Innovative partnership wins water quality award

Fort Campbell, Kentucky, home of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, has been honored with the Water Fluoridation Quality Award by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recognition bestowed on Fort Campbell is particularly interesting because the Fort Campbell water utility is one of the Army's first successful efforts to privatize its water and wastewater systems. In 2003, the Army entered into a 50-year partnership where CH2M Hill owns and operates...

Nov. 8, 2007

2 min read

DENVER, Nov. 6, 2007 -- Fort Campbell, Kentucky, home of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, has been honored with the Water Fluoridation Quality Award by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The recognition bestowed on Fort Campbell is particularly interesting because the Fort Campbell water utility is one of the Army's first successful efforts to privatize its water and wastewater systems. In 2003, the Army entered into a 50-year partnership where CH2M Hill, a global full-service engineering, construction and operations firm, owns and operates the Fort Campbell water and wastewater systems.

Several years ago the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) determined that privatization through sale of its utility systems was a way to accomplish three objectives: 1) infuse private sector capital to modernize the utility infrastructure, 2) lower costs as a result of greater efficiency, and 3) enable the military services to focus on core responsibilities. Through a careful procurement process, the Army selected CH2M Hill as the Best Value Offeror. The successful partnership is in its fifth year.

"Being recognized by the CDC for our achievements in providing safe, high-quality water to the men and women dedicated to protecting our country is a great honor and further proof that creating this innovative partnership was a prudent decision," says CH2M Hill Vice President and Program Manager, Jeff Sorenson.

The water treated at Fort Campbell meets or exceeds all federal regulations for quality. Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the public water supply to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. The CDC award acknowledges communities which have maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water for the calendar year.

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) Program is administered by the Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Headquartered in Denver, Colo., employee-owned CH2M Hill is a global leader in engineering, construction and operations for public and private clients. The firm's work is concentrated in the areas of transportation, water, energy, environment and industrial facilities.

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