Water Quality Analysis Set-Purification (WQAS-P). The WQAS-P is a one-man portable suitcase kit
containing equipment for testing water quality. The kit is self-contained in a gasketed waterproof case.
Foam inserts secure equipment in the case and carbon impregnated foam liners protect electromagnetic
pulse sensitive instruments. It allows the water team to rapidly detect five water quality parameters:
temperature, pH, TDS, turbidity, and free available chlorine. The kit consist of an electronical analytical
device, internal power source, and basic spare parts. The test kit weighs less than 30 pounds. It is used
during water point reconnaissance missions to check the raw water suitability and during purification
operations to assess the quality of the finished water product.
AN/VDR-2 Radiacmeter. The AN/VDR-2 is the meter of choice since it is watertight, portable and
especially designed for field use. The two detection tubes measure gamma rays. When the beta shield is
removed or opened from the larger tube, you can detect beta rays. One of the tests that can be
performed is the Supply Side Nuclear Water Monitoring.
PART B - WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Water Quality. Water must be free of anything that would degrade human performance. It should not
damage materials used in its transportation and storage. Potable water must be capable of maintaining
human health. Water quality standards give a basis for selecting or rejecting water intended for human
use.
Water Classification. Raw water is classified as fresh, brackish, or salt water. Fresh water has a TDS
concentration of less than 1,500 ppm. Brackish water is high in minerals and has a TDS concentration
between 1,500 ppm and 15,000 ppm. Salt water has a TDS greater than 15,000 ppm.
Treated water is classified as potable or palatable water. Potable water is water that has been treated and
disinfected which makes it fit for human consumption. It is water that has been approved by the
command surgeon or his representative.
Palatable water is water that is pleasing in appearance and taste. It is significantly free from color,
turbidity, taste, and odor. Water may be palatable and at the same time not potable.
Raw Water Quality Standard.
Several water source tests will be made to determine if the source water can be made potable by Army
water purification equipment. These standards are the maximum allowable water source constituents for
Army water purification units (Table 2-1). Additional water source quality tests may be necessary in
areas where various types of organic chemicals, heavy metals, or other contaminants are evident or
suspected. Such contaminants include pesticides, herbicides, hazardous waste, oil, or fuel products.
Since the field water testing kits do not have the capability to analyze for such contaminants, assistance
must be requested for laboratory support.
There are many water consuming activities in a theater of operations. The degree of water treatment
required may be broken down into the type of water consuming activity (Table 2-2).
Potable Water Quality Standards.
Water quality standards for the use of potable water in the field are based on the length of time the water
is to be consumed. Some of these standards were also developed to set limits for the palatability of
water. For emergency situations, no standards apply when soldiers are cut off from supply lines and
treated water is not available. Each soldier should select the clearest and cleanest
QM4910
2-2
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