Ready For Unsteady

Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life
Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life

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Water

Water is the most important resource during a disaster.

Remember, you can survive 3 weeks without food, but only 3 days without water.

The rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon of water per person, per day, for as many days as you want to prepare for (minimum 3 days, ideally 7-10). 

We take it for granted when it’s available, but many often forget that we need water for variety of essential purposes:

  1. Drinking: Water is vital for hydration and maintaining bodily functions.
  2. Sanitation: Water is needed for personal hygiene, such as washing hands, bathing, and cleaning.
  3. Food Preparation: Water is necessary for cooking and preparing food.
  4. Medical Care: Water is essential for treating injuries, illnesses, and dehydration. 

Water  becomes limited due to several factors:

  1. Infrastructure Damage: Disasters often cause damage to water treatment facilities, pipelines, and distribution systems. This can disrupt the normal supply of potable water.
  2. Contamination: Flooding  contaminates water sources with harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals (ex. flooded sewage systems will expose raw sewage to water tables and bodies of water). This makes the water unsafe to drink without proper treatment.
  3. Increased Demand: During disasters, water demand often surges as people seek to meet their basic needs for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene. This strains existing water supplies and cause shortages.
  4. Transportation Challenges: Disasters disrupt transportation networks, making it difficult to deliver water and other supplies to affected areas. This critical factor further exacerbates water shortages. 

Water Storage

  • Plastic bottles are the most common type of household water storage. Millions of households use these daily, but to have enough for resilience, ensure you remember the gallon/person/day rule. 
  • This can become a difficult way of ensuring enough water when stock is not replaced every time you open a new package.
  • Keep a backup supply in a different area of your home that is not touched, unless to swap out with newer bottles.
  • Bottles should be kept in a cool, windowless area of your home if possible, and rotated out every 1-2 years.
  • By storing water by the gallon, you’re less likely to run into the situation of using them without replenishing as they’re not as easy to pick up and use.
  • Same recommendations apply – keep in a cool place without sunlight if possible, and rotate out every 1-2 years.
  • These are typically used in offices and community buildings, but available at many grocery and office supply stores. 
  • These can be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight for up to 5 years.
  • Get bottles that have handles for easier transportation in the event you need to pack in your car to move locations.
  • If you decide this route, get a manual hand pump for easier distribution.
  • Any large food-grade container that has a tight seal can be used for water storage.
  • Glass is the easiest to sterilize – think large pickle or pasta sauce jars.
  • Durable plastic containers can be used as well, but water should be rotated more often than glass.
  • These are ideal for apartments or smaller living spaces.
  •  You can keep them empty and stored under the bed or in a closet, and if there’s notice about extreme weather, fill them before the storm hits.

NOTE: If water quality has already been compromised (flooding, infrastructure damage etc.), make sure you filter the water before using.

  • If you have a bathtub, consider one of these. Bathtub bladders are large, collapsible plastic bags that roll out in your bathtub and can be filled with the faucet.
  • Similar to the collapsible water membranes, you can keep them in storage and fill them up with adequate notice about a potential disaster. 
  • These can typically hold 65-100 gallons of water, depending on the size of your tub.

NOTE: If water quality has already been compromised (flooding, infrastructure damage etc.), make sure you filter the water before using.

  • Inline water tanks are built directly into a home’s plumbing system to ensure a steady and reliable water supply during emergencies.  
  • Because they’re always filled and refreshed during regular use, inline tanks offer a low-maintenance, space-saving way to stay prepared without the need for manually rotating stored water. 

NOTE: If water quality has already been compromised (flooding, infrastructure damage etc.), make sure you filter the water before using.

Water Treatment

Boiling water  is one of the most effective methods to kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

  1. Boil the water for at least 1 minute, then let it cool before drinking. 
  2. To improve the taste of boiled water, you can add 1 pinch of salt per liter, or aerate by pouring the water from one clean container to  another a few times. 
  1. Add 6 drops of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. 
  2. If the water is cloudy or dirty, use 16 drops per gallon.
  3. If the mixture does not smell of bleach, add another 6 drops and let it sit an additional 15 minutes.

When purchasing a water filter, it is important to ensure they are NSF-certified. LifeStraw is a reputable brand that provides many versions, but there are others out there. 

NOTE: Brita, Pur, and other standard carbon filters do NOT remove parasites and bacteria. 

