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TB 43-0153
Section I. GENERAL
potable water supply. Bacteriological, physical, and chemical requirements of potable water will meet
the criteria set forth in AR 40-5 and TB MED 576. Assistance in monitoring these requirements must
be obtained from medical facilities ashore since this is beyond the capability of personnel normally
assigned to Army watercraft. The basic procedures and criteria outlined in this bulletin will aid in the
maintenance of a safe water supply and will prevent the transmission of waterborne disease. This
bulletin is to be used in conjunction with AR 56-9.
"Potable water systems" are often called "freshwater systems". This identification is not correct
because fresh water is not potable unless it is safe for human consumption. This section covers the
measures and precautions that shall be taken to maintain the quality of water in the potable water
system. Only by ensuring acceptable potable water quality can the health of the crew be protected.
components vary greatly among vessels. References shall be made to the applicable technical manuals
for detailed information on specific potable water systems and their components. The following items,
however, are common to most Army vessels.
a. An arrangement that will allow shore water to be taken onboard for storage, distribution, or both.
b. Storage capabilities.
c. A method of delivering water from storage tanks to the distribution system.
d. A method of distributing water to various outlets on the vessel.
e. The capability of distilling seawater to make fresh water.
f. The capability of treating fresh water to make it potable.
consumption. Potable water may be produced onboard or received from shore facilities. This water
must be disinfected before consumption to inactivate disease-carrying microorganisms called
pathogens. Contamination may occur during production, handling, storage, or distribution. Army
policy requires the introduction of a disinfecting halogen (i.e., chlorine, bromine). The use of a
halogen is preferred to other common disinfection techniques because residual (trace, excess) halogen
levels can be easily detected and maintained (Table B-3).
5. Responsibilities.
a. Shore Station/Post Commander. The shore station/post commander is responsible for the
delivery of potable water from the shore station to the Army vessel. The shore station/post commander
shall ensure that only trained shore personnel are used to make up water connections, that the potable
