Posted on 10/30/2006 4:34:01 PM PST by SandRat
RAMADI -- Iraqi Soldiers took a step closer to independence with the reopening of a water treatment facility at Camp Blue Diamond.
Col. Hattif (far right) and two officers from the 7th IA Division adjusts the water flow into the fresh water holding tank. The completion of repairs to the facility at the 7th Iraqi Army Division Headquarters marks the first time the Iraqi forces will be capable of providing their own drinking water on camp. Official Department of Defense photo by Spc. Walton McJordan.
The completion of repairs to the facility at the 7th Iraqi Army Division Headquarters marks the first time the Iraqi forces will be capable of providing their own drinking water on camp.
Marine Col. Ron K. Forsberg is the Military Transition Team advisor for life support to the Iraqi Army’s 7th Division, says the facility has been completely repaired and is producing approximately 50,000 gallons of drinkable water each day.
The output of the plant meets the current need for the Iraqi soldiers and will fulfill the requirements of any future growth of the camp, he said. Previously, coalition forces were providing bottled water to the Iraqi Army.
“The plant will be operated by the Iraqis as well as the distribution of water to the various storage tanks located on the camp,” Forsberg said.
Forsberg said the water is drawn directly from the Euphrates River into a holding tank, chemicals are then added and the water is sifted by gravel and sand during the second stage of the process and the purified water is pumped into the storage tank where it is loaded into water trucks for distribution.
“Before the repairs, the plant was unable to function during certain times of the year due to the river’s depth,” he said. “A submersible water pump was incorporated during the repair stage and water may now be drawn year round.”
Col. Hattif of the 7th Iraqi Army is in charge of logistics and camp services at Camp Blue Diamond, sees to the day to day operations of the water facility and makes on site inspections when needed.
“Iraqis are stepping forward on the logistical front and are now providing 100 percent of their own drinkable water. They don’t have to rely on coalition forces to do that anymore.” Forsberg said.
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