PART G - MANAGING WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
Water Quality. Water quality is of two major concerns for you. First, what is the quality of the raw water
and its effect on equipment and the chemicals used in treatment? Second what is the finished product water
quality, and what are the results of the tests used to measure potability after the water passes through the
water purification system?
The nature of the raw water source determines the amount of water each purifier can produce. The total
daily water requirement indicates if additional water purification and storage equipment is needed to meet the
demand. You are to manage chemical analyses and microbiological examinations of raw and treated water
which are conducted on a routine basis at water point sites. You will do this by having water purification
personnel provide you with the appropriate forms, such as DA Form 1713-R. Chemical tests are necessary to
ensure correct operation of the water purification equipment. During treatment, have personnel conduct
chemical analyses to ensure proper chemical dosages are being used and that the product water is potable.
After treatment, have personnel draw samples for Preventive Medicine to conduct microbiological tests to
determine potability of the water. Preventive medicine personnel are also required to inspect water points.
Using Water Quality Analysis Set-Purification (WQAS-P). Ensure that your water treatment
operators use the Water Quality Analysis Unit. It gives them the ability to rapidly detect five water quality
parameters: temperature, pH, TDS, turbidity, and free available chlorine (chlorine residual).
The WQAS-P consists of an electronic analytical device, an internal power source, basic spare parts,
and the M272 Water Testing Kit-Chemical Agent. It weighs less than 40 pounds, has a volume of less than 2
cubic feet, and requires less than 5 minutes to measure the five separate parameters.
The WQAS-P can operate in geographical areas where air temperatures range from -28 to 120F. It is
used mainly by water purification personnel who operate DS and GS water purification equipment. Water
purification personnel use the unit during water point reconnaissance missions to assess the suitability of raw
water sources and during water purification operations to assess the quality of finished water.
Water Quality Standards. The short- and long-term maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) are
tables (Tables 1-6 and 1-7) designed to show the allowable amount of physical and chemical properties and
microbiological and chemical/radiological agents taken into the body by drinking water. You are to ensure
that water purification personnel apply the highest standards possible based upon the duration of the mission
and other relevant factors regarding the environment, equipment used, and field force supported.
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QM 4923
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