Common filter options:

  1. Straw Filter: These filters are small, portable, and have an unlimited shelf life. Once used, they can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water and last up to 5 years.
  2. Gravity Filter: These filters use gravity to force water through a filter medium, helpful for household situations where electricity is not available. 
  3. High Capacity Filter: The filters are replaceable and can last up to  26,000 gallons. Ideal for schools, workplaces, and other community centers.
  4. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filter: RO filters use a membrane to remove contaminants from water. They are highly effective at removing a wide range of impurities, including minerals, but can also remove beneficial minerals. Ensure you have a way to re-miniralize.
  5. Pitcher and Dispenser Filters:  If you decide to use a pitcher or fridge dispenser filter, ensure the filters are replaced regularly, graded for parasite and bacteria removal, and are NSF-certified. 
  6.  If you don’t have a filter on-hand, you can make one with a few household items.

These tablets contain iodine or chlorine and can be used to purify water.

  1. Typically, adding one 50mg tablet and waiting 30 minutes will purify 1-2 liters  of water, but follow the instructions on the packaging. 
  2. If there is sediment, it’s advised to run the water through a filter before adding the purification tab. If you don’t have a filter on-hand, you can make one with a few household items.

Solar Distillation is a process of purifying water using the sun’s heat. It’s a simple and effective method that can be used, but the process is slow and only works with direct sunlight.

Solar stills come in various shapes and sizes, but how they work will have the same parameters:

  1. Evaporation: Water is placed in a container exposed to the sun. The heat from the sun causes the water to evaporate.
  2. Condensation: The evaporated water rises, cools, and condenses back into liquid form on a cool surface.
  3. Collection: The condensed water is collected in a separate container, resulting in purified water. 

At the very least, you’ll need:

  1. A container for the contaminated water
  2. A smaller container to capture the clean water
  3. Plastic bag or plastic wrap
  4. A rock or something to use as a weight

Simplified example here

There are more advanced DIY versions or solar stills available for purchase.

Water Acquisition

You’ve run out of water, stores are empty or inaccessible, and emergency services haven’t arrived. Now what?

Your house holds a surprising amount of usable water,  if you know where to look.

Important: Even if the source looks clean, assume it’s contaminated. Always boil, filter, or chemically disinfect before using for drinking or cooking.

  • Hot Water Tank: Your water heater can hold 30–80 gallons that are potable (if water infrastructure hasn’t been contaminated). It may contain rust or sediment, so always filter and disinfect before use.
  • Dehumidifier or Air Conditioner Drip: Condensation can be collected in a clean container and treated just like rainwater. It’s essentially distilled but may carry airborne contaminants, so purify it before drinking.
  • Toilet Tank (not the bowl!): Clean water sits in the upper tank, especially useful if you don’t use chemical cleaners. Filter or boil before use.
  • Pipes and Fixtures: After a water outage, a small amount of water remains trapped in your plumbing. Opening the lowest faucet in your home (think basement sink) may release some.
  • Ice Cubes & Melted Ice Packs: Melt stored ice from freezers or coolers. Great for immediate short-term needs.
  • Canned Foods and Liquids: Fruits, veggies, and soups in cans often contain drinkable liquids. Don’t waste them – they count toward hydration.
  • Humidifiers: Some ultrasonic or evaporative humidifiers collect excess water that can be reclaimed in a pinch (purify first).

The simplest method of rain collection is putting a container outside, ideally on a roof  or high surface.

  • Use clean containers: Ensure they are free from contaminants. Use pots, pans, buckets, or any container with a wide mouth. If you have a plastic tarp, secure from all four sides and ensure there are no trees or obstructions blocking rainfall.
  • Place them in a clean area: Avoid areas with potential contamination, like rooftops near chimneys or gutters.
  • Filter and treat: The water will still need to be filtered and treated to ensure there are no contaminants.
  • Rain barrels: HINT: not all are circular barrels. There are slim-fit collection systems that are easier to camouflage. 

Remember:

  • Safety first: Ensure the area you’re collecting rainwater from is safe and free from contaminants.
  • Quantity: Collect as much water as you can to ensure a sufficient supply.
  • Conservation: Use the water wisely, as it may be limited. 
  • Look for springs or streams: Ensure the water appears clean and free of debris.
  • Filter and treat the water: remember the water sill still need to be treated to ensure it is safe to consume.
  • Spring Box: These are simple structures built around a spring to capture and channel the water into a storage tank.

Dew is a natural source of water that can be collected, especially in early morning hours.  Ensure you set up the collection method at night, and collect early in the morning to avoid evaporation.

