Running a military is a complicated task. Recruit, equip, train and pay troops. Research, purchase, fuel and maintain equipment.  But often, a real challenge -- and a limitation to the power of the U.S. military -- is water.

While the Army has reduced its energy consumption and water use, water is a vital component for a lot of activities, from washing dishes to keeping troops hydrated. In Iraq, 80 percent  of all supply convoys carry either oil or water. Six bottling plants have been constructed in the country to quench the thirst of U.S. troops.

 

Still, with a $56 billion dollar plan underway to add facilities and support for more than 75,000 new troops, the Army is working to further improve efficiency, creating test environments at Fort Bragg and Fort Bliss to implement water-saving scenarios.  

 

While the immediate impacts of this program will benefit the U.S. military, the lessons learned in combat implementations will carry over to civilian life, both domestically and in developing nations.