two Field Service Companies. Potable water planning factors for central hygiene depend on the level of
support provided.
(1) Shower operations. Here is how the factors for shower operations were derived. Each
9-head shower unit uses about 1,200 gallons of water per hour.
This equates to 2.2
gallons/minute/shower head. Per FM 10-280, each individual is permitted a 7-minute shower. This
produces an average consumption rate of 15.4 gallons/shower. The 15.4 gallon/shower is then
multiplied by the numbers of showers allocated per person per week and divided by 7 (days/week) to
produce the gallon/man/day planning factors.
(2) Laundry operations. Here is how the factors for laundry operations were derived. Each
M85 laundry unit uses about 150 gallons of water (with rinse water reuse) per 60 pounds of laundry.
This equates to an average consumption rate of 2.5 gallons per pound. The 2.5 gallons/pound is then
multiplied by the pounds of laundry allocated per person per week and divided by 7 (days/week) to
produce the gallon/man/day planning factors.
c. Medical Operations. Water used in medical operations is that which is required to perform
the 14-patient care activities associated with aid station, dispensary, and hospital functions for the
various levels of medical operations. It is recommended that only potable water be supplied to medical
facilities. This is necessary due to the increased susceptibility of patients to infections and will eliminate
the possibility for mistaken use of nonpotable water for functions requiring potable water only. The
most accurate planning requires knowledge of intensity, casualty rates, and evacuation policy. Level I
and IV medical operations water requirements can be accurately estimated if the number of each type of
facility to be deployed to a theater is known.
d. Mortuary Affairs Operations. Water used in mortuary affairs operations is that which is
required to clean remains before transport and to clean personnel and equipment after handling remains.
Water consumed for these operations depends on theater policy regarding temporary cemeteries versus
concurrent return, intensity of conflict, and the casualty rate. There is no requirement for potable water.
Potable water planning factors for mortuary affairs operations are normally applicable only to "Hot-
Arid" theater planning. However, if raw water from available sources in any other theater environment
requires ROWPU processing to meet minimal shower and/or laundry quality standards, the water
requirement should be considered "potable" and the logistic planner must adjust the factor to reflect the
appropriate consumption.
e. Engineer Operations. Water used for engineer operations is that which is required to perform
the various engineer missions such as road/airfield construction, quarry operations, well drilling,
concrete construction, topographical operations, and pipeline testing operations. Potable water is
required only for well-drilling operations. Fresh water is required for pipeline testing and desired for
most other missions since salt water may cause corrosion or reduce material strength. Again, the
logistics planner must adjust the factor to reflect the appropriate consumption rate if potable water is
used to satisfy requirements.
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