CHAPTER 2
WATER SUPPORT PLANNING AND OPERATIONS
Section I
Planning Considerations
WATER SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS
Water is a critical support item for the soldier. The water support mission is to get water to individual fighting positions. Each service (Air Force, Marines, and Navy) provides water support to its force. When other services exceed their capabilities, the Army provides backup water support. The supported service must then provide Army planners with detailed water requirements. When the Army is not the main service, that service determined by the joint commander to be the main service provides such support.
Water supply is provided on an area basis by QM CSS units using supply point distribution. (See exceptions to light infantry divisions, paragraph 2-5.) CSS units will maintain and operate a potable-only water supply system. Although not all water required in a TO has to be potable, a potable-only system minimizes health hazards and is more efficient. An exception to this is a water point OIC may commit collapsible tanks to raw water storage. This allows water points to continue water supply operations when faced with decreased well production, water source limits imposed by the host nation, and to meet peak demand requirements.
Water storage policy depends on the environmental region. Where water sources can support water purification operations, supported units need only maintain water in organic water containers and optional equipment from the CTAs. For a normal unit, this means maintaining enough water to get through today's operations. Under these conditions, units must resupply water daily, Tactical units and their applicable divisional supply and nondivisional water supply units will not normally be augmented with additional water purification, storage, or distribution equipment. Readily available water sources (wells, lakes, and rivers) will be considered as sources of raw water that can be purified on demand.
In arid regions, water sources are nonexistent or extremely limited. Commanders will make use of all organic water storage and distribution equipment and must draw and use all CTA water equipment. In arid regions, combat brigades, divisions, and hospitals will be assigned additional water storage and distribution equipment. This will ensure that one DOS is maintained in each echelon level. GS storage and distribution systems are provided to maintain the required supply levels.
There is no formal supply accountability for water. In regions with an extreme environment, the commander may use water management procedures to conserve and prioritize water supplies (Chapter 5).
Allied forces are responsible for their own water support systems. However, if they exceed their capabilities, the joint commander may direct the Army to provide backup water support.
The key to a successful water support mission is innovative and flexible planning. Forces are structured so that there is enough water production and distribution to meet requirements. The buildup of theater forces must be scheduled so that water support and preventive medicine units arrive on time to ensure adequate and continuous water support.
The staff logistics officer at each level must include water supply guidance in logistics support plans (Appendix A). Some specific areas that are critical to any water support plan are as follows:
- Development of detailed inland distribution plans that itemize units by UIC and their anticipated grid square of operations.
- Recognition of specific water support requirements for the other services, allied forces, or host nation labor forces.
- Recognition of applicable STANAG.
- Recognition and development of OPROJ stocks that support specific operational plans. This is critical in arid regions where a great deal of GS water equipment will be required. The OPROJ is linked to the detail inland distribution plan at the UIC level and to any theater equipment pre-positioning initiatives.
- Full development of a force that supports the required water purification, storage (to include DOS), and distribution mission of the theater.
All levels of command must be concerned with water quality. Preventive medicine personnel approve water supplies and provide routine surveillance to ensure that water quality meets appropriate standards. Water purification equipment operators analyze both untreated and treated water to ensure purification equipment is operating properly. They ensure that the treated water meets applicable standards. Unit sanitation teams must ensure that water supplies are maintained according to health standards.
HOST NATION CONSIDERATIONS
Whenever possible, use host nation water sources, facilities, and equipment. However, in both developed and undeveloped theaters, water planners must be aware of the following.
Article 54 of the Geneva Convention
This article "prohibits attacking, destroying, or rendering useless drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works. In no event shall actions against these objects be taken which may be expected to leave the civilian population with such inadequate food or water as to cause its starvation or force its movements."
Labor Force Personnel
The host nation must provide for the needs of its labor forces unless otherwise provided in HNS agreements. In the absence of an agreement, US forces may have to assume some responsibility for the care of labor forces.
Refugees
Article 55 of the Geneva Convention states that the host country, as the territorial sovereign, is responsible for refugees on its territory. In the event its resources are strained by an influx of refugees, the host country may request assistance from US forces. US forces would have a legal responsibility to provide refugee care where they have occupied enemy territory and have established a military government. This would include providing food supplies and water to the population, if the resources of the occupied territory were inadequate.
EPWs
Article 26 of the Geneva Convention requires the US to provide humane treatment to POWs in its custody. This includes providing sufficient daily food rations and enough drinking water. Army military police have organic water trailers and will pick up water for EPWs from the QM supply company providing area support.
HNS in Arid Regions
Planners should assume no host nation water is available in arid regions. Minimal water sources and poor water quality will limit any operation that depends on HNS. In the early days of deployment, host nation processed or bottled water maybe used if certified as potable by preventive medicine personnel.
