British troops winning the battle against thirst

The Pure Hydration Expedition Field Pump System, produced by Farnham-based BW Technologies, allows the individual to draw water from a contaminated source, purify it by removing bacteria, waterborne pathogens, sediment and heavy metals and pump it back, decontaminated, into the service issue Camelback. The Lifesaver Bottle, produced by Ipswich-based Lifesaver Systems, is pumped manually to filter dirty water through a membrane. The muddy water is then instantly decontaminated to remove bacteria, viruses, fungi and waterborne pathogens. Over 4,000 filters are being trialled with members of 19 Mechanised Brigade currently serving in Afghanistan. Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said: "Safe and plentiful drinking water is vital to troops, particularly those working in temperatures in excess of 50°C in Afghanistan. These bottles will ensure troops have access to clean water wherever their missions take them, including some of the remotest corners of Helmand Province." Project Manager Sqn Ldr Mike Cook, from the DE&S Defence Clothing team, added: "Staying hydrated on operations is one of the many challenges of the battle; in extreme conditions, troops can lose up to one litre of fluid an hour. "Dismounted troops routinely carry five litres of fluid, however if they are operating further forward and running low then these filters will provide a safe, emergency source of drinking water." The trials will test the effectiveness of the filters, their ease of use and durability under harsh battle conditions. It is expected the trials will be completed later this year and the MOD will then decide whether to purchase further kit for wider distribution on operations.