Introduction
During a disaster—like hurricanes, earthquakes, or widespread power outages—access to clean water can vanish quickly. Without a consistent supply of safe drinking water, dehydration and illness can set in fast.
Preparing a reliable water reserve and understanding how to purify potentially contaminated sources is vital to keeping you and your family safe. This guide outlines how much water to store, the best ways to keep it fresh, and methods to purify water if your supply runs low.
Why an Emergency Water Supply Matters
- Essential for Hydration: Humans can only survive a few days without water.
- Basic Sanitation: Cleaning wounds, washing hands, and cooking require safe water as well.
- Infrastructure Risks: Disasters may break pipes or contaminate local water sources, making tap water unsafe.
- Long-Term Outages: A major event can take weeks for normal water services to resume.
Being prepared with stored or purifiable water ensures resilience against these disruptions.
How Much Water You Need
Experts often recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and minimal hygiene:
- Two-Week Minimum: If space allows, aim for a 14-day supply (i.e., 14 gallons/person).
- Special Considerations: Children, nursing mothers, and ill persons may require more. Also account for pets’ water needs.
Methods for Storing Water
Commercially Bottled Water
- Advantages: Sealed, contamination-resistant, and easily rotated.
- Rotation Cycle: Typically 6–12 months, but check the “best by” date.
Home-Filled Containers
- Food-Grade Containers
- Use BPA-free plastic or stainless steel designed for water storage.
- Use BPA-free plastic or stainless steel designed for water storage.
- Preparation
- Clean thoroughly with soap and water, then sanitize with a mild bleach solution.
- Clean thoroughly with soap and water, then sanitize with a mild bleach solution.
- Sealing
- Tightly cap and label with the date.
- Tightly cap and label with the date.
- Rotation
- Refresh every 6 months to ensure taste and safety.
Larger Storage Options
- Water Barrels
- 30- to 55-gallon plastic drums are common for long-term stockpiles.
- Keep in cool, dark places to deter bacterial growth.
- 30- to 55-gallon plastic drums are common for long-term stockpiles.
- Bladder Tanks
- Collapsible liners that fit in bathtubs or other containers. Good for short notice scenarios (e.g., when a storm is forecast).
Water Purification Methods
Boiling
- Simple and Effective
- Kills most pathogens when water is boiled for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitudes).
- Kills most pathogens when water is boiled for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitudes).
- Taste Issues
- Might taste flat—shaking the water or adding a pinch of salt can help.
- Might taste flat—shaking the water or adding a pinch of salt can help.
Chemical Disinfection
- Bleach (Chlorine)
- Use unscented, household bleach (5–6% sodium hypochlorite) at 8 drops per gallon; let it stand at least 30 minutes.
- Use unscented, household bleach (5–6% sodium hypochlorite) at 8 drops per gallon; let it stand at least 30 minutes.
- Iodine Tablets
- More convenient but not recommended for pregnant women or long-term use.
- More convenient but not recommended for pregnant women or long-term use.
- Water Purification Tablets
- Specifically formulated for emergencies; follow instructions carefully.
- Specifically formulated for emergencies; follow instructions carefully.
Filtration Devices
- Portable Filters
- Pump or gravity-fed filtration systems often remove bacteria and protozoa.
- Pump or gravity-fed filtration systems often remove bacteria and protozoa.
- UV Light Purifiers
- Small, pen-like devices using ultraviolet to disinfect water, good for short-term or travel use.
- Small, pen-like devices using ultraviolet to disinfect water, good for short-term or travel use.
For maximum effectiveness, combine methods if the water is severely contaminated (e.g., filter first, then use bleach or boil).
Maintaining and Rotating Your Water Supply
- Regular Checks
- Inspect containers every few months for leaks or signs of algae or discoloration.
- Inspect containers every few months for leaks or signs of algae or discoloration.
- Label with Dates
- Keep track of fill or purchase dates for easy rotation.
- Keep track of fill or purchase dates for easy rotation.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place
- Light and heat can foster microbial growth or degrade plastic containers.
Additional Tips for Emergencies
- Water from Non-Traditional Sources
- In dire situations, you can collect water from water heater tanks or the toilet reservoir (not the bowl). Purify before consuming.
- In dire situations, you can collect water from water heater tanks or the toilet reservoir (not the bowl). Purify before consuming.
- Rainwater
- If available, filter and disinfect thoroughly.
- If available, filter and disinfect thoroughly.
- Communication
- Monitor official guidance. Local water authorities or emergency broadcasts can confirm if tap water is safe.
Conclusion
A robust water plan is a cornerstone of disaster preparedness—covering both stored water for immediate needs and purification techniques if supplies run short. By accumulating at least a two-week stock, using proper storage methods, and understanding quick disinfection techniques like boiling or bleaching, you’ll secure enough clean water for hydration, hygiene, and basic cooking even during extended crises.
Regularly refreshing your emergency water ensures it stays palatable and free from contamination, bolstering confidence and resilience no matter the emergency.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Water, sanitation & hygiene-related emergencies.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2020). Guidelines on emergency water supplies.
- American Red Cross. (2022). Home water storage and purification guide.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). Safe drinking water preparedness.
Disclaimer: This content is informational. Always follow local health regulations, official advisories, and consult professionals if uncertain about water safety.