Use of host nation municipal or private fixed facilities is dependent on the above stipulations and local policies as directed by the theater commander.
WATER FORCE STRUCTURE PLANNING
The proper force structuring of water support and the time-phased deployment of units in that structure is an iterative process. It is done by organizational integrators who consider the operational scenario, strategic lift availability (sorties), and pre-positioned supplies and equipment.
The process normally begins with the identification of the force size and planned troop deployment rate. Time-phased water requirements are then estimated, using consumption planning factors (Chapter 3). Units are then selected and scheduled for deployment so that purification, storage, and distribution capabilities are consistent with requirements.
Early deployment of CSS water units can be expected in arid regions. This is necessary because of the increased consumption requirements, limited availability of aircraft for aerial resupply, and the need for centralized production. Centralized production will be near the shore or offshore; tank trucks for distribution will be required early on. The purification teams and detachments needed to operate barges and other high-capacity ROWPU equipment, as well as water supply companies that operate potable water storage and distribution systems, will appear early in most TPFDL.
Since the capability of Army divisions and other services to produce their own requirements will be difficult to predict, logistics planners must provide a force structure adequate to purify, store, and distribute the daily requirement for the force. Logistics planners should develop contingency plans with host nations for identifying and determining the availability of water resources for use by US forces. Existing HNS communication channels should be used to determine the ability of the host nation to assist in meeting water requirements.
Section II
Water Support Operations and Supply
Water support management, equipment, and operations vary from one organizational level to another. Responsibilities, procedures, and operations at the unit, brigade, corps, division, and theater levels are discussed in more detail below.
Unit
During initial deployment and in emergency situations, airlift of 55-gallon and 250-gallon fabric drums and the FAWPSS will be the primary means of resupply of water to units in forward operating bases. As BSAs are established and ground LOC are developed, units pick up water at brigade water points using organic 400-gallon trailers, 160-gallon pillow tanks, 250-gallon fabric drums, and FAWPSS. Commanders must emphasize water conservation and increased consumption by individuals to minimize heat casualties. In arid regions, the routine mechanical cooling of drinking water will be done using the small mobile water chillers issued prior to deployment. As the theater matures and ground LOC operate effectively, units will be able to provide necessary cooking, hygiene, and morale functions.
Brigade
The brigade sets procedures and allocations for subordinate units. Water support for the brigade will come from the division S&T battalion or MSB. They are equipped with 600-GPH ROWPUs. They will be augmented with bulk storage and distribution systems in arid regions. They will produce potable water to meet essential requirements when local surface water sources are available in the BSA. Normally, in arid regions this will not be possible. Bulk storage tanks will have to be replenished, depending on terrain and tactical situation, by the SMFTs of medium truck companies in the division and corps. In some situations, water may have to be supplied by air. Sufficient storage capability is to maintain one DOS for the brigade. In arid zones, this is done by augmentation with a 40,000-gallon storage and distribution system. Water supply point operations will be coordinated by the FSB or the FASCO. Water quality will be monitored by water equipment operators and by personnel from the division surgeon's office. During the development of the BSA, a capability must exist for aerial (helicopter) resupply of water to subordinate units not having ground LOC.
Division
The DMMC or the S&T battalion in the LID provides centralized water resources management. In addition to control measures taken at unit and brigade level, the DMMC assumes management responsibility for division area water sources detection, purification, storage, distribution, and cooling. The DMMC will assign priorities for distribution of water resources in the division and to nondivisional elements located in divisional boundaries. Units in the division rear will pick up water from supply points located in the same area. These supply points will be operated by MSB or S&T battalion water sections and will have storage capacity for one DOS for the division. Water for purification will come from surface water or well sites. If new wells are needed, corps engineer drilling support will be required. Limited distribution to dry water points in the division or BSAs is made using organic SMFTs.
Corps
The COSCOM MMC manages water resources in the corps. If the corps is part of a joint task force, the MMC coordinates the Army water responsibilities. Other services normally provide their own water support. In arid regions, the Army may have to provide water purification and limited transportation support to other services or al lies. The MMC will receive requirements from other services and incorporate them into overall priorities following guidance from the joint task force, corps, and COSCOM commanders. The corps force structure for water support is not fixed. It is based on the supported force size, the mission, and the water sources in the AO.
Theater
The TA DCSLOG develops the water distribution plan for the theater and supervises the TA commander's priorities and allocation procedures. The Army will provide GS, as required, to other services in the theater. The TA MMC monitors water priorities and allocation procedures and provides the TA commander with supply data information. GS will be provided by water supply companies. DS in the COMMZ will be provided on an area basis by water elements of TAACOM S&S battalions. These elements will draw and purify water from available sources and establish water supply points in DS of units in the COMMZ. Water is provided on an as-required basis by supply point distribution.
