FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QALA, Afghanistan – Water purification systems continue to take the place of bottled water, increasing the expeditionary capability of troops in Afghanistan.
Water support technicians with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) at Forward Operating Base Musa Qala, are using two tactical water purification systems to supply purified water and therefore reduce the need of convoy and helicopter resupply missions.
“We just received the TWPS a little over a month ago,” explained Cpl. Joseph J. Laflamme, from York, Maine, a water support specialist with CLB-8. “With each one of the systems we are able to purify 1,200 to 1,500 gallons per hour.”
Since the TWPSs arrived to the base, the Marines have pumped, purified and delivered over 100,000 gallons of water for Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (Fwd.) as well as other units operating in the area.
“The water goes to the all the water [containers], the laundry section and showers on this base and other bases throughout the [area of operation],” Laflamme said. “The goal is to make this base the main water distribution point for the area.
“With the TWPS we can produce more water, faster,” Laflamme concluded. “We are not going to have to sit and wait for convoys to bring drinking water.”