Preparedness Series: WATER
Water is the MOST critical survival resource. A human can survive weeks without food but only days without water. Here’s how to prepare:
Stockpiling Water
Minimum Requirement: Store at least one gallon per person per day for at least two weeks.
Storage Options: Use food-grade containers, sealed bottles, or large water barrels (55-gallon drums work well).
Rotation Matters: Store in a cool, dark place and rotate every six months to prevent stagnation.
Purification Methods
Boiling: The simplest and most reliable method—bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
Filtration Systems: Portable filters (e.g., LifeStraw, Berkey) remove bacteria and protozoa.
Chemical Treatment: Household bleach (unscented) can disinfect water—use 8 drops per gallon and let sit for 30 minutes.
UV Light Sterilization: Devices like SteriPEN use ultraviolet light to kill pathogens.
Alternative Water Sources
Rainwater Collection: Use food-safe barrels to collect and filter rainwater.
Lakes, Rivers, and Streams: Always filter and purify before consumption.
Well Water: If using a private well, ensure it has a manual pump backup in case of power outages.
Water for Hygiene & Sanitation
Non-Potable Water: Store extra for bathing, cleaning, and toilet flushing.
Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Reduce water usage for personal hygiene.
Portable Toilets & Waste Disposal: Plan for sanitation when plumbing fails—composting toilets or lined buckets work in emergencies.
Long-Term Water Solutions
Desalination (If Near the Ocean): Some portable devices remove salt and make seawater drinkable.
Solar Still: Uses evaporation to purify water—slow but effective.
Community Water Plans: If living in a drought-prone area, consider neighborhood-level water storage solutions.
Backup Water Supplies
Bottled Water: Keep extra cases in case your primary supply is compromised.
Water Bladders: Bathtub bladders (e.g., WaterBOB) store emergency water quickly.
Hidden Sources: Water heater tanks and toilet tanks (not the bowl) hold emergency water.
Know Your Weak Spots
Filtration Knowledge? A water filter is useless if you don’t know how to maintain it.
Backup Plans? What happens if your main water source is contaminated?
Mental Preparedness? Panic leads to dehydration—know your plan and act quickly.
Final Note: In many short-term disasters or temporary service interruptions, water supply remains intact. Water infrastructure is typically one of the last services to fail in a crisis. However, in large-scale or long-term emergencies, access to clean water can become a major concern. While it’s unlikely that most people will ever face a total loss of water access, preparing for worst-case scenarios ensures peace of mind and maximum readiness.