What is the primary measure used for disinfecting canteen water?

The primary measure used for disinfecting canteen water is calcium hypochlorite, which is a chlorine compound widely used for water treatment due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. When added to water, calcium hypochlorite releases chlorine, which is a powerful disinfectant. This method is particularly important in military settings where ensuring safe drinking water is crucial for the health and operational readiness of personnel.

The use of calcium hypochlorite allows for a controlled dosage and can effectively provide residual disinfection in the water supply, which helps to prevent recontamination. It is also advantageous in situations where boiling or alternative disinfection methods may not be as feasible or practical due to concerns like time, resources, or equipment availability. In contrast, while boiling, filtration, and ultraviolet light are also effective methods of water disinfection, they may not provide the same level of broad-spectrum efficacy or residual protection as calcium hypochlorite in field conditions.