(3) Supervising the disinfect ion of water in the unit area and instructing
soldiers, as needed, in individual water purification methods.
f. Individuals.
(1) Water discipline. Whether in the field or in the garrison, each soldier is
responsible for observing the rules of water discipline. These rules are:
(a)
Drink potable water only.
(b)
Prevent the waste of potable water.
(c) Protect water sources by using good sanitary practices. It is
emphasized that water discipline does not imply doing without water. It means using
water wisely and not wasting it.
(2). Water purification. Every individual must also be able to produce his
own supply of potable water utilizing individual water disinfect ion techniques (see
para 2-13).
1-4.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
a. Fixed Installations. Water requirements for fixed military installations vary
widely depending upon the size of the installation and the activities conducted.
Installations having industrial operations will require more water than those that have
primarily training activities. Large installations will have greater water requirements than
smaller installations, but the variation is generally greater at smaller installations. Per
capita consumption under garrison (fixed installation) conditions varies from a minimum
of about 40 gallons per person per day to a maximum of about 400. The average
consumption at most installations is from 130 to 180 gallons per person per day.
b. Field Operations. The quantity of water required for troops in combat or
under field conditions varies with the season of the year, the geographical area, and the
tactical situation. Dehydration may be a problem in both extremely hot and extremely
cold climates. In extremely hot climates, large quantities of potable water are required
to replace body fluid losses. In extremely cold climates, body fluid losses are not as
great as in hot climates; however, because perspiration evaporates very rapidly in cold
air and because it is absorbed by heavy clothing, the individual is not aware of his fluid
loss. Additional amounts of water are also required for maintenance of personal
hygiene and food preparation. For planning purposes Table 1-1 shows the daily water
consumption table requirements per person at company level, under various climatic
conditions. Water requirements are essential for drinking, personal hygiene, and field
feeding. Because there is a 10 percent loss of water through evaporation and waste,
the total amount of water requested is increased by 10 percent to make up for this
deficit. Therefore, in a temperate zone, the total daily water requirement per person is
3.9 gallons and this amount would be requested. In addition, international minimum
potable field water standards must be met when our soldiers participate in mutual NATO
(Standardization Agreement or STANAG) and Quadripartite (Quadripartite
Standardization Agreement or QSTAG) force logistical operations in combat zones or in
MD0160
1-5