(2)
Do not waste purified water.
(3)
Do not contaminate or pollute water sources.
b. Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers, under the supervision and
direction of the command or installation engineer (DFAE), is responsible for locating and
developing water sources. In fixed installations, this responsibility includes pumping
from the source, treatment, storage, and distribution through the plumbing systems of
buildings.
c. Quartermaster. The Quartermaster is tasked with treating the water as
necessary to render it potable, storing it in sanitary facilities, and distributing it to the
consumers. In the field, distribution normally terminates with the establishment of water
points, where the water is stored for consumers to pick up in their own vehicles and
containers.
d. Army Medical Department. The AMEDD personnel, under the supervision
and direction of the command or installation director of health services (DHS), are
responsible for the surveillance of water supply operations to ensure that all water
supplies are safe. Surveillance includes the inspection of water sources, water points,
and facilities in addition to the conduct of bacteriological, chemical, and radiological
tests of treated water. The DHS also makes recommendations and offers advice to
both the commander and the engineer/quarter master on all health aspects of water
supply.
e. Individual Units. Logistics elements of major units allocate resources,
establish distribution schedules and control at water points, and procure additional
resources (vehicles, containers, and labor) for their subordinate units. Individual units
and soldiers must know the proper procedures for individual and small-unit water
purification in the event they must use water from an unapproved source (see
Lesson 4).
5-3.
DEFINITIONS
In order to properly understand the water purification process, the student should
have an understanding of the terminology used in discussing water supply and
treatment. The following terms will be used repeatedly throughout this lesson:
a. Potable Water. Potable water is water that is safe for human consumption.
To be safe, it must be free of all pathogenic organisms and toxic compounds.
b. Palatable Water. Palatable water is water that is aesthetically pleasing to the
taste; however, it may be contaminated.
MD0008
5-3