed transfers the operation and maintenance of the waterline to Box Elder beginning January 1, 2007. Ellsworth will still own the line for a while. The legal process of transferring ownership of the water line, associated easements, etc. will take some time. Maybe a couple of years.

4. Do I get "free" water or will I have to pay?
It depends on the water user agreement (the Memorandum of Agreement, or MOA) for your property. It will specifically say if the Air Force will "provide water to the Owners free of charge" or if the landowner will pay for the water. As a general rule, those properties with existing wells at the time the agreements were signed will get a certain quantity of "free" water. Owners of newer residences will pay for all the water they use. Those getting "free" water will have their water bill paid by the Air Force, up to the annual quantity contained in their agreement. They will have to pay for any water usage in excess of that quantity.

5. How long will Ellsworth provide water?
We do not know at this time. Ellsworth is obligated to provide an alternate source of water as long as contamination levels above drinking water standards exist. The decision to discontinue water service will be made only after sufficient sampling results, careful consideration, and South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (SDDENR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concurrence will support it. It will be a very deliberate multi-year process that, once it begins, will be discussed at our regular Restoration Advisory Board meetings.

6. How much will water cost?
The Air Force and landowners will pay the same rate Box Elder charges other water customers located outside the city limits. In mid-November you will be receiving a new account package from the City of Box Elder which includes conditions of service and the water rate schedule. In mid-December, you will receive a sample water bill of a previous month's use. If you do not receive this information please contact either Box Elder at 923-1404 or Ellsworth AFB Public Affairs office at 385-5056.

7. Will I notice a difference in water pressure?
Most landowners probably will. Currently the pressure varies greatly within the system because of the large difference in elevation from the northwest corner to the southeast corner. The Box Elder water tower is lower than the Ellsworth water tower and, therefore the pressure will be lower. The Box Elder water tower was designed to meet the pressure requirements for a public water system for the properties covered by the Memorandums of Agreement. Homeowners with lower pressure than they would like always have the option of adding a pressure booster or pressure system as they would with any city or rural water system or private well.

8. I've heard that Box Elder water tastes bad?
The water will probably taste different to most people. Taste is subjective and personal preference. Some may prefer the taste of Ellsworth water, which comes from Rapid City, while others may prefer Box Elder water. However, both Ellsworth and Box Elder water must meet South Dakota and US Environmental Protection Agency water quality requirements for safe drinking water.

9. I've heard that Box Elder water is hot?
Box Elder does have some high temperature water on the south side of town. However, this water line will be connected to the Box Elder water tower east of Ellsworth AFB, which will be supplied by a nearby well. During times of heavy use, some water will be pumped from south Box Elder, but the distance will provide significant cooling. In addition, Box Elder is changing the operation of the water tower to provide better mixing, and therefore cooler water, during those times. Most likely, residents will simply notice the water is not as cold as EAFB water.

10. My land is not served by the water system. Can I now purchase water?
The agreement allows Box Elder to add new customers to the waterline as long as they can meet the demand of current and future Ellsworth connections covered by Memorandums of Agreement, as well as new customer connections. Even though they have added significant water capacity, Box Elder intends to be cautious about overextending their water supply.

11. Can I request more hookups than allowed by my water agreement?
The agreement does allow Box Elder to add additional hookups. In general, it requires Box Elder and the water mains be capable of supplying the additional demand, and that the Air Force approve the additional connections and modify the landowners MOA in writing.

12. Will the state and EPA continue to be involved in making sure the cleanup is finished?
The transfer of the waterline operation does not change the state and EPA involvement in the cleanup process. They will continue to be actively involved in regulatory oversight of our cleanup activities through weekly conference calls, project manager meetings, and the regular public Restoration Advisory Board meetings.

13. What about residents on the southwest side of the base - will that waterline be transferred?
Currently, there is no plan to transfer the southwest waterline in the near future because the area is too high in relation to nearby Box Elder waterlines. As Box Elder continues to grow and develop, it is reasonable to expect it will happen someday.

14. Can I use my well to water my tree line and garden?
It depends on your Memorandum of Agreement. Some agreements allow use of wells and some prohibit use of wells or the drilling of new wells, a decision that was primarily based on the location of the well relative to the contamination. The Air Force may consider changes to MOAs based on historical changes in the contamination plume, potential impacts of the well on the movement of contaminated water, and state and EPA approval - but only if pumping will not adversely affect movement or cleanup of the plume or the cleanup effort.

15. Who do we call if there are questions (water service, agreements, modifications, etc.)?
It depends. The individual Memorandums of Agreement are still between the Air Force and the landowners. Questions concerning the agreements and modifications to them should be directed to the Ellsworth AFB Public Affairs office at 385-5056. Questions concerning the waterline, water service, or water bills should be directed to the Box Elder Water Department at 923-1404.

16. To whom and how do I pay my bill?
Every user will get a water bill monthly. The bill for those getting free water will show that the Air Force is paying the bill. Those paying for their own water will pay the City of Box Elder directly by mail or at the address shown on the water bill. Landowners whose use exceeds their annual quantity of free water will be billed by and will pay the City of Box Elder.

17. I think I have a leak/problem with my waterline now. Who do I call?
Again, check your individual MOA. As a rule, maintenance of the main is the responsibility of Ellsworth AFB. If you have any problems or questions, you may call Ellsworth AFB Public Affairs between now and the end of the year. Beginning January 1, 2007, Box Elder will be responsible for maintenance of the water main and your water service up to and including the curb stop. Responsibility for maintenance of the service line from the curb stop to the point of use will remain that of the landowner. You may call the plumbing contractor of your choice.

18. I've installed a sprinkler system for my lawn. Is there enough pressure?
Can I add a pressure system? It depends. Some areas will have high pressure while others will be too low for a sprinkler system. It is not unusual, even in cities, to install a pressure booster for lawn irrigation. You have the option of adding a pressure system that meets current state plumbing codes.

19. Who will sample the water system to make sure it is safe?
Once Box Elder assumes operation of the system, they will be responsible for monthly and yearly sampling required for public water systems.

20. How will the Air Force assist both residents and Box Elder during the change over?
Ellsworth is committed to meeting its obligation to both the landowners and the City of Box Elder as specified in the various agreements. If some questions remain unanswered, we can be contacted by calling the Public Affairs office at 385-5056. In addition, we will be meeting with Box Elder regularly to prepare for the orderly transition of operation on January 1, 2007.