BAGHDAD — A series of intertwined, water-filled canals create a patchwork of green fields, abundant in crops near the capital city area of Zooba. The irrigation system provided essential water to the local farms but not to citizens.
"Potable water makes the difference between getting disease. For us, it's the difference between life and death," said Spc. Stephen Palac, a combat medic, about the importance of available drinking water. "There are all kinds of bad organisms in that canal water which leads to lots of stomach problems."
NG Soldiers of 2nd Plt "Spartans," 1st Bn, 150th Armored Recon Sqdrn, 30th HBCT, visited 1 of 5 solar-powered water-purification pumps donated by U.S. and ISF to local Iraqis leaders in the area to fulfill the need for potable water.
"Before, the people got sick from the water," explained Shaykh Mohammed Syiar, a local SoI leader. "Then, we got our water from the pumping station, but it was difficult to get to, and if the power was out, then no fresh water. The kids and young people need the water. Now, they come here by foot."
"It's a simple pump and a simple process," explained Staff Sgt. Travers Brake, a cav scout plt sgt. "It's very few moving parts and all solar powered. It's got a battery bank and sucks power from the sun." Unfiltered water passes through a filter and out another tube, producing drinkable water.
"Security is number 1 and water number 2," said Syiar. "Specifically, this area is thankful to the U.S. forces," said Syiar. "They take care of the welfare of the families."
"We're real lucky in our area, because the people are kind and respectful, and we give that back to them and try to help out," explained Brake. "They know we're not here to harm them and we're here to do good."
