The Importance of Water Preparedness
Humans can survive weeks without food but only days without water. In emergencies, municipal water can become contaminated or unavailable, making personal water preparedness essential.
Storage Fundamentals
How Much to Store
- Minimum: 1 gallon per person per day
- Recommended: 3 days supply minimum
- Ideal: 2 weeks supply for extended emergencies
- Don’t forget pets and sanitation needs
Container Selection
- Food-grade plastic containers (HDPE, marked with #2)
- Commercial water storage tanks
- Glass containers for long-term storage
- Avoid containers previously used for chemicals
Storage Location
- Cool, dark place away from chemicals
- Rotate every 6-12 months
- Protect from freezing (expansion can crack containers)
Purification Methods
Boiling
- Bring water to rolling boil for 1 minute
- At high altitudes (6,500+ feet), boil 3 minutes
- Most reliable method for killing pathogens
Chemical Treatment
- Unscented liquid chlorine bleach (8 drops per gallon)
- Water purification tablets
- Let stand 30 minutes before drinking
Filtration
- Portable water filters remove bacteria and protozoa
- Look for filters rated for at least 0.2 microns
- Some filters also remove viruses
Emergency Water Sources
Indoor Sources
- Hot water heater tank
- Toilet tanks (not bowls)
- Ice cubes
- Canned vegetables and fruits
Outdoor Sources (require purification)
- Rainwater collection
- Streams and rivers
- Lakes and ponds
- Avoid stagnant water when possible