The potable water system supplies scuttlebutts, sinks, showers, sculleries, and galleys and provides makeup water for various freshwater cooling systems. This system is often called the freshwater system. The term fresh water is not correct because fresh water is not potable unless it is safe for human consumption.

Potable water may be contaminated during production, handling, storage, or distribution. Treatment with a halogen, such as chlorine or bromine, is the only approved method of disinfecting potable water. Submarines and servicecraft are not equipped to use the halogen treatment method. They are provided with emergency methods to treat fresh water. The ships engineering and medical departments are responsible for the receipt, distribution, and quality testing of potable water. For more in-depth information concerning potable water systems, refer to NSTM, Chapter 533, Potable Water Systems. Additional References related to potable water systems are shown in the following list.

NSTM, Chapter 090, Inspections, Tests, Records, and Reports

NSTM, Chapter 220, Boiler Water/Feedwater

NSTM, Chapter 9580,Distilling Plants Low Pressure Submerged Tube Steam Plants

NSTM, Chapter 9480, Piping Systems

NSTM, Chapter 631, Preservation of Ships In Service (Surface Preparation and Painting)

NSTM, Chapter 670, Stowage, Handling, and Disposal of Hazardous General Use Consummables

Manual of Naval Preventive Medicine for Potable Water Shore-to-Ship Delivery, NAVMED P-5010-5

Manual of Naval Preventive Medicine for Potable Water Ship-to-Ship Delivery, NAVMED P-5010-6

Potable Water Standards, BUMEDINST 6240.3

TRAINING

By the time you have reached the EN2 level of experience, you have acquired many skills and a considerable amount of theoretical knowledge. As an EN2, you will be responsible for passing these skills and knowledges on to other, lower-rated Enginemen. Success in training others requires that you have or develop certain additional skills as an instructor.