Guide to Water Preparation: Learn How to Store, Filter, and Obtain Fresh Water
Water is the most essential resource in any emergency, as humans can only survive three days without it. While many take water for granted due to its abundance, a sudden disaster can leave you without access to clean water for drinking, hygiene, or other essential needs.
Planning for water in an emergency is critical for survival. It is important to know how much water you need, how to store it safely, and how to ensure you have enough in unexpected situations. Taking the time to plan ahead can help protect your family’s well-being, increase your resilience, and provide peace of mind.
When preparing for an emergency, water should be at the top of your list. Here are some important things to consider:
- You can survive three days without water, but it is advisable to store at least two weeks’ worth.
- Water is heavy, weighing about 8 pounds per gallon, so consider where and how you will store it.
- Store water in clean, dark, cool places away from direct sunlight to prevent contamination.
- Avoid drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can dehydrate the body and increase your need for water.
- Additional water may be required for pregnant individuals, those with illnesses, or those living in hot climates. Don’t forget to plan for your pets’ water needs as well.
Water Storage
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to store water is by purchasing cases of bottled water. It is recommended to store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene needs. Storing cases of water in closets or under beds is a convenient way to ensure you have an adequate supply of water on hand.
While commercial bottled water does not have expiration dates mandated by the FDA, it is generally recommended to use it within two years. Different types of containers are available for storing water, ranging from buried cisterns to large storage containers. It is important to choose containers that are food grade, clean, and properly sanitized before filling with water.
Types of Water Storage
Depending on your budget and space availability, there are various options for storing water:
Buried Cisterns: These can store large volumes of water but require professional installation and additional equipment for use.
Large Containers: Containers ranging from 200 to 500 gallons can be used for water storage, with optional spigots for easy distribution. These containers must be stored carefully due to their weight when full.
Used Containers: While less expensive, ensure used containers are food grade and have only stored food items in the past. Clean and sanitize these containers before filling them with water to avoid contamination.
Canning: Water can be canned similarly to food and stored for emergencies.
Deep Freeze: Filling empty spaces in your deep freeze with bottled water helps maintain temperature and provide a backup source of water.
Mobile Containers: Keep some water in smaller containers that are easy to carry in case of evacuation or traveling on foot.
How to Prepare Storage Containers
Follow these steps to clean storage containers before filling them with drinking water:
- Wash with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Mix unscented household liquid chlorine bleach with water and coat all inner surfaces.
- Let sit for at least 30 seconds, then empty and air dry or rinse with purified water.
Water Purification
Once you have used your stored water, you must find a clean water source and purify it before consumption. Purification methods such as boiling, disinfecting, or using bleach can make water safe to drink. It is important to have a proper water purification method in place to ensure your safety.
Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Having a gravity-fed water filter is recommended for filtering stored water or water from natural sources. Options like the Big Berkey and ProOne filters are effective at removing contaminants.
Boiling
Boiling water for at least one minute is one of the safest ways to purify it, especially in emergency situations.
Using Bleach
Household bleach can be used to purify water; follow specific ratios based on the bleach concentration to ensure effectiveness. Store purified water in labeled containers with tight-fitting lids.
Sourcing Fresh Water
During emergencies, access to natural water sources like streams or rivers can supplement your water supply. Knowing how to find and purify water from these sources can be crucial in emergencies.
Consider utilizing indoor water sources like water heaters, pipes, and canned food liquids for additional water supply. Outdoor water sources such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and rainwater can also be used but must be purified before consumption.
Final Thoughts
Water is our most critical resource, and planning ahead for emergencies is essential. Having a sufficient supply of clean water stored and knowing how to purify water from various sources can make a significant difference in survival during unexpected situations. Preparing for the unexpected ensures you and your family’s safety and well-being in times of crisis.
