The United States Army Reserve depends on water to sustain our Soldiers, maintain our facilities and accomplish our missions. Yet, numerous environmental, economic and social pressures are imperiling water resources across the world. As we battle threats to our water security at home and abroad, the Army Reserve is acknowledging the value of water to our operations.
Every March 22, the Army Reserve joins the United Nations and celebrates World Water Day by focusing on one of the most important aspects of water. This year’s global theme is wastewater, a critical component of water security.
The Army Reserve Water Security Implementation Strategy addresses wastewater in Goal Three, “Utilize Alternative Water Sources.”
Water conservation is the best way for the Army Reserve to reduce our wastewater generation. Since 2007, our Installations, Regional Support Commands and Mission Support Command have successfully reduced water use intensity by 44 percent through efficient practices and the daily actions of you – our Soldiers, Civilians and Families.
By reducing and properly treating the wastewater that is generated at our sites, the Army Reserve can prevent pollution. We can reduce public health risks that affect mission readiness and effectiveness. We can ease the strain on our local utilities, and we can bolster our role as a good neighbor in our local communities.
Wastewater reuse is an opportunity for the Army Reserve to be an innovative, agile force within the Department of Defense. By reusing our wastewater, we can turn a logistics liability into an asset. We can reduce the demands on potable water at our facilities, and we can lessen our reliance on limited groundwater and surface water supplies. Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico and Fort Hunter Liggett, California are investigating the collection of wastewater for applications such as irrigation and wetland restoration. Pilot projects at the 63rd and 81st Regional Support Commands are testing the feasibility of rainwater harvesting to supplement or completely supply water needs for vehicle wash facilities at Army Reserve Centers. With such cutting-edge initiatives, the Army Reserve continues to be a proactive element within the Army, striving to safeguard the water resources that enable mission resilience and support goals toward water security.
As we celebrate World Water Day this year, let us improve on past successes and embrace the spirit of resourcefulness that makes the Army Reserve a leader in defending our nation and its precious natural assets. We encourage you to join us in making every drop count.
Date Taken: | 03.20.2017 |
Date Posted: | 03.20.2017 09:11 |
Story ID: | 227378 |
Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, US |
Web Views: | 107 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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