(2) Lyster baqs. Each unit is equipped with the 36-gallon water-sterilizing
bag known as a Lyster bag. These bags are issued based on one per 100 men and are
used for purifying and storing water in the unit area. These bags are used primariIy for
fiIIing individual canteens in both the unit area and at the water point.
(3) Water cans. All Army units are issued 5-gallon water cans for use by
individual sections (maintenance, food service, and so forth) to carry and store water in
the accomplishment of their tactical missions
(4)
Canteens. The 1-quart canteen is a basic item of issue to all soldiers.
1-21. INSPECTION OF WATER POINTS AND FACILITIES
Although the production of potable water is a QM responsibiIity, the AMEDD is
responsible for inspecting water points and faciIities and for making recommendations
concerning the sanitary quality of the water.
a. Garrison Water Treatment Facilities. Inspection of garrison water
treatment facilities is made by personnel of the Preventive Medicine Activity of the
installation medical department activity (MEDDAC) or of the preventive medicine service
of the Army medical center furnishing medical support. The essential criterion used for
evaluating the water supply is the coliform bacteria count in water samples collected
during the inspection. Samples are submitted with DO Form 686,
Fluoride/Bacteriological Examination of water (see figure 1-23), to the supporting
medical or clinical laboratory for bacteriological examination. The completed report is
then returned to the activity conducting the inspection. Additional samples are collected
and analyzed during the month. The actual number of samples depends upon the size
of the installation (see Lesson 3). In addition to collecting bacteriological samples,
inspecting personnel usually furnish the installation engineer with a report of the findings
of the inspection using a locally devised inspection checklist.
b. Field Water Points. Inspection of field water points is made by personnel of
a preventive medicine detachment or other medical unit having responsibiIity for
medical support in the area where the water point is located. As in the case of garrison
treatment faciIities, the basic criterion in evaluating a water point in the field is the
potabiIity of the water. Because faciIities for conducting a bacteriological test are not
always available, potabiIity is based upon determination of the residual chlorine in the
treated water. In addition to testing the water for residual chlorine, the inspector should
observe the operation of the water point equipment and overall cleanliness of the area.
Particular attention should be given to possible sources of gross contamination, such as
latrines located too close to the water supply source, dead animals, and washing of
vehicles or laundry upstream from the source. The inspection should also include a
check of safety hazards, including electrical grounds and connections, handling and
storage of gasoline, and storage of chemicals. All chemicals should be stored
separately. Calcium hypochlorite and activated carbon are particularly hazardous in
that, when mixed in the proper proportions, they cause a violent explosion. The results
of the inspection are submitted to the commander of the engineer unit operating the
water point on DA Form 1715-R, Water Point Inspection Report (see figure 1-24). Many
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