Figure 2-1. 3,000-gallon collapsible fabric water tank on raised platform.
b. Transporting Potable Water. When unit personnel obtain potable water
from the designated water point, care must be taken to ensure that this treated water
does not become recontaminated while hauling it to the unit area. Water trailers, tank
trucks, and water cans used to transport water must be clean upon arrival at the water
point. To the maximum extent possible, they should only be used for hauling potable
water. Containers used to haul nonpotable water must be cleaned and then disinfected
with a 100-ppm (parts per million) chlorine solution before being used to transport
potable water. New trailers, tank trucks, and water cans are to be disinfected prior to
initial use. The disinfecting solution can be prepared by adding one ampule of calcium
hypochlorite to one gallon of water or adding two ounces (five level mess kit spoonfuls)
of bulk calcium hypochlorite to 100 gallons of water. The interior surfaces of trailers,
tanks, and cans must be properly maintained. They should be inspected periodically for
rust and chips in interior enamel, tightness of seals and seams, and cleanliness.
c. Lyster Bags. In the unit area, the "Lyster" bag may be used to store and
dispense the treated water to troops. Water is transferred from the water tank or trailer
into these 36-gallon canvas containers. Lyster bags are issued to units on the basis of
one bag per 100 men. The bags are made of porous canvas that permits seepage of
water and cooling by evaporation. The bags are set up as illustrated in figure 2-2 before
they are filled with water. The weight of the water in these bags may cause the
supporting ropes to stretch, thus causing a gap between the cover and the bag. Should
this occur, the ropes should be adjusted so that the cover will again fit snugly around
the upper part of the bag and thus prevent contamination of the water by dust and
insects. The bags should be inspected frequently for cleanliness. If they are dirty, they
should be scrubbed, treated with a strong solution of chlorine (one ampule of calcium
hypochlorite to one gallon of water), and rinsed several times with potable water.
MD0535
2-5