Purifiers assist base water supply Published July 6, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Water purification units shipped from Holloman AFB, N.M., were set up here June 30. Six reverse osmosis water purification units are fully functional and running, ensuring the continuation of water supply throughout the installation. These systems produce nearly a quarter million gallons per day. An additional two units have been designated as reserve components and are on standby mode. Tech. Sgt. Trevor Szuch, 49th Material Maintenance Squadron waters fuels systems maintenance craftsman, is a ROWPU technician who traveled from Holloman AFB to help out with the setup of equipment here and has been in support of the 24-hour ROWPU management operations. "On arrival we were able to get the systems up and running within hours," said Sergeant Szuch. "After the initial setup, we were able to quickly train our counterparts here on the components, and they have begun to take over. Everything has been working out well." While the installment of the ROWPU's provides Minot AFB with an adequate water supply, it is essential residents continue water conservation efforts, said Tech. Sgt. Douglas McPherson, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron waters fuels systems maintenance craftsman. "We don't have the ability to produce the amount of water that is used during an average summertime here," said Sergeant McPherson. "So, we need to make sure we continue to watch our overall usage of water." In addition to the water conservation directive on base, the boil order continues to be in effect as well, regardless of the base's acquisition of ROWPU's. The order is mandated by the state of North Dakota. However, Sergeant McPherson said bioenvironmental engineers have been testing the water every four hours and approving it before it gets pumped into the base water pipes. He explained water that runs through the ROWPU is pumped into storage bladders, tested and then pumped directly into the base's water systems. Sergeant McPherson said the Minot and Holloman teams have worked really well together and it shows the dedication they have for helping out the base community and in Minot. "This whole process we have set up here also supports Minot," Sergeant McPherson said. "If we have our own systems up here, it relieves the city from having to worry about supplying water to the base and they can focus on fixing their systems." While the base has taken measures to provide residents here with adequate water, Guardsmen in Minot have also taken steps to help the city with its water situation. According to the North Dakota National Guard, an upwards of two dozen similar purification units are expected to be arriving in Minot, with one system already setup at Trinity Hospital. "Overall, the coordination has been outstanding, the crews out here are fantastic and everyone has been working hard to ensure the base has sufficient water," said Sergeant McPherson.