MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 utilities platoon conducted Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) operations here, Jan. 26 to Feb. 3.
The exercise involved pumping mass quantities of water from the ocean and making it drinkable, utilizing a ROWPU to make the water potable.
“We are conducting this exercise in preparation for our upcoming deployment to Korea,” said Staff Sgt. Richard L. White, MWSS-171 utilities chief and native of Halifax, Va. “Out in the field we are able to supply water for drinking, bathing and cooking.”
During the exercise the Marines were pitted with removing contaminants, which included bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, minerals and salt from the water.
“We can purify anything from salt water to brackish water filled with dead animals,” said White.
Through a series of tanks, hoses and filters, Marines use a ROWPU, which is designed to take dirty water and produce clean water.
“We can purify any type of water,” said Cpl. Jose Perez, hygiene equipment operator floor chief and native of Las Vegas. “We could lure the ROWPU into a NYC sewer and produce better water than Aquafina.”
The first stage of producing pure water in the ROWPU, pumps the salty water through a multimedia filter, which is composed of rocks, gravel and sand. According to Perez this method is how water is naturally purified.
After the multimedia filter, the water goes through the cartridge filter. This filter’s purpose is to remove a majority of the debris and unwanted particles out.
After the debris is removed, the water flows through the elements. The elements are a series of tube like filters that dissolve tiny solids, like salt.
“Because salt particles are so small, elements are the only filter that can get it out,” said Perez. “Elements consist of small holes and pressure.”
The final stage is the addition of chemicals, which include sodium hex, polymer, chlorine and citric acid. After the chemical treatment, the pure water is stored in three 3,000 gallon tanks and one 20,000 gallon tank.
The purpose of the exercise was to test the equipment and Marines operating it, producing water suitable for a canteen.
“Before you take your gear anywhere you want to make sure it is mission capable,” said Sgt. Sadys Corcino, MWSS-171 hygiene equipment chief.
“Water dogs make due,” said Perez. “Our equipment is so old; Chesty Puller was probably turning wrenches on it."