DIRECT SUPPORT WATER SUPPLY
The force structure for water support in a TO divides water support into DS and GS levels. DS capabilities are sufficient to meet requirements in temperate, tropical, and arctic regions. However, in arid regions where sufficient water sources are not available, GS water systems are established. DS is provided to both nondivisional and divisional units as described below.
Nondivisional water support is provided on an area basis by corps and EAC Quartermaster supply companies (see Figure 2-1) operating ROWPUs. (These companies will retain their erdlators until they are replaced by 3,000-GPH ROWPUs.) The organic water supply section of the company provides water purification and storage at water supply points using approved water sources. By using the SMFT, the section can deliver water to major users unable to support themselves. In addition, the SMFTs may be used to establish dry water point distribution sites. The nondivisional DS water section of the QM supply company has four 3,000-GPH ROWPUs, forty 3,000-gallon onion tanks (120,000 gallons), four 3,000 gallon SMFTs (12,000 gallons), and four FAWPSSs (12,000 gallons). With this equipment, it can establish four water purification points that can each produce 60,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water or 40,000 GPD of potable water from salt water. It can produce a total of 240,000 GPD using a fresh water source and 160,000 GPD using salt water. In addition, each water point can store 30,000 gallons of potable water using the ten 3,000-gallon onion tanks that are organic to each ROWPU. This gives the water section the capability of storing 120,000 gallons of potable water. The water section can distribute water to users using the user's organic equipment (for example, 400-gallon water trailers) or CTA equipment (for example, 260-gallon collapsible drums). It can also distribute water to major consumers that have no organic transportation assets by using the 3,000-gallon SMFT. The FAWPSS permits limited aerial or ground resupply to isolated units. The system provides a potable water delivery and storage system for units in a remote area. It consists of six 500-gallon collapsible fabric water drums, a 125-GPM water pump, connecting hose assemblies, and nozzles. The system can be delivered by helicopter sling load, airdrop, LAPE, or cargo trucks. The expected use of the six 500-gallon drums is for two to be in use distributing water to the soldiers, two being filled at the water point, and two being transported from the water point to the distribution site, usually an isolated unit.
Divisional
Divisional water support is provided by the MSB S&S company. Water purification points are setup at water sources in each BSA and at up to two points in the DSA. Depending on METT-T factors, division and brigade Class I distribution points may be colocated with the water points. Where surface water is not available, a dry water point distribution system may be setup and supported by the units organic SMFTs. The organization for divisional water support within heavy, airborne, air assault, and infantry (light) divisions; the armored calvary regiment; and separate brigade is described in more detail below.
Heavy divisions. Figure 2-2 depicts the organization for water support in the S&S company of heavy divisions (TOE 42007L). The water section in armored, infantry, and mechanized divisions has ten 600-GPH ROWPUs, thirty 3,000-gallon onion tanks (90,000 gallons), two 3,000-gallon SMFTs (6,000 gallons), and three FAWPSSs (9,000 gallons). With this equipment, the section can establish one water purification site in each BSA and two sites in the DSA. Each water point will have two 600-GPH ROWPUs. They can produce 24,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water and 16,000 GPD from salt water. This gives the division a total production of 120,000 GPD from fresh water or 80,000 GPD from salt water. Each water point can store 6,000 gallons of potable water in two of the onion tanks and use the third for backwashing and waste removal operations. This gives the division a total storage of 60,000 gallons of potable water. As in the nondivisional QM water supply units, the FAWPSS is used for resupply to isolated units. The SMFTs are used to establish dry water point distribution sites in BSAs and DSAs that do not have a water source.
Airborne divisions. Figure 2-3 depicts the organization for water support in the headquarters and supply company (S&T battalion) of airborne divisions (TOE 42056L). The water section in airborne divisions has eight 600-GPH ROWPUs (96,000/64,000 GPD), twenty-four 3,000-gallon onion tanks, two 3,000-gallon SMFTs (6,000 gallons), and three FAWPSSs (9,000 gallons). With this equipment, the water section can establish one water purification site in each BSA and one in the DSA. It can also establish several dry water points using the SMFTs and resupply isolated units with the assigned FAWPSSs. The division's daily total is 96,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water and 64,000 GPD from salt water. The division can store 48,000 gallons of potable water. (Eight of the 24 onion tanks are used for brine and backwashing operations.)
Air assault divisions. Figure 2-4 depicts the organization for water support in the headquarters and supply company (S&T battalion) of air assault divisions (TOE 42066L). The water section of the air assault division has eight 600-GPH ROWPUs (96,000/64,000 GPD), twenty-four 3,000-gallon onion tanks, and three FAWPSSs (9,000 gallons). With this equipment, the division can conduct the same operations as the airborne division with the exception of those involving the SMFT. The SMFT has been dropped from the division's TOE due to airlift requirements and reduced mobility. Therefore, the water section cannot deliver large quantities of water to consumers. Additionally, only the FAWPSS can be used as dry water point distribution centers. This gives the division 96,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water and 64,000 GPD from salt water. It can store 48,000 gallons of potable water. (Eight of the 24 onion tanks are used for brine and backwashing operations.)
