Water Production for Restricted Areas
Portable and deployable water production systems for military operations and humanitarian missions in areas without reliable water supply infrastructure.
TRL
Technology Readiness Level
MRL
Manufacturing Readiness Level
Challenge Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking portable, high-capacity water production systems for deployment in austere environments — from forward operating bases to post-disaster humanitarian operations where grid power and clean water infrastructure are unavailable.
Technical Requirements
- Output: Minimum 5,000 gallons per day from contaminated groundwater or surface water sources
- Footprint: Must fit in one 20-foot ISO container for strategic airlift
- Power: Must operate from generator, solar, or a hybrid combination
- Water sources: Handle brackish water, turbid river water, and radiologically-affected sources
- Setup time: Full operational capability within 4 hours of arrival by a 4-person team
- Output quality: Meet EPA and WHO drinking water standards
Priority Innovations Sought
- Reduced energy consumption relative to current Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) systems
- AI-based contaminant detection and treatment adjustment
- Modular design enabling field repair with common tools
- Atmospheric water generation as supplemental source
Certification Requirements
Systems must be compatible with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing requirements for temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock. NSF/ANSI 58 certification required for filtration components.
Open Opportunity
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Outrider platform. Complete your profile first to improve your match score.
Apply Now →