Combat logistics

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 3 ensured the bases personnel will always have clean drinking water by conducting water purification systems training at Fort Hase Beach, April 9, 2014.

Marines used the tactical water purification system and lightweight purification system during their exercises. Throughout an emergency, both systems can be set up in less than an hour.

CLB-3 operations chief Staff Sgt. Jean Regis, who is a 41-year-old native of New York City, commented: "Our Marines can make clean drinking water in just 45 minutes.

"We have the ability to support the entire base with water using ocean water."

The tactical water purification system (TWPS) is the louder and larger of the two systems, but can filter an average of 1,200 gallons of fresh water per hour. It is used for large-scale purification when needed.

During the training evolution, CLB-3 Marines operated and maintained four TWPS systems.

The lightweight water purification system (LWPS), the smaller and quieter unit, is used for small-scale purification or when water needs to be pumped quickly and quietly.

Marines operated and maintained three of these systems while they pumped an average of 75 gallons of fresh water per hour.
Even though the unit’s main goal is to provide enough filtered water to the base during an emergency with the TWPS and LWPS, both systems have other uses for the Marine Corps too.

CLB-3 hygiene equipment operator Lance Cpl. Jose Lopez, who has lived in Houston for 20 years, commented: "We can bring these systems to other countries that don’t have fresh water available to them for whatever reason.

"Providing a clean water source is a great tool to use if we ever needed to help people in another country.

"There are endless problems this system can solve."

Regis added: "The water we are filtering from the ocean is cleaner than any water you can drink out of a plastic bottle.

"I know it’s better because all the Marines, including myself, drink the water we filter.

"We drink what we make."