Never can enough be said about water purification and quality water sources during an emergency. One of the reasons I am placing so much emphasis on potable water is because improper drinking water is one of the leading causes of death in third-world countries. It is also one of the four most likely ways to die in a SHTF scenario [1]. That being said, we must take steps to have water on hand for cooking, cleaning ourselves and ensuring that our households are properly sanitized. Learn more about how to properly disperse of waste [2] and how to create a sanitation kit.
When water is unavailable, we must trust in the skills and knowledge we have amassed. One essential skill is knowing how to properly treat water [3].
Here are two videos you can watch to create a Homemade water distiller [4] and a Solar powered water distiller [5].
Those of you who do not have access to natural water sources will need to be more clever at finding water in an emergency situation. Knowing the hidden water sources in your home [6] can help you find immediate water (for short time use) when you need it the most. Many preppers use some of the following methods of having additional water on hand during emergencies:
- Freeze ice cubes and place them into zip-loc bags to melt when the electricity goes off.
- Use plastic soda cans filled with the treated water.
- Water Bricks [7]
- Use emergency bath tub water storage containers [8]to fill with water.
- Collecting rain water [9] in plastic containers or water barrels.
Further, those that have wells on their property with electric pumps may want to consider an alternative hand or solar pump to have on hand during disasters where the electricity is out. Hand pumps such as Flojak pumps [10]are very popular amongst preppers and would be a solid investment for those of you needing a non-electric pump for your well.
Having multiple ways to treat water will ensure that you are able to drink clean water during times that the water supply may be contaminated or turned off. Further, having potable water will ensure that your family has what they need to survive and thrive.
Preps To Buy:
- Collapsible 2-gallon water containers (as many as you think your family needs)
- 1-2 Bath tub storage [11] – This is a large food grade plastic container that holds up to 65 gallons of water and fits convenienctly into your tub.
- Water filtration system – Big Berkey Water Filtration Sytems [12] are, by far a great investment for your preparedness foundation. As for pocket water filters nothing comes close to the Katadyn Pocket Microfilter [13]. It has a 20-year warranty and can filter up to 13,000 gallons of water. All in a compact size for your bug out bags [14]. Also, the life straw [15] also has some great reviews and would be in your best interest to check it out. It removes 99.9% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% waterborne protozoan parasites, and will filter approximately 264 gallons of water.
- Purchase extra filters for any water filtration systems
- Water purification tablets – my family has stocked up on micropur tablets, but there are a host of other purification tablets out there. These tablets are great to carry in your bug out bags, evacuation vehicles and even to use on camping trips.
Action Items:
- Have at least 7 days of water stored up. Remember: 1 gallon of water per person/per day.
- Ensure that you have water purification systems for the home and bug out bag. This gives you a back up for your back up.
- Start practicing water conversation in your home.
- Learn some alternative ways to collecting water.