You’ve finally reached the point where the initial honeymoon phase of Gray Zone Warfare wears off and the real tactical grind begins. For many players, that wall is a specific mission given by Lab Rat. It’s called Its in the Water 2 GZW. If you thought the first part of this questline was a headache, get ready. This one sends you deep into the heart of the Ground Zero area—specifically the contaminated waters around the water treatment plant and the surrounding marshlands. It's punishing. It’s buggy if you aren't careful. And honestly, it’s one of the best ways to get your PMC killed if you don’t have a clear path.
Gray Zone Warfare doesn't hold your hand. There are no glowing waypoints or magic compass markers telling you exactly where to dip your sample kit. You just get a vague directive from Lab Rat and a pat on the back.
What is Its in the Water 2 GZW actually asking for?
Basically, Lab Rat is obsessed with the contamination levels in the local ecosystem. After you finished the first "It's in the Water" task, she decided she needs more data from the source. This mission requires you to collect three specific water samples from three different locations within the Ground Zero region.
You need to head to the Water Treatment Plant.
Wait, don't just run in there. The AI in this area is notoriously "cracked," meaning they will headshot you from 200 meters away with a rusty AK before you even see their muzzle flash. You need to be methodical. The three locations you're looking for are the Main Reservoir, the Inflow Pipe, and the Cooling Basin.
The tricky part isn't just finding the water; it's surviving the extraction. If you die with these samples in your inventory, you have to go back and get them all over again. It sucks. It’s frustrating. But that’s the nature of a tactical extraction shooter.
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Preparing your loadout for Ground Zero
Don't go in naked. I’ve seen players try to "hatchet run" this or go in with just a pistol to save money. Bad move. Ground Zero is crawling with NPCs who have high aggression sliders.
- Armor: Wear at least Class 3+. Anything less and the 7.62x39 rounds the scavs use will tear right through you.
- Weaponry: An M4A1 or a suppressed AK-56 is your best friend here. You want something with an optic—ideally a 4x or a 1x/6x variable—because you’ll be engaging targets at varying distances in the marsh.
- The Sample Kits: Make sure you actually have the kits from Lab Rat in your special items slot. If you forgot them at the base, you’re just taking a very dangerous hike for no reason.
Most people fail because they get greedy. They try to clear the whole Water Treatment Plant. Honestly? Don't. Your goal is the water. Get in, get the samples, and get out.
The precise locations for Its in the Water 2 GZW
Let's break down where these three samples actually sit. The map coordinates in GZW can be a bit wonky depending on which faction you chose (Mithras, Crimson Shield, or Lamang), but the physical landmarks remain the same for everyone.
1. The Main Reservoir
This is located on the eastern side of the treatment complex. Look for the large, circular concrete structures. You’ll see a metal walkway overhanging the water. You need to walk out onto that platform, look down at the stagnant, murky water, and interact with it. A progress bar will appear. Keep your head on a swivel; this is a very exposed position.
2. The Inflow Pipe
This one is a bit more tucked away. You’re looking for a large pipe that feeds into the main facility from the north. It’s surrounded by tall grass and some debris. You have to get right up to the mouth of the pipe where the water is trickling out.
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3. The Cooling Basin
This is typically the most dangerous spot because it’s closest to the interior buildings where the AI likes to congregate. It’s a rectangular pool. The water here looks particularly nasty. Find a spot on the edge where you can crouch down. Pro tip: have a teammate cover the windows of the nearby office building while you take the sample.
Dealing with the "Bugged" Interaction
Is it bugged? Maybe. Sometimes the "Collect Sample" prompt doesn't show up. This has been a recurring complaint in the Gray Zone community since the early access launch. If you’re standing in the water and nothing is happening, try prone-ing or jumping. Sometimes the interaction hitbox is slightly beneath the surface of the water textures.
Also, check your inventory. If your "Special Purpose" slots are full, the game might not let you pick up the sample. It sounds stupid, but it happens to the best of us.
Tactics for the Marshland
The area around the Water Treatment Plant is a nightmare of tall grass and bushes. In GZW, the AI can often "see" through foliage that players cannot. This feels unfair because it kind of is. To counter this, stay on the move. Never stay crouched in a bush thinking you’re invisible. If a scav yells at you, they already know where you are.
Use the terrain. There are small elevation changes that can provide "dead space" where the AI can't hit you. Use these dips in the land to reload and check your map.
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Why this mission matters for your progression
Completing Its in the Water 2 GZW is a major gatekeeper for Lab Rat’s shop. Finishing this unlocks better medical supplies, including advanced surgical kits and better bandages that stop heavy bleeding faster.
In a game where a single "heavy bleed" can end your raid in sixty seconds, having access to better meds is the difference between success and a long walk back from the respawn point.
Furthermore, the reputation gain (Rep) you get from this mission is substantial. It pushes you closer to Level 2 or Level 3 with Lab Rat, which is where the real gear is hidden. You’ll need that gear for the later missions in the "Tiger Bay" or "Midnight Sapphire" regions, which make Ground Zero look like a playground.
Real talk on the GZW Experience
Look, Gray Zone Warfare is still in active development. Madfinger Games is constantly tweaking the AI and the loot tables. When you're doing "Its in the Water 2," you might experience a server crash or a frame rate dip. It’s part of the "Early Access" tax.
If you lose your gear, don't sweat it. The community is generally pretty helpful. If you’re struggling with this mission, hop on the VOIP. Most PMCs from your own faction will help you clear the Water Treatment Plant if you just ask. "Hey, anyone doing Lab Rat quests?" usually gets a response.
Actionable Steps for Success
- Check your faction's landing zone (LZ): Choose the LZ that puts you closest to the northern side of the plant to avoid the heaviest patrol paths.
- Clear the perimeter first: Do not rush the water. Spend five minutes circling the facility and picking off the guards on the towers.
- Order of operations: Get the Cooling Basin sample first. It's the hardest. Get the "stressful" one out of the way while you still have full stamina and ammo.
- The "Secure Container" trick: While samples often go into special slots, if you’re worried about losing progress, ensure your most valuable loot is in your secure container (the 2x2 or 3x3 box that stays with you after death).
- Direct Return: Once the third sample is in your bag, head straight for the LZ. Do not get distracted by looting crates or chasing "one more kill."
Completing this task proves you have the patience for the tactical side of Gray Zone. It’s not a twitch-shooter mission; it’s a navigation and survival test. Once you hand those three vials to Lab Rat, you’ll be one step closer to uncovering the actual mystery of the exclusion zone. Get it done, get out alive, and watch your Rep climb.