Scientists working at the Halley VI Antarctic research station cannot drink the seawater beneath the ice, so the only way to get drinking water when temperatures drop below freezing is to melt the ice above it. This is no easy feat, the limited fuel supply and -40° (C or F) weather quickly turning any water back to ice. Eating the snow can cause hypothermia, and the line between life and death is so fine that even a small loss of body temperature can be fatal. The temperature difference between the stomach and the snow or winter air can also cause cramping and an unbearable burning sensation.
A British company is building two 10,000 litre stainless steel water storage tanks to provide the main water source for the Harley VI. 10,000 litres of snow are loaded into a tank containing a 1" heating coil that will pump hot water around the bottom of the tank to melt the snow...problem solved!
And how best to distribute the water to the crew of Halley VI? well... one of our stainless steel drinking fountains would be perfect!