Developing an Army Water Security Strategy

Water Security Definition The capacity to ensure that water of suitable quality is provided at a sustained rate sufficient to support all current and future Army missions as needed. Army water security should include deliberate efforts to minimize direct costs minimize associated energy and transportation costs mitigate occupational and combat-related risks avoid damage to the environment at home and in host nations ensure long-term, sustainable access and engage other users of shared water resources to plan for future water needs. Army Water Security Strategy Motivators InstitutionalTraining -- Future imbalances between supply and demand Uncertainties concerning future availability, quality, and cost Uncertainties related to climate change and demography Renewable energy increases water demands and More realistic training scenarios to match deployment water situation Operations -- Vulnerabilities associated with extended use of bottled water, Use of integrated watershed management, Uncertain duration makes optimal choice for water delivery less clear, Complex interagency and international coordination requirements, and Integration of Army civil works expertise Supply Chain -- Spatial and temporal risk associated with embedded water, and Use Army market power to increase sustainability of suppliers.