[at-l] Water Water Water

[WHHAWKINS@aol.com]

No war stores,or "bs", just facts.

Wildbill

WATER, DEHYDRATION, AND SALT

Water: Approximately 75 percent of the human body is fluid. A loss of 
fluid of two quarts (2.5 percent of body weight) decreases efficiency by 
25 percent and a loss of fluid equal to 15 percent of body weight is 
usually fatal.

FILTERS OF ALL KINDS NEED TO BE CHECKED OFTEN!


POTABLE (DRINKABLE) WATER IS THE MOST BASIC NEED IN THE DESERT. It is 
vital to ensure that there is no possibility of nonpotable (bad) water 
being mistaken for drinking water. Water that is not fit to drink, but 
not otherwise dangerous (it may have too much salt), may be used to aid 
cooling. It can be used to wet clothing so that the body does not use so 
much of its internal supply.

Issued water containers must be carried only for drinking water. 
Sufficient water must be carried on a vehicle to last you until the next 
planned resupply, plus a small reserve. In desert terrain, approximately 
9 quarts of water per man per day is needed. When active, leaders need 
to force drinking of 2 quarts of water per hour. 

It is a good idea to erect shade for water trailers--it lets the water 
stay much cooler.

You must train not to waste water. Water that has been used for washing 
socks, for example, is perfectly good for a vehicle cooling system.

Drinking water must be taken only from approved sources to avoid disease 
or water that may have been polluted. Care must be taken to guard 
against polluting water sources. If rationing is in effect, water should 
be issued under close supervision of officers, noncommissioned officers, 
and designated leaders.

You cannot be trained to adjust permanently to a reduced water intake. 
An acclimated soldier will need as much, if not more, water because he 
sweats more readily. If the ration is not sufficient, there is no 
alternative but to reduce physical activity or to restrict it to the 
cooler parts of the day.

In very hot conditions, it is better to take smaller amounts of water 
more often than to take large amounts occasionally. Drinking large 
amounts causes waste by excessive sweating and might cause heat cramps. 
As activity increases, you should drink more water. The best drinking 
water temperature is between 50 degrees and 60 degrees F. Lister bags or 
even wet cloths around metal containers helps to cool water. Alcohol and 
smoking cause dehydration and should be avoided.

SUNBURN CAN BE A KILLER IN THE DESERT!


Water Containers: The best containers for small quantities of water (5 
gallons) is plastic water cans. Water in plastic cans will be good up to 
72 hours, compared to metal which will only be good for 24 hours. 
However, you should change the water in your canteen at least every 24 
hours. Water in water trailers, if kept in the shade, will last up to 5 
days. If the temperature outside exceeds 100 degrees F, the temperature 
of your water must be monitored, and when it exceeds 92 degrees F, it 
should be changed, as bacteria will multiply. If not changed, you will 
end up with a case of diarrhea. Ice in containers will keep water cool. 
If ice is put in water trailers, the ice in it must be removed before 
the trailer is moved as the floating ice in it will destroy the inner 
protection of the trailer.

LEADERS, check out your soldiers' water and make sure it is cool and 
still drinkable!

Dehydration: During high desert temperatures, a resting man may lose as 
much as a pint of water per hour by sweating. In very high temperatures 
and low humidity, sweating may not be noticeable because it evaporates 
so fast that the skin will appear dry. Whenever possible, leave sweat on 
the skin to improve the cooling process. The only way to do this is to 
avoid direct sunlight on the skin. This is the most important reason why 
you must remain fully clothed.

Thirst is not an adequate warning of dehydration because the sensation 
may not be felt until there is a body deficient of 1 to 2 quarts of 
water. Very dark urine is often a warning of dehydration. You do not 
always drink the amount you need and may need to be encouraged to drink 
more, especially during acclimation. NCOs and OFFICERS, be aware that 
you must keep track of how much your troops drink to ensure they drink 
enough water. Packets of artificial fruit flavoring will encourage 
consumption due to pleasant taste.

Salt: Salt in correct proportions is vital to your body; the more you 
sweat, the more salt you lose. Each MRE has enough salt for a soldier 
drinking up to 4 quarts per day. Unacclimated soldiers need more salt 
during their first few days, and all soldiers need additional salt when 
sweating heavily. As you sweat more, extra salt must be taken under 
medical direction. Too much salt may cause thirst, a feeling of 
sickness, and can be dangerous. To avoid this, follow these general 
rules:

•You should take extra salt only in proportion to the water you drink.

•The amount you take, in any form, must be strictly controlled according 
to medical advice.

DON'T DRINK UNTESTED WATER!


Salt tablets should only be used by dissolving two tablets per 1-quart 
canteen.
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