2-3.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WATER SUPPLY
a. Commander. The unit commander is responsible for providing adequate
amounts of potable water for his troops. He must enforce the rules of water discipline
(para d below) and ensure that each individual thoroughly understands the danger of
drinking contaminated water. When treated water is not obtainable, the commander
must ensure that proper water treatment methods are used in his unit. The unit field
sanitation team assists the commander in carrying out these responsibilities.
b. Army Quartermaster Corps. The Quartermaster Corps has the mission of
procuring, treating, and distributing water. In the field, quartermaster units normally
operate mobile water purification units near available sources of water. These areas
become "water points." Water points are treatment and storage facilities from which
troop units obtain potable water. The water can be transported using water trailers
belonging to the unit, water cans, or other approved water containers.
c. Army Medical Department. Army Medical Department personnel
recommend standards for water quality, conduct bacteriological and chemical
examinations of water, and advise commanders and quartermaster personnel on
purification methods. They also inspect water supply systems and water points and,
after appropriate laboratory and field examination, approve or disapprove the water
supply for consumption.
d. Individuals. Whether in the field or in garrison, each soldier is responsible
for observing the rules of good water discipline. Three important rules are:
(1) Drink only from approved water sources--untreated water usually is
contaminated.
(2)
Conserve water--do not waste it.
(3)
Do not contaminate or pollute water sources.
e. Safety of the Source. Water from any source, except a public supply system
approved by the Army Medical Department, is presumed to be contaminated. Water
from unapproved sources, therefore, must be properly treated before it can be used.
2-4.
STORAGE OF POTABLE WATER
a. Quartermaster Water Treatment. Water supplied to troops at water points
has been treated by mobile water purification equipment. This type of equipment
produces potable water of high quality using the processes of sedimentation, filtration,
and disinfection by chlorination. The finished water is stored in suitable containers,
usually collapsible fabric storage tanks such as shown in figure 2-1, and provided with
pumps and hoses for filling unit water storage containers.
MD0535
2-4