Water Production for Tactical Systems

Transforming the military into a sophisticated, lighter force able to mobilize quickly in response to crises around the world requires technological advancement in the production and distribution of drinking water. Recent Operation evaluations for both bottled water and bulk water use indicates that significant improvements in safety, cost, taste, distribution, and security are required to meet the transformation goal. WaterVisions International has developed improved drinking water purification technology which utilizes advanced composite materials. These materials incorporate only food-grade components (no pesticides), are inexpensive to manufacture, and highly scalable. System purification performance has been independently verified and meets EPA regulations. The technology can be embedded in soldier and vehicle systems, used to improve bulk water production, and can improve the taste of bulk stored water. Phase I objectives include evaluating microbiological and chemical purification efficiencies for prototype components designed to be embedded into tactile systems including the soldier system. Lightweight devices will be fabricated which provide 6-log reductions in bacteria, 4-log reductions in viruses, and 3-log reductions in cysts. Strong interest from commercialization partners who are currently evaluating composites for use in residential water purification applications guarantees that this effort will impact both military and civilian organizations.