Water Filtration and Storage
We often take our household water supply for granted. However, when safe drinking water is unavailable, it is more than just an inconvenience - it can become a health emergency. One of the things we all do is underestimate how much water we actually use. We use water for drinking, bathing, reconstituting dehydrated foods, and more. I don't envy people in places without ample water - being in Michigan we are surrounded by it so it's rarely an issue in a SHTF situation unless you live in the city limits. While water isn't an issue here, clean water may be. With ample lakes, rivers and surrounded by the great lakes around us, it's still not necessarily "safe" to drink from those sources. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and winter storms are examples of natural disasters that can interrupt the supply of safe drinking water - even if that water is abundant. Interruptions may be for only a short period of time, or for days. Every home should have an emergency water supply to meet its members' needs during these situations. When an emergency happens, drinking water is one of the first things sold out.
How much do I need?
Everyone's needs will differ, depending upon age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. Humans need to drink at least two quarts (64 ounces), which is equal to eight cups, of water each day. The amount of water you need will also depend on the total amount of juices, soups, other drinks, and moisture rich foods available. You'll also need water for toilet flushing. Hot environments can double the amount needed as the body uses water for cooling. Children, nursing women, and ill people will need more. Don't forget that pets will need water as well. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing your activity level. Additional water will be needed for food preparation and hygiene. In general, store minimally one gallon of drinking water per person, per day of expected need - more if you will want to flush toilets. If you have pets, allow 1 quart per day for each medium sized dog or cat. Ideally, you'll want to store enough water to hold you over until you can fire up the generator and get the well going - or if in the city - at least a three-day supply is recommended. Consider storing a two-week supply if your home has enough space for it. If there is a chance something may happen, it may be beneficial to fill the bath tub and any containers available just in case.
You can store water in food grade plastic or glass containers with tight fitting screw-on caps. Plastic milk bottles should be avoided, because it is difficult to remove protein and fat residues, which may allow bacteria to grow during storage. Food-grade containers include those that previously held beverages, soda bottles and bottled water or juice containers. You can buy new plastic containers for water storage in most houseware and sporting goods departments. Only purchase containers labeled for storage of food or beverages.
Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because tiny amounts may remain in the container's pores. Some plastic containers may affect the taste of stored water. Chlorine bleach bottles may be a food approved plastic, but contain a chemical that prevents dust build up. Waterbeds are not approved food storage plastics. Water in these items may still be ok to use for cleaning and washing, just not drinking.
Water from a public water supply is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Natural Resources department. Public water suppliers regularly test for bacteria and deliver water that meets EPA drinking water standards so this water is safe to store.
Well Water & Spring Water
If you are on a private water supply, it is recommended that you buy bottled water to store. Only sealed, unopened bottles should be stored. Be sure the bottled water label has the IBWA (International Bottled Water Association) or NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) seal, or an NYSDH certification number. These organizations require periodic water testing and inspections of the bottling facility .
Wells and springs are not subject to any regulation. Some areas inspect the water from a well when it is drilled. Generally, it is risky to store well water, but on the other hand, if you obtain a hand pump or use a generator to run the well pump, you can obtain all the fresh water you need. If you are on a private water supply, a generator will allow you to continue pumping water when there is a power outage.
Does it need to be boiled first?
Boiling the water before storage is not recommended. It will not prevent all problems that may occur during storage.
A water supply that has a whole-house treatment system that includes reverse osmosis or distillation, the water could be safe to store if the system was installed correctly, and if the owner maintains the system properly.
How should I treat the water for storage?
All water that is stored should be drinking-quality water to begin with. Use chlorine bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use the scented or soaped bleach. Use a medicine dropper to add bleach to water you are storing. 16 drops bleach, or 1/4 teaspoon, per gallon or 4-liter container of water is the amount to use. Stir the water and allow it to stand for 30 minutes. Chlorine should be detectable by odor after the 30 minute waiting period. If the water does not smell like chlorine at that point, repeat the dose and let it stand another 15 minutes. Cap and note when the water was prepared. Do not store chlorine treated water in metal containers as it is corrosive to most metals.
How long can I store the water?
Store water in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hydrocarbon vapors can penetrate polyethylene plastics, store water in plastic containers away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances.
Water weighs over 8 pounds per gallon so make sure the shelving can support the water. Replace the water every 6 months. If it's commercially bottled water, check the expiration date. If it doesn't have a date, water with the IBWA or NSF seal will have a shelf life of about a year.
Frozen water will last much longer and if you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in the freezer frozen much longer. Leave space in the containers before freezing to keep the container from breaking. Do not freeze glass containers.
In an emergency (you didn't store enough)?
Don't ration drinking water, lower your activity level, especially in hot weather to conserve. In an emergency you can use water in your pipes, hot water tank, ice cubes in the freezer and the reservoir tank of the toilet (not the bowl). Shut off the incoming water valve to stop contaminated water from entering your home. To use water in pipes after you turn off the valve, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house. If you need to go outside for water (streams, lakes, etc.) be sure to purify it first before drinking. It may contain harmful bacteria. Moving bodies of water are better - rain, running streams - avoid mucky ponds or water with an odor or dark color. NEVER drink floodwater as it may contain chemicals such as oil and gas.
But I have a well!
Maybe you do, but if you have no power to get the water out of the ground what will you do? You will need a generator to run your well pump and the gasoline to keep the generator going. It's the things you take for granted that are most likely to be forgotten in a crisis situation.
.jpg)