You’re staring at the murky water of the Ground Zero reservoir and wondering why on earth a tactical shooter turned into a plumbing simulator. Honestly, it happens to everyone. It’s in the Water GZW is one of those early-game quests in Gray Zone Warfare that sounds simple on paper but ends up being a massive headache because of the AI density and the specific, narrow requirements for completion. If you’ve been running circles around the water treatment plant and getting picked off by bush-wookies, you aren't alone.
This isn't just about grabbing a bottle and dipping it in a pond. You’re working for Handshake, and he wants intel on why the local population is getting sick. To do that, you need three specific samples from three very specific locations. If you miss one, or if you die before you can extract, you're back to square one. It’s brutal.
Where to Actually Find the Samples
The water treatment facility is the heart of the "It’s in the Water" GZW mission. It’s located on the outskirts of the starter towns (either Mithras, Crimson Shield, or Lamang, depending on your faction). The layout is roughly the same for everyone, but the approach changes based on where your nearest Landing Zone (LZ) is.
First, let’s talk about the Water Well. It’s usually tucked away near the residential edge of the facility. You aren't looking for a modern faucet here. You’re looking for a classic, slightly rusted hand pump or a stone-well structure. When you approach it, you’ll get a prompt to "Collect Sample." Do not forget to check your inventory immediately. If you don't see that quest item taking up space, you didn't actually grab it.
Then there is the Storage Tank. This is usually inside a fenced-off area with several large, cylindrical vats. You need to find the one that has a reachable valve or an open hatch. Most players make the mistake of trying to interact with the base of the tank. Usually, you have to find the specific interaction point near the piping or the small stairs leading up the side. The AI loves to patrol this corridor, so keep your suppressor on if you have one.
The Ground Water Sample
This is the one that gets people killed. You have to find a spot where the water is actually stagnant on the ground—often a small pool or a runoff ditch near the back of the facility. It looks like a mud puddle. You have to crouch down, sometimes even prone, to get the interaction prompt to appear.
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The physics in Gray Zone Warfare can be a bit wonky. Sometimes you’ll be standing right on top of the objective and the game won't recognize it. If that happens, move a few inches to the left or right. It’s finicky.
Survival is the Hardest Part
Getting the samples is only 40% of the job. The real challenge of It’s in the Water GZW is surviving the trek back to the LZ. In the current state of the game, the AI in the water treatment area has "super-vision." They will spot you through three layers of tropical foliage and tap your dome with an SKS before you even see a muzzle flash.
Bring at least three extra magazines. You might think you can sneak in, but once the first shot rings out, the whole village is coming for you. Use the "Slow Lean" (Q and E keys) religiously. If you expose your whole body to clear a corner at the treatment plant, you’re going back to the main menu in a body bag.
Gear Check for the Mission
Don't go in naked. Even though this is an early quest, the stakes are high because of the travel time.
- Armor: At least Class 2, preferably Class 3 if you’ve unlocked it from Gunny.
- Medical: You need more than just bandages. Bring a splint and some painkillers. If an AI blacks out your leg while you’re carrying those samples, you are a sitting duck.
- The Container: If you have space in your "Safe Container" (your Hera or similar secure box), put the samples in there the second you pick them up. This is the ultimate pro tip. If you die with the samples in your backpack, they are gone. If they are in your secure container, they stay with you even if you take a bullet to the teeth.
Why This Quest Matters for Your Progression
Completing It’s in the Water GZW isn't just about the money or the XP, though Handshake is reasonably generous with the rewards. It’s about reputation. In Gray Zone Warfare, your reputation level with vendors dictates what gear you can buy.
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By finishing this mission, you unlock higher-tier medical supplies and better weapon attachments. It’s a gatekeeper quest. If you can’t get past the water treatment plant, you’re going to be stuck using basic iron sights and crappy ammo for a long time.
The lore here is also surprisingly deep. It hints at the larger environmental disaster within the Lamang Island region. The "Ground Zero" isn't just a name; it’s a reference to the biological or chemical contamination that turned the area into a tactical nightmare. Pay attention to the dialogue Handshake gives you when you turn it in—it sets the stage for the mid-game missions where you start investigating the corporate entities behind the collapse.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most players rush the extraction. They get the three samples, feel a rush of adrenaline, and sprint toward the LZ. That’s when the "LZ campers" (both AI and players) get you. The LZs in GZW are notorious death traps.
Wait.
Listen for helicopters. If you hear a bird coming in that isn't yours, hide. Let the other squad land, let them clear out, and wait for your own ride. Patience is a literal lifesaver in this game.
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Another huge mistake is forgetting to bring enough water (the irony). The water treatment plant is hot, and your character’s hydration levels will tank while you're sneaking around. If you start hallucinating or losing stamina because you're thirsty, you won't be able to aim straight when the AI pushes your position.
Tactical Pathing for Mithras vs. Crimson Shield
If you are Mithras, your approach to the facility is usually from the south. This gives you a bit more cover through the treeline, but you have to cross an open field that is a sniper's paradise.
Crimson Shield players usually come from the east. This path has more buildings, which is great for cover but terrible for CQB (Close Quarters Battle). You'll find yourself clearing houses just to move fifty feet. Use grenades. If you think an AI is behind a door near the storage tanks, don't "pie the corner"—just lob a frag in there and move on.
The Technical Side: Quest Bugs
As of the current build, some players report that the "Collect Sample" prompt doesn't appear even when they are at the right spot. This is a known issue. If it happens to you, the best fix is to move about 50 meters away and then come back to the objective. This forces the game to "re-check" your proximity to the quest marker.
Also, make sure you don't have a full inventory. The samples take up 1x1 slots. If your pockets, vest, and backpack are completely stuffed with loot and ammo, you won't be able to pick up the water samples, and the game won't always tell you why. It’ll just feel like the button is broken.
Actionable Steps for Success
To get this done in one go, follow this sequence:
- Empty your Secure Container: Leave enough room for three 1x1 items. This is your insurance policy.
- Loot a Suppressor: If you don't have one, buy one or find one. Silence is your best friend at the water plant.
- The "Crouch-Walk" Approach: Stop running once you are within 100 meters of the facility. The AI hears footsteps and will pre-fire you.
- Order of Operations: Hit the Well first, then the Storage Tank, then the Ground Water. This path usually flows from the outside in, making your exit strategy easier.
- Check the Quest Log: Before you head to the LZ, open your menu and make sure all three sub-tasks have a green checkmark. There is nothing worse than flying back to base and realizing the game didn't register the second sample.
- Extract with Caution: Approach the LZ from an angle, never in a straight line from the objective. Look for the yellow smoke and stay in the brush until the helicopter is actually on the ground.
Once you’ve handed these in to Handshake, you’ll likely unlock the follow-up mission involving the local airfield or the more dangerous jungle interior. Take the rewards, buy yourself a decent optic, and get ready for the difficulty to spike. The water treatment plant was just the warm-up.