See paragraph 9-14 for computation of water requirements. Potential Sources of Water a. Existing public water systems. These are the easiest and, in most cases, the safest sources because this water has been treated to some extent. This does not, however, preclude the necessity for evaluating the water and requiring additional treatment to make it safe.
Surface water includes lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds.
This source is usually more accessible than other sources and capable of supplying adequate quantities, however, water quality can be a problem. In lakes and ponds, place the intakes as far from shore as possible and neither too close to the bottom nor too near the surface to avoid picking up mud and other debris. In rivers and streams, collect the water as far from known sources of contamination as possible. However, it is sometimes difficult to determine what quantities are available. The use of ground water by combat personnel is usually limited to existing wells and springs.