Infantry division (light). Figure 2-5 depicts the organization for water support in the headquarters and supply company (S&T battalion) of light infantry divisions (TOE 42026L). The water section of a light infantry division has six 600-GPH ROWPUs (72,000/48,000 GPD), eighteen 3,000-gallon onion tanks, three 3,000-gallon SMFTs (9,000 gallons), and five FAWPSSs (15,000 gallons). With this equipment, it can establish three water purification points in the BSA. Rear area units must go to a BSA water point or to a corps operated water point for water support. Because of the limited vehicular mobility of the LID, water distribution will be by unit distribution to light infantry battalions. Water will be moved forward from the BSA to these battalions by using five FAWPSSs and the organic ROWPU's 5-ton prime mover. Water will be transferred from the FAWPSS to 160-gallon pillow tanks located in the equipment operated by the battalion supply trains. Units must pick up supplies at battalion distribution points. The water section can produce 72,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water and 48,000 GPD from salt water. It can store 36,000 gallons of potable water. (Six of the 18 onion tanks are used for brine and backwashing operations.) While it does have SMFTs, it has no trucks to move them. It must request transportation assistance.
Armored cavalry regiment. Figure 2-6 depicts the organization for water support in the S&T troop support squadron of ACRs (TOE 42077L). The water section in the support squadron has four 600-GPH ROWPUs (48,000/32,000 GPD), twelve 3,000-gallon onion tanks, and two FAWPSSs (6,000 gallons). With this equipment, it can establish two water purification points that can produce 48,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water and 32,000 GPD from salt water. It can store 24,000 gallons when using eight onion tanks. (Four of the 12 onion tanks are used for brine and backwashing operations.)
Separate brigades. Figure 2-7 depicts the organization for water support in the S&T company, support battalion, of separate heavy brigades (TOE 42084L). The water section in a separate brigade has four 600-GPH ROWPUs (48,000/32,000-GPD), twelve 3,000-gallon onion tanks, two 3,000-gallon SMFTs (6,000 gallons), and two FAWPSSs (6,000 gallons). With this equipment, it can establish two water purification points that can produce 48,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water and 32,000 GPD from salt water. It can store 24,000 gallons of potable water using the onion tanks. (Four of the 12 onion tanks are used for brine and backwashing operations.) The SMFTs can be used to resupply consumers with no organic transportation and as dry water points. The FAWPSSs can be used to resupply isolated units by air or ground.
In some cases, such as for desert operations, there may be only one water source for the division. It may not be in the DSA. Therefore, its destruction or disruption by threat forces could directly affect operations. This would require the establishment of a GS water supply system. In such a situation, the water supply sections in DSUs will be assigned additional resources (arid operations teams) to operate water storage and distribution systems. These teams can consist of a 300,000-gallon PWS/DS, 40,000-gallon PWS/DSs, and one to eight FAWPSS sets. Purified water will be delivered (by SMFTs) to DSUs from GSUs located in corps and EAC. See Table 2-1 for a listing of equipment and personnel, by TOE, for arid operations teams.
GENERAL SUPPORT WATER SUPPLY
In arid zones where DS water units cannot provide enough water, GSUs provide this capability. Purified water enters the water distribution system from onshore or offshore purification points. Water is stored in collapsible fabric tanks at a base terminal storage facility. It is distributed to other terminals in the TA and forward to the corps area by TWDS. Terminals also provide water support for units nearby on a supply point basis. The petroleum group in the COMMZ and the COSCOM in the corps provide command and control of all GS water assets (see Figure 2-8). These assets include a water supply battalion, water supply companies, tactical water distribution teams, water purification teams and detachments, a water purification barge team, and transportation medium truck companies. These organizations/assets are described in more detail below.
QM HHD, Water Supply Battalion
The QM HHD of the water supply battalion (see Figure 2-9) provides command, administrative, technical, and operational supervision of two to five assigned or attached water supply companies, truck companies, water purification teams and detachments, and tactical water distribution teams. The number of teams and detachments will be determined by the tactical situation. The HHD, normally located in the TA, depends on other units for support. Some operations may require elements of the battalion to function in the divisional DS area as well as the corps GS area. During the build up of a theater, POL supply, POL pipeline, QM S&S battalions, or other logistical HQ may provide command and control of water supply units prior to establishment of a water supply battalion.
