FORT PICKETT, Va. - Self-sufficiency and cost efficiency is a common goal. The U.S. military constantly looks for advanced and innovative ways to achieve that objective. The soldiers of 973rd Quartermaster Company have assisted in achieving that ambition with regard to the most basic of human needs - water.

This U.S. Army Reserve water purification unit out of Puerto Rico is filtering and purifying local pond water for multiple uses at Fort Pickett, Va., during the nationwide Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise from June 1-17.

"We all need water. Our job in the Army is to provide that to everyone - we all depend on it," said Spc. Franklyn Baez, a water purification specialist with the 973rd.

The unit pulls raw water from organic sources. Once the water is deemed usable for consumption by U.S. Army engineers, who confirm it meets military standards, the water is pulled through a floating water strainer filter, called a dolphin strainer, into a raw-water pump that processes the water through the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit. The soldiers use the ROWPU, resembling a large trailer, to determine the chemical balance and micro bacterial level of the water, informing the team what is necessary to treat the water for consumption.

The soldiers then treat the water, which is required to prevent various waterborne diseases. The treatment controls the chemical and physical uniqueness of water.

QLLEX is the only realistic training U.S. Army Reserve support soldiers receive that mirror similar conditions and scenarios they will face when deployed.

“This exercise and process is really important because we are supporting everyone under the Defense Department. It’s a valuable resource that’s needed. We use the water produced, not just for showers and laundry, but also for drinking. Hydrating is a necessity,” said Staff Sgt. Angel Cintron, platoon sergeant with the 973rd.

“This job is really challenging and is a lot of responsibility. We are providing all the water for all the soldiers. That’s exactly why it’s so important, though. I picked this job because I wanted to make a difference and provide a great product to my fellow battle buddies,” proudly said Baez.

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