The Engineer Squadron deployed under the Joint Tactical Headquarters in KwaZulu-Natal for Disaster Relief is responsible for the water purification in Operation Chariot mission.
The water is drawn from the source (dam) to the Sedimentation tanks, then from the Sedimentation tanks through the filtration process to the Purifier. After the water is being purified is then stored in the Bladder tank. The purified water from the Bladder Tank is then drawn to the Sachet Plant for packaging.
The water from the source, after being purified, is being tested for the following; PH, Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, Total Chlorine, Iron, Aluminium, Nitrates, Turbidity and Total dissolved units.
Further testing is facilitated by South African Military Health Services members deployed to Operation CHARIOT. The water samples are taken further for Laboratory testing. After the final results are issued that the water is consumable, the packaging of water begins.
The Sachet plant produces 1000 of 500ml per hour without rejects or faults.
The packaged water will be distributed by 17 Maintenance Unit for distribution in the communities around KwaZulu-Natal as well as deployed troops.
Information by Captain Tshegofatso Gwai and Corporal Chamba and Photographs by Lorraine Choma.
