SOIME PROBLEMS OP WATER SUPPLY FOR TROOPS. 



JACK J. HINMAN, JRj 



The problems of water supply under field conditions are very 

 different from those of the average city or town, even though 

 the same fundamental principles apply to both. The city or 

 town will in all probability make an extensive and careful sur- 

 vey of all water supply prospects and then choose that source 

 which seems likely to offer the cheapest means of getting enough 

 water that will be safe to use for drinking and other domestic 

 purposes. Once the source is decided upon, expensive pumping 

 and purification plants are erected and a complex distribution 

 system is installed. A high degree of physical attractiveness is 

 required in addition to the bacterial safety of the water so that 

 the plant must be kept operating at a high degree of efficiency. 

 This, of course, requires a trained staff of operators. 



In the field, however, the opportunities for discriminating 

 selection of water supplies and the development of water systems 

 cannot be expected as a rule. MJoreover the quantity of water 

 which is available in a district may be entirely insufficient. 

 This lack of water makes necessary the fullest use of existing 

 c applies and in some cases necessitates the use of tank trains or 

 ships or long pipe lines. The allied forces in the Gallipoli cam- 

 paign were obliged to depend to a great extent on water which 

 was brought to Anzjac from Alexandria and Port Said in tank 

 ships. 



Operations in any particular territory bring about a great 

 concentration of men in the district. This means that the quan- 

 tity of water required will probably exceed that provided for 

 in peace time by the inhabitants. It also means much greater 

 amounts of soil pollution as well as contamination by seepage 

 from latrines, burial pits and wastes in general. That is to say, 

 there will be increased possibilities for contamination of water 

 supplies and greater needs for the water. 



In the present war it appears that actual poisoning of wells 

 has occurred in addition to intentional defilement of wells and 

 springs by means of manure, dead bodies and the excrements of 

 the troops of the enemy. The use of chemical poisons — arsenical 

 animal dips, extracts of poisonous mushrooms and probably other 

 substances — are rather difficult to take out of water, but would 