A few methods:

  1. Cloth or Tarp: Spread a clean, cloth or tarp on a flat surface, preferably in an open area exposed to the night sky. In the morning, gently shake or squeeze the cloth to collect the dew.
  2. Dew Collectors: The simplest and cheapest is an inverted pyramid using a plastic sheet, a rock to form the point, and a cup to collect the water. If that isn’t available,  place cup-shaped objects or leaves facing up and collect dew in the morning.
  3. Dew-Covered Plants:  In the early morning, gently shake or wipe dew-covered plants, such as grass or leaves, into a container.

Tips for Effective Dew Harvesting:

  • Clear sky: Dew formation is more likely on clear nights.
  • Cool temperatures: Cooler temperatures promote dew formation.
  • Exposed surface: Ensure the cloth or tarp is exposed to the sky and not shaded.
  • Clean materials: Use clean materials to avoid contamination.
  • Prompt collection: Collect the dew as soon as possible after dawn

Graywater harvesting is the practice of collecting and reusing lightly used water from household activities like bathing, laundry, and sink use. This water, known as graywater, can be used to irrigate plants, flush toilets, or other non-potable uses. This water can also be filtered for potable use (requires more sophisticated filtration techniques).

A few methods:
1. Simple Bucket Method:

  • Place buckets under sinks and in showers to collect graywater.
  • Use the collected water to water plants (with filtering) or flush toilets.

2. Divert-and-Drain System:

  • Install a diverter valve to redirect graywater from washing machines, showers or sinks to an outdoor drain or a storage tank.
  • Filter and use.

3. Gravity-Fed System:

  • Create a simple system using pipes to direct graywater from fixtures to a storage tank or directly to outdoor plants.
  • Ensure proper slope and filtration to prevent clogs and contamination.

4. Commercial Graywater Systems:

  • Invest in a commercial graywater system that includes filtration, storage, and distribution components.
  • These systems offer more advanced features and can handle larger volumes of graywater.

Important Considerations:

  • Water Quality: Ensure the graywater is filtered to remove debris and contaminants.
  • Plant Selection: Choose plants that can tolerate graywater, as it may contain nutrients and minerals.
  • Soil Conditions: Consider your soil type and drainage to avoid waterlogging.
  • Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your graywater system to prevent clogs and odors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much emergency water should you store per person?

A good rule of thumb is to store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. A minimum three-day supply is a good starting point, but a two-week supply is even better if you have the space. This helps cover drinking, basic food prep, and limited sanitation needs during an emergency.

Water itself does not expire, but the container it is stored in can break down over time, especially if it is plastic. Sealed water kept out of direct sunlight and stored in a cool place can often last for a few years, but heat, light, and damaged containers can affect quality. If you are ever unsure whether stored water is still safe, it is best to filter or purify it before drinking.

Yes, in most cases tap water is safe to store for emergency preparedness if your local water supply is already safe to drink. Use clean, food-safe containers and seal them tightly. For longer-term storage, some people also use water preserver solution made specifically for stored drinking water to help extend shelf life. Properly stored tap water is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to build an emergency water supply.

The best way to store emergency water in an apartment is to use space-efficient, manageable containers like commercially bottled water, stackable water containers, or collapsible water storage bags. Small-space households should focus on options that are easy to carry, easy to rotate, and realistic for closets, under-bed storage, or utility shelves.

Stored water is your first line of backup, but a water filter or purification method can add another layer of resilience. If your stored supply runs low, a filter, purification tablets, or boiling method can help make questionable water safer. Emergency water storage and emergency water treatment work best together.

The cheapest way to start is usually to buy a small amount of store-bought bottled water and gradually add more over time. You can also use cleaned, food-safe containers for tap water storage. Starting small is better than waiting for the perfect setup, especially if you are new to emergency preparedness.

Rainwater, lake water, river water, and stream water may look clean, but they can still contain bacteria, parasites, chemicals, or other contaminants. In an emergency, these sources may be useful as backup water, but they should not be treated as automatically safe to drink. If you need to use rainwater or natural water sources, it is best to filter and purify the water before consumption.

If you are not sure whether water is safe, there are a few ways to make it safer to drink. Common emergency water treatment methods include boiling, filtering, and using water purification tablets or unscented household bleach when appropriate. The best method depends on what may be in the water, but in general, questionable water should always be treated before drinking.

If the tap stops working, start by using your stored emergency water supply first and begin rationing early so your supply lasts longer. Focus on drinking and basic food preparation first, and look for simple water-saving techniques for cleaning and sanitation, like using a clean spray bottle to rinse dishes, wiping plates before washing, and reusing water when safe to do so for non-drinking purposes.

If you need more water, check other household sources, such as water already stored in containers or, in some cases, water from your water heater if it is safe and accessible. If your outage lasts longer, you may need to rely on backup water sources and treat any questionable water before drinking.