Water Supply Companies
Water supply companies (see Figure 2-10) operate bulk storage and distribution facilities for GS water operations. Each company has two 800,000-gallon PWS/DS with two organic TWDS each. Each TWDS comes with 10 miles of 6-inch hose line, six 600-GPM water pumps, two 20,000-gallon collapsible tanks, and two hypochlorinators. A company can be augmented with up to six TWDS teams, giving it 80 miles of hose line. The 800,000-gallon PWS/DS consists of sixteen 50,000-gaIlon collapsible tanks. The PWS/DSs and TWDSs can be deployed in any configuration, depending on the tactical situation and the commander's desires. The largest storage and distribution system the water supply company operates is the 1.6 million-gallon base terminal (thirty-two 50,000-gallon collapsible tanks).
QM Tactical Water Distribution (Hose Line) Teams
These teams lay, operate, and retrieve TWDS. They normally augment a water supply company to supplement its GS water distribution capability. The TWDS consists of quick-laying water hose line, pumps, and fittings. It can pump up to 600,000 GPD. The system is packaged in sections; each section contains all items of equipment needed to lay 10 miles of hose line.
Water Purification Teams and Detachments
Water purification teams and detachments augment DS water systems and produce all GS potable water in the theater. They depend on other units for basic support.
QM water purification teams. These teams (TOE 10570LC) operate the tactical 3,000-GPH ROWPU. They are deployed in the corps area to augment corps-level DS purification units. They can be grouped together to meet increased production needs, such as for large storage terminals. Each water purification team has four 3,000-GPH ROWPUs and forty 3,000-gallon onion tanks. With this equipment, it can establish four water purification points. It can produce up to 240,000 GPD from fresh water and 160,000 GPD from salt water. The team can store 120,000 gallons of potable water.
Water purification detachments. These detachments (see Figure 2-11) operate the 3,000-GPH ROWPU. They operate on any large water source and are near base terminals. However, they may be located in the division area, depending on the tactical situation. Each water purification detachment has ten 3,000-GPH ROWPUs and 100 3,000-gallon onion tanks. With this equipment, the detachment can establish five water purification points. It can produce up to 600,000 GPD of potable water from fresh water and 400,000 GPD from salt water. It can store 300,000 gallons of potable water. It cannot deliver treated water to other storage facilities in the corps area or COMMZ, but depends on medium truck companies or a TWDS to do this.
Water purification barge team. The bargemounted ROWPU system is used to purify sea water. It consists of two ROWPUs, each capable of producing 150,000 GPD of potable water from a fresh water source. The barge (an M231A offshore floating platform) is towed to an anchorage by a powered watercraft and connected to a shoreside water storage facility. It can operate at full capacity through a hose line to shore terminals from up to 2,000 feet away, at up to sea state 3. The barge is run by water purification detachments assigned to either a water supply company or a water supply battalion. These water units are part of the GS supply operations. Currently, there are three ROWPU barges with one additional barge proposed. The operational plan is to pre-position two barges at classified locations in southwest Asia. When forces deploy on contingency operations, trained teams (TOE 10570LA) will deploy to activate and operate the barges. The number of barges activated and their locations will depend on the situation and the commanders tactical plans. The barge is anchored at four points and is not self-propelled. It has sufficient on-board equipment to purify 225,000 GPD of sea water and store 15,000 gallons in its on-board, internal holding tanks. The barge has a 2,500 foot, on-board ship-to-shore hose line that is used to discharge water to on shore storage and distribution systems.
Transportation medium truck companies. Transportation medium truck companies (TOEs 55727L and 55728L) are issued SMFTs to perform the line-haul mission. This mission is required early in theater development. It is the primary means of distribution pending the emplacement of base terminals, tank farms, and TWDSs. SMFTs come in two sizes--3,000 and 4,570 gallons. (The 4,570-gallon SMFT is issued only in arid environments.) The transportation medium truck company (TOE 55727L) uses the M-872, 34-ton semitrailer to linehaul potable water in the 4,570-gallon SMFT to units in the corps and EAC. The medium truck company (TOE 55728L) uses the M-871, 22-ton semitrailer to line-haul potable water in the 3,000-gallon SMFT to division and brigade support areas from the PWS/DS in the corps support area.
Section III
Operations in Arid and Nonarid Environments
OPERATIONS IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT
TA water purification teams and detachments operate onshore and offshore ROWPUs and introduce water into the PWS/DS located on shore. Water supply companies then distribute the water forward to the corps using the TWDS. Lateral movement of water in the TA and corps areas is done using the SMFTs or the TWDS hose line. Water reaching the corps rear area PWS/DS is loaded into SMFTs of medium truck companies and moved forward into the divisional and brigade PWS/DS. No hose line is laid forward of the corps. Additionally, SMFTs are used to distribute water in the COMMZ and corps rear area to major consumers with no organic transportation. The DS divisional water sections, having no local water source, cannot produce water until engineer units drill wells. Therefore, these units are augmented with a PWS/DS. The medium truck companies use their SMFTs to deliver water from the corps rear PWS/DS into the division 300,000-gallon PWS/DS and the brigade 40,000-gallon PWS/DS. The divisional units will still have their SMFTs and FAWPSS to distribute water as required, as well as the FAWPSSs that are part of the arid augmentation packet for DSUs.
