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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Sep 6, 2008 - 11:54:07 AM |
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1 BCT Spartans complete Water Treatment Facility
Blackanthem Military News
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| An Iraqi boy stands next to the rush of filtered water at a water treatment facility near Tikrit, Iraq after its opening ceremony May 4, 2008. The facility will provide clean water for over 15,000 Iraqi citizens. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold |
TIKRIT, Iraq - Bottled water or tap water? For several years this has been an unfiltered debate in the United States. Now it is a debate for the citizens of Abu Ajil, Iraq.
A water treatment facility project was recently completed in Abu Ajil, which is located just outside of Tikrit, Iraq. The facility will provide a better purified source of water for more than 15,000 Iraqi citizens who inhabit the famed Fertile Crescent region.
For thousands of years, the Tigris River has been the wellspring of life for Iraq, providing abundant refreshment to crops, animals and the people of Ancient Mesopotamia.
The Tigris River has seen dramatic changes in the last fifty years. During the 1960's and 70's several dams and barrages were created to harness the river for irrigation and hydroelectric purposes according to a Georgetown University report. Additionally, former dictator Saddam Hussein created forced droughts on marsh lands in southern Iraq by constructing river obstacles.
Today, the Soldiers of Charlie Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division opened the floodgates of the newly completed water treatment facility initially built by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer several years ago.
The 1st STB Executive Officer Maj. Tim Povich said, "This project was stalled for a little while and it took C Co. Commander Capt. Mike Gacheru working with Abu Ajil leadership as well as the PRT [Provincial Reconstruction Team] to help get this project moving again."
Povich added, "It's a start, but there is still a lot of work to be done."
Water managers and engineers were concerned about leaks in the water pipes due to poor sealants. Poor sealants may cause low water pressure.
Charlie Company Commander Capt. Mike Gacheru said, "It's a great day opening up this water project in Abu Ajil. The residents did not have water for about a year. Most of the people had to buy bottled water at the store. The people were getting sick from non-bottled water."
The people of Iraq have endured a parched lifestyle for decades. This water treatment facility is a step forward in quenching their desire for a better life. A local Iraqi citizen said, "Thank you very much. This is a great project."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Executive Officer Maj. Tim Povich talks with a local sheik about the opening of the water treatment facility outside of Tikrit, Iraq May 4, 2008. This facility will provide clean, running water to over 15,000 Iraqi citizens. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold |
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| The historic Tigris River is the source for the newly opened water treatment facility outside of Tikrit in the town of Abu Ajil. The facility water pumps pictured will help provide clean water for over 15,000 citizens. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold |
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| A water treatment facility worker monitors the equipment used in processing clean water pumped from the Tigris River near Tikrit, Iraq May 4, 2008. An opening ceremony was held for the water facility, which will provide drinking water for over 15,000 Iraqi citizens. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold |
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| Iraqi leaders from Tikrit and Abu Ajil watch as the ribbon is cut during the opening ceremony of the Abu Ajil Water Treatment Facility May 4, 2008. This facility will provide clean water for over 15,000 Iraqi citizens. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold |
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| A 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Soldier looks across the Tigris River before the opening ceremony of the water treatment facility in Abu Ajil, Iraq May 4, 2008. This facility is located outside of Tikrit and will provide clean, running water for over 15,000 Iraqi citizens. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Johnpaul Arnold |
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