March 2009

U.S. Water News Online

SOMERSWORTH, N.H. — The New Hampshire National Guard is testing a water purification system it says could help on both the battlefield and at home.

Guard members set up the generator-powered system at the Somersworth water treatment plant over the weekend, running water from the Salmon Falls River through reverse osmosis and membrane-based filters. The system can turn sea water, saltwater and water contaminated by nuclear, biological and chemical agents into fresh water.

Staff Sgt. Gary Rowe says the units could be a big help after natural disasters. If there were a flood, the system could be set up on the highest ground to produce 1,500 gallons of water per hour.

The systems are the first military water purification systems in the state.

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