Water supply points are established as far forward as possible, considering the location of water sources, the location of consuming units, and commanders' tactical plans. The most forward point is located in the BSA. Supported units draw water from supply points using organic transportation, except for the LIB where unit distribution procedures apply.
Water support operations in an undeveloped arid theater occurs in three phases. These phases are described below.
The deployment phase may start as an airborne, airmobile, or amphibious assault or as an uncontested debarkation at a friendly port. The first elements entering the AO may be combat forces with little CSS. These forces will carry only sufficient quantities of water for immediate survival purposes. They will use canteens, 5-gallon cans, and other CTA equipment. Resupply must thus be rapid. Resupply will be by tactical aircraft. Allocations of air support must consider these water supply requirements. During this phase, prepackaged potable water will be provided primarily from offshore or nearby third country support bases. The nonexpendable equipment used for aerial resupply (such as the FAWPSS) must be continuously recovered and reused. Commanders must exploit all water sources while keeping the impact on the local population to a minimum. As a field expedient, bottled water may be purchased from local authorities, but only after prior certification by Army preventive medicine personnel.
Lodgement Phase
The arrival of follow-on forces in the AO will increase the requirements for water beyond the capability to continue resupply by air, except for the most forward-deployed or isolated units. An in-country water supply system will be established near the seashore or other major water source. CSS units will initially arrive by air with later arrivals by sea. Engineer elements will provide ground water detection and begin well drilling. GS CSS units, specially designed for arid operations, will provide large scale purification, storage, and distribution of water. Combat units entering the AO during this phase will bring 400-gallon water trailers, collapsible fabric drums, small cooling units, and other water-related material. To ease the requirements for aerial resupply of combat forces and to allow commanders to use aircraft for other priorities, DISCOMs will exploit any source of surface water in their AO using organic 600-GPH ROWPUs. To ensure that forward operating bases receive adequate water until fully operational supply routes can be established, it may be necessary to use the combined efforts of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for water delivery.
Buildup Phase
Once the lodgement area is established, expansion of the logistics base begins. Additional water units will arrive, and hose line distribution systems will be expanded. Bulk water will be introduced via LOTS and the barge-mounted ROWPU. Barge operations will include deploying and maintaining the 2,500-foot, ship-to-shore water delivery system; purifying sea water; and delivering water to a beach-based water storage system. The barge will be operated by barge-mounted ROWPU teams. The onshore water storage and distribution systems will be operated by QM water supply companies. Water can then be moved from the PWS/DS by TWDS and transportation medium truck companies equipped with SMFTs. Development of well sites and local sources will be pursued. Aerial support of isolated task forces with no ground LOC will be maintained. Stocks will be developed so that one DOS is maintained at each echelon.
OPERATIONS IN A NONARID ENVIRONMENT
There are three distinct nonarid environments or regions--temperate, tropical, and arctic. Planning considerations are discussed in detail below.
Temperate regions have seasonal variations. Some regions in winter can have near arctic conditions. Other regions in summer can have high temperatures and humidity that resemble tropical or arid environments. Water supply planners must consider any seasonal variations which may increase or decrease water requirements. Requirement factors for all environmental regions are provided in Appendix B. Seasonal variations in temperate regions can have a great impact on where water supply points are located. In spring and fall, heavy rains may flood streams and rivers. In summer, a lack of rain may reduce the size of streams and rivers to where they cannot provide sufficient flow for purification operations. These factors require water supply unit leaders to maintain close coordination with the S2 meteorology section and to conduct good aerial and ground reconnaissance for siting water supply points.
Tropical Regions
Water sources in tropical regions are often contaminated with waterborne diseases and parasites due to poor hygiene and sanitary practices by the local people. Preventive medicine units should be deployed early in the TPFDL to detect these organisms. Disinfection and filtration of raw water may be required for bath and laundry operations. As a result, water purification operations and additional water storage tanks may need to be provided to purify and disinfect the raw water. If purification equipment is unavailable, plans should provide for the use of SMFTs to supply water to these units or for collocating these units with the water supply point, In tropical regions, poor ground LOC may inhibit water distribution by truck and place greater reliance on aerial resupply. In areas with developed river networks, water may be distributed by collapsible fabric tanks or drums carried on boats or barges.
