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Marines Test Water Purification System
Okinawa, Japan (SPX) Jul 24, 2007 Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing got their first hands-on experience with the Marine Corps' newest water purification system during a two-week training evolution June 11-22 here. Basic water support technicians with the two commands learned how to operate and maintain the new Tactical Water Purification System (TWPS) in different environments around the world, during both classroom instruction on Camp Hansen and practical application at Kin Blue. The TWPS is replacing the Marine Corps' current water purification system, the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU), two for one Corps-wide, said Master Sgt. Vincent L. Gregory, the project officer of water systems with Marine Corps Systems Command. "The capabilities the TWPS provides will make our water purification abilities more efficient and adaptable to more environments around the world," Gregory said. At Kin Blue, the Marines put their training to the test, implementing the system using its five new modules, attachments used for filtering different types of water, and its enhanced micro-filtration system to filter salt water. "The stuff coming out of this tastes better than (bottled water you buy)," said Lance Cpl. Dale J. Hamme, a basic water support technician with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd MLG. "The TWPS brings a higher standard to the table." The modules and filtration system allow the TWPS to operate in a wider range of areas and climates, and give it the ability to turn everything from salt water to nuclear biological and chemical contaminated water into potable water. The new system also boasts the ability to produce more than twice the amount of potable, clean water per hour than the ROWPU, filtering 1,500 gallons of water per hour, according to Staff Sgt. Ramon D. Rivera, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of hygiene equipment with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd MLG. The system also produces water at a more continuous rate and requires less manual assistance than the older system using a new airpowered back wash feature to clean its filters every 15 minutes. "With the ROWPU, we had to stop when we needed to clean the filter out." Rivera said. "With this system you get uninterrupted production." With an increased water supply, living conditions for Marines on the battlefield will improve as more water will be readily available for things such as showers, laundry, medical purposes and hydration. "It's definitely a step up from the ROWPU," Cpl. Alan Goldenshteyn, a basic water support technician with 9th ESB, 3rd MLG. "With the TWPS there's a lot more water to distribute to a lot more people." Related Links Water News - Science, Technology and Politics
Alternative Farming Cleans Up Water
Madison WI (SPX) Jul 20, 2007Although the addition of nutrients to soil helps to maximize crop production, fertilizer can leach nutrients, polluting the water supply. A recent study by researchers at the University of Minnesota shows alternative cropping practices may help to protect the environment by reducing high nitrate levels in surface and ground water caused by conventional fertilizer use. The team of scientists reports their findings in the July-August 2007 issue of the Journal of Environmental Quality. |
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