and/or LRPs located in the vicinity of consuming units. Equipment capable of making multiple
deliveries in forward locations is needed to realize unit distribution. Limited unit distribution for
hospitals and other major EAD potable water users will be provided by Quartermaster and
Transportation units, regardless of battlefield location. All other units, to include divisional CSS units,
will use supply point distribution. LRPs may be used to support highly mobile units and units passing
through an area.
a. Water management is provided by the Class III and Water Section in the majority of MMC
and by using units at all echelons. Water requirements will be greater in rear areas than in forward areas
due to the heavy demand for water for such operations as aircraft washing, medical treatment, and
construction projects.
b. Though the purification equipment can process NBC contaminated water, it is not
recommended due to resultant contamination of the ROWPU unless considered critical to the mission.
Water supply points will not be set up in NBC contaminated environments. Operations where NBC
contamination is a threat will increase the requirements for potable water and uncontaminated water for
decontamination.
c. Host nation water sources, facilities, and equipment will be used whenever possible. In both
developed and undeveloped theaters, water planners must remember that:
Article 54 of the Geneva Convention "prohibits attacking, destroying, or rendering useless
drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works."
Article 55 of the Geneva Convention states that the host country as the territorial sovereign is
responsible for refugees on its territory. The host nation is responsible for providing for the
needs of its labor forces unless otherwise provided in host nation support agreements.
Article 26 of the Geneva Convention states that the United States is to provide humane
treatment to prisoners of war in its custody and control.
Planners should assume no host nation support is available in arid environments. Minimal
water sources and poor water quality will limit any operation that depends on HNS.
d. The type of environment in which the mission takes place will affect the availability and
quality of water and unit and individual demand for water.
(1) Temperate. In temperate regions, water sources are normally abundant. These sources
include lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wells, and local water systems. Water sources convenient for
water support operations should be easy to locate and develop. Disadvantages to operating in the
temperate region include more heavily populated areas and greater chances of pollution from sewage
and industrial waste runoff.
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QM5204
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