Arctic Regions
Water supply points in arctic regions must be augmented with equipment to prevent or retard freezing. Such equipment includes shelters, heaters, ice augurs, and arctic camouflage nets. Water sources in such areas will pose unusual problems. These problems include increased freezing depths of ice due to source exploitation, difficulty in driving grounding rods through frozen ground, and reduced ground mobility resulting from the spring thaw. When heaters are used to prevent equipment from freezing, equipment should be placed on timbers or pallets to ensure the snow or ice does not thaw and refreeze, thereby trapping the equipment. Precautions must be taken to prevent ROWPU equipment from freezing during movement.
Establishment of water support operations in the undeveloped nonarid theater is described below. Water support operations will be developed in phases.
The first elements entering the AO are usually combat forces with little CSS. These forces will carry only a sufficient amount of water for immediate survival purposes. They will use canteens, 5-gallon cans, and collapsible drums. Commanders must exploit all water sources while keeping the impact on the local population to a minimum. Although units may be able to meet some of their requirements, resupply must be rapid. Since resupply may be by tactical aircraft, allocations of air support must consider water supply requirements. During this phase, prepackaged potable water will be provided by offshore or nearby third country support bases. The nonexpendable collapsible fabric drums (including the FAWPSS) used for aerial resupply must be continuously recovered and reused.
Lodgement Phase
The arrival of follow-on forces in the AO will increase the requirements for water beyond the capability to continue resupply by air. DS water units will begin operations in the BSA and the DSA. ACRs and separate brigades set up their own equipment in their operating areas. Most forces in the AO will pick up water from water points using organic 400-gallon water trailers or collapsible fabric drums. However, isolated units may continue to be resupplied by FAWPSS, which may be filled in the BSA or DSA and airlifted to the unit. Limited transport to establish dry water distribution points using SMFTs may be provided.
Buildup Phase
Once the lodgement area is established, expansion of the logistics base begins. Corps units brought into the AO are supplied by nondivisional QM supply companies. As in the lodgement phase, most units will pick up water from the water supply point. Deliveries to major users, such as hospitals, would commence using the 3000-gallon SMFT.
Section IV
Unit Distribution Operations
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The critical link in water supply operations is internal unit distribution within consuming units. If this link fails, the soldier is denied adequate quantities of water. His health and combat effectiveness and the success of the mission are thus jeopardized.
Historically, each company-size unit was assigned a mess section. Each section was equipped with a 400-gallon water trailer. It was sufficient for food preparation, drinking, and personal hygiene. Traditionally, units looked to the company mess as the source of potable water for the soldiers. The mess section would pick up water from the water point, and at the same time, receive rations from the Class I distribution point. The implementation of the AFFS has changed this approach to unit water resupply operations.
With the advent of the AFFS, mess sections have been consolidated at the battalion level and have almost eliminated unit level Field Feeding at divisions, ACRs, and separate brigades. The fielding of the MKT and T Rations has increased the feeding capability for each mess team. This has increased the water requirements for mess operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mess section feeding teams, companies, and dispersed units have individual responsibilities for the use and distribution of water supplies. These responsibilities are discussed below.
The field feeding teams of the mess section must ensure that they have sufficient water to support the current ration policy of two hot meals and one MRE per day. The teams will obtain water from the water point using the organic distribution equipment assigned to them. This water will be used for food preparation, sanitation, and beverages. It will not be used for filling canteens, personnel hygiene, or other water needs. Each team's truck will make daily trips to the Class I point for resupply of rations. The truck will also haul the 400-gallon water trailer for filling at the water point. Additional trips to the water point will be made if necessary or at the discretion of the section sergeant.
Companies
Each company (less light infantry companies) will use its organic water distribution equipment to obtain water from the approved water point and distribute it in the company. There is no single vehicle used solely for water transport. When water is required, the company dispatches any available prime mover with the 400-gallon water trailer or 250-gallon collapsible drums to the water point. The full water containers are returned to the AO. Based on the tactical situation, the commander may maintain the containers with the individual unit or leave them in the battalion trains. In the latter case, water will be brought forward with the LOGPAC during routine resupply operations. Units will establish a water point in the company area for filling canteens and 5-gallon cans. Where there is increased water consumption, additional resupply of water may be required independently of the LOGPAC resupply. Where a unit cannot return to the water point due to the tactical situation, it is the commander's responsibility to request emergency resupply. This resupply will then be accomplished by other divisional vehicles or aircraft. In addition to the organic distribution equipment that is authorized by unit MTOE, supplemental equipment is available through CTA.
Light Infantry Companies
The light infantry battalions and companies do not have enough vehicles to use a supply point distribution of water. QM water purification personnel will provide unit deliveries to the LIB combat trains using the FAWPSS. The water is delivered to the combat trains and transferred to 160-gallon lightweight collapsible pillow tanks. It is then taken to the battalion distribution point and put into 5-gallon cans and 5-quart collapsible water carriers. These containers will then be transported to the company and platoon locations by the organic HMMWVs of the LIB during routine resupply operations. The water will normally be taken forward as part of the LOGPAC. It may be necessary to make additional resupply trips when water consumption increases. When the water is delivered to the company and platoon locations, the soldiers will fill their canteens from the 160-gallon pillow tanks. Squad members may pick up water for their squads using the 5-quart collapsible water carriers. This unit distribution of water is provided ONLY to the LIB. All other elements in the light infantry division will use supply point distribution.
