Specialist group drinking water supply
The specialist group for drinking water supply (FGr TW) as a specialist group of the THW operates the drinking water treatment and supply in all damage situations . For this purpose, it operates mobile drinking water treatment plants. It pumps, stores, transports and distributes drinking water under constant quality control. In order to remedy dangers and emergencies, she carries out urgent repair work on water supply systems, builds or repairs water supply lines , regenerates wells and helps operate emergency wells . It works closely, technically and personally, with water supply companies (WVU) and according to their instructions. The drinking water supply specialist groups were created as the successor to some of the earlier maintenance trains.
Vehicles / equipment
As shown, the specialist group is part of the technical train and maintains
- 7 t truck (alternatively 22 t truck) with tail lift
- Trailer 5 t, tarpaulin / bow
- Crew truck type V (MLW 5), alternatively also Mitsubishi L200 which, however, is described by helpers as impractical and not particularly off-road.
- Drinking water treatment plant (TWAA), modular design with 6000 or 15000 liters output per hour
Personnel / strength
Short form:
- 0/3/15/ 18
Function and helper overview:
- 1 group leader
- 2 squad leaders
- 15 technical helpers
- In the drinking water supply specialist group, the following additional functions are occupied by the 15 technical assistants (double additional functions required, e.g. driver and radio operator):
- 4 machinists drinking water treatment plant
- 3 water laboratory assistants
- 4 CE drivers / radio operators
- 3 paramedics
- 1 THW welder / flame cutter
- 2 PE / PVC welders
- In the drinking water supply specialist group, the following additional functions are occupied by the 15 technical assistants (double additional functions required, e.g. driver and radio operator):
23 drinking water supply specialist groups are set up nationwide.
Tasks of the individual functions:
Group leader drinking water supply (GrFü TW)
The group leader is responsible for the personnel and material readiness of his group. He participates in the creation of the duty and training plans for the specialist group drinking water supply. The group leader instructs the helpers in his specialist group on how to cope with operational tasks and advises the platoon leader / operations manager, in particular on questions relating to the specialist knowledge of his group.
Troop Leader Drinking Water Supply (TrFü TW)
The squad leader leads the helpers of his squad and instructs them professionally to cope with operational tasks that correspond to the technical orientation and tasks of the group, and to provide general support to other units, facilities and organizations. This includes the creation and maintenance of connections to higher-level and subordinate bodies.
Machinist drinking water treatment plant (MaschTWAA)
He operates the drinking water treatment system as instructed by the group leader and carries out simple drinking water tests. The machinist also looks after the system to ensure its operability, operational safety and hygiene. The training depends on the system that is to be operated: There is a separate “Machinist TWAA” course for each individual. The prospective machinist also attends the “Industrial Analysis TWAA” course and receives an annual instruction in accordance with the Food Hygiene Ordinance.
Drinking water laboratory assistant (Lab TW)
In order to be able to work efficiently in drinking water treatment, both the raw water and the pure water must be examined for physical, chemical and biological properties. This also includes exploring usable water resources. Due to the properties of the raw water, the laboratory technician is able to design and combine the process steps of water treatment in such a way that hygienic and potable water can be obtained with the least possible effort.
He is also responsible for the constant control of the quality of the pure water produced. He is therefore also responsible for monitoring compliance with the limit values and making recommendations for necessary measures. The drinking water laboratory technician is qualified through training in a scientific profession and subsequent training in drinking water analysis by the THW federal schools.
PE / PVC welder (PSw)
If it is necessary to lay pipes for the transport of water, the PE / PVC welder welds or glues PE / PVC pipes together and thus creates permanent connections between them. He also pays attention to the usability and, above all, the operational safety of his welding equipment. His training consists of the courses "Joining and Laying PVC Lines" and "Joining and Laying PE Lines".
THW welder / flame cutter (SBr)
He manufactures auxiliary metal structures and joins pipes and semi-finished products. This includes welding work for the safe creation of fixed points, for the makeshift creation of support and stiffening elements, as well as for steel construction and repair work that is not subject to acceptance. He uses flame cutting to separate metal profiles and sheets, or can also create paths through metal obstacles.
The operational safety of his equipment is also his responsibility. It is an advantage if the THW welder / flame cutter has previous knowledge of a metalworking profession. The courses “Thermal burning” and “Welding in the THW” then build on this.
Driver CE (Kf CE)
He drives and looks after the specialist group's emergency vehicle. This not only includes proper and safety-conscious driving when in use, but also caring for the vehicle, monitoring the inspection periods and taking measures to preserve materials. The care for the associated device is also part of his duties. The prerequisites for becoming a driver are a CE driving license and a two-part “area driver training”.
Radiotelephone operator (SprFu)
The radio operator is responsible for exchanging information via radio. He sets up radio stations and maintains the radio links of his subunit. He also ensures the serviceable condition of the devices. In order to fulfill this position, the helper completes the "area training radio".
Paramedic (SanHe)
In the event of minor wounds, the "Sanhelfer" will provide relief. He carries out first aid measures and can take over the medical service when working on slightly injured people. He also ensures that the medical equipment of the specialist group is complete and usable. He attains his qualification through the "area training for paramedics", which he supplements with regular refresher courses.