Dispersed Units
Some units operate remotely from their parent organization. Examples of these units are military police teams, signal nodes, and maintenance teams. These units will carry 5-gallon cans and 5-quart collapsible water carriers when they deploy. They will resupply by visiting the local water point of other company-size units nearby or by aerial resupply. If the unit is operating independently and no other unit is nearby, water may have to be obtained by local foraging. When this occurs, the water must be purified and disinfected.
WATER DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT
Each unit will have sufficient organic distribution equipment authorized by unit MTOE to use supply point distribution. This equipment will have enough capacity to supply the minimum requirements for water in a temperate region while making only one resupply trip to the water point per day. When the tactical situation allows, additional water can be obtained by making multiple trips to the water point. Brief descriptions of the various pieces of distribution equipment and their basis of issue are provided below.
400-Gallon Water Trailer
The 400-gallon water trailer is the optimum method of internal water distribution depending upon the quantity required, the size of the unit, and the availability of a prime mover. The primary disadvantage is the loaded weight of 5,600 pounds. This weight requires a prime mover of at least 2 1/2 tons or larger. The trailer is authorized under AR 71-13 as a TOE item of equipment. It will be issued to each team in the mess sections and to companies, detachments, or teams having 100 personnel and available prime mover. Collapsible drums or pillow tanks will be used if detachments or units are without a prime mover.
250-Gallon Collapsible Drum
The 250-gallon collapsible drum can be transported in 1 1/4-ton vehicles or trailers. It can also be delivered by sling load, airdrop, or LAPES. It comes with a towing kit which allows it to be towed short distances over relatively flat terrain. The drum is authorized under AR 71-13. It is authorized for companies, teams, and detachments of 100 personnel when they are not authorized a 400-gallon water trailer.
160-Gallon Pillow Tank
The 160-gallon pillow tank weighs less than 1,500 pounds when full. It will fit in the HMMWV or 3/4-ton trailer. It can be ground mounted for distribution operations. The tank is authorized under AR 71-13. It is issued on a basis five per LIB. It is available (as a CTA item) to other units as supplemental distribution equipment.
55-Gallon Collapsible Drum
The 55-gallon collapsible drum can be transported in any Army vehicle. It weighs 470 pounds when full. It can be delivered by sling load, airdrop, or LAPES. It is authorized under CTA 50-909. The drum (on a basis of three per unit) provides supplemental distribution equipment to companies, teams, and detachments operating in tropical and arid regions. It is also authorized to each air assault division, and field artillery battalion.
5-Gallon Water Can
The 5-gallon water can is authorized under CTA 50-970 on a basis of one per five individuals. The can weighs approximately 42 pounds when full.
5-Quart Collapsible Water Carrier
The 5-quart collapsible water carrier is authorized under CTA 50-970 on a basis of eight per infantry squad. this container holds 5 quarts of water. When empty, it folds to pocket size. It is used to resupply the rifle squads on a direct exchange basis. When water is delivered to the unit location, a squad member will return empty containers and exchange them for a full one. He will then return them to the squad.
AERIAL RESUPPLY
Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon. This weight and the limited number of aircraft available for resupply operations make aerial resupply of water unreasonable on a routine basis. Water can be aerial resupplied with the FAWPSS 250-gallon or 55-gallon collapsible drum. This resupply effort is only performed during emergency conditions or in the early stages of deployment. When sling load support is required, the supported unit must coordinate with both the water section and the supporting aviation elements of the parent division. Airdrop support may be required from the corps airdrop supply company when helicopters are not available or their use is not practical.
FORAGING
Conditions may arise when units will be operating remotely without land LOC and where aerial resupply of water is not available. Personnel may be required to forage water from streams, lakes, or other unapproved water sources. In these cases, individual purification and disinfection is important. The commander must ensure that soldiers use iodinetablets. The unit field sanitation team should monitor this.
Getting water to the soldier in the individual fighting position is the critical link in water distribution operations. If this link fails, it does not matter what the condition of the purification, storage, and distribution assets are at brigade, division, corps, or echelons above corps. Each unit commander must use the planning factors given in this manual to determine what the daily water requirements are. This daily requirement must then be compared with the capability of the unit's organic equipment available for water distribution operations. If a significant shortage exists or a commander desires additional flexibility, he must program resources and procure the necessary items from the CTA. Throughout military history, the vast majority of casualties in war have been from disease and nonbattle injury. This loss of manpower can be drastically reduced by ensuring that soldiers have adequate supplies of potable water.
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