Undrinkable Is Unthinkable – Check Your Emergency Water Supply Today
Editor’s note: check out Water4Patriots for our top choice of personal water filtration.
Here’s a horrible thought to brighten your day:
What if the emergency you’ve been diligently preparing for occurs and you discover that your emergency supply of drinking water is undrinkable? How could that happen? Easy.
All you’d have to do is make one or more mistakes in what you store that water in, how clean (or dirty) the containers are, where you keep those water containers or how often you rotate your supply.
As important as it is to have an emergency supply of food ready and waiting, at least you could survive without food for a few days if you absolutely had to. You’re not going to last long without drinkable water. Dehydration will set in quickly, especially if you are out in the sun during the summer.
Make sure you follow the 10 water storage tips below. It could make the difference between life and death following a disaster.
- Store various sizes of water containers. Water is very heavy, and if all you have is large containers, not everyone in your family may be able to comfortably handle them. This is especially important if you and your family are forced to go mobile in a crisis.
- Select food-grade barrels. Blue, polyethylene plastic storage barrels for large quantities of water are popular. They’ll also help differentiate your water from your fuel and won’t taint your water with toxins.
- Clean the containers. Before filling them with water, dilute one teaspoon of bleach in a gallon of water and wash the containers thoroughly, including insides, lips and lids. Never store water in a container that’s been used to store something else.
- Place labels on your containers. Clearly mark the date you filled the container on each label, as well as the source (filtered water, tap water, ground water, etc.).
- Keep it in a proper place. Make sure your water containers do not have access to sunlight, which can result in bacteria and algae growth. A cool, dark place away from chemicals is best, and only use containers with airtight lids.
- Secure the containers. Think in advance about which areas in your home would mostly likely be affected by a disaster and keep the containers out of there. Avoid high places and keep your water locked away if you think looting could be a possibility.
- Don’t let your water freeze. Frozen water could break its containers. Plus, you might not have time to wait until it thaws before you need to drink it.
- Filter your water. If necessary, filter your water before you store it. If not, it’s still a good idea to have a water-filtering plan in place in case your water becomes contaminated.
- Replace your supply regularly. Yes, it could last for a long time if stored properly, but replacing it at least once a year is a good idea.
- Keep additional water containers in a separate location. If your home is destroyed in a disaster, your home water supply is likely to be ruined as well.
If you’re going to go to the trouble of stockpiling water for a crisis, make sure to do it right so that it’s ready and waiting for you when you need it.
The Ultimate In Water Purification? Scientists have discovered a weird 2 oz. device that purifies the nastiest, filthiest, bacteria-riddled and parasite infested water without chemicals or even moving parts. Video >>
Water can be stored up to 4 years if left sealed. Opened bottles can last up to a year. Always store in cool dark place when possible.
Fyi: Rule of thumb for water is…..1 gal per day, per person.
Apartment preps store supplies under you bed. You can put a lot of stuff there. Save water under sinks. Also use the very top shelves or add shelves to kitchen/closet storage areas where it is hard to reach for daily use for emergency supplies.
Don’t store water with fluoride in it, unless it’s for flushing your toilet. Store pure water. Fluoride is poison, especially for kids. Cities with fluoride poison everybody to save a few teeth. What are dentists for? Other sources for fluoride if you need it, but in water supply is dangerous.
I understand the wisdom in your water storage suggestions. My question is: How do you get water out of a well with insufficient power to run the pump? From what I have read; solar generators do not generate enough power to do the job.
You can use a old time hand pump.If you have access to well head all you need is a pipe coupler, a 12 inch section of pipe threaded on each end and a hand/picture pump and 2 pipe wrenches.Now remove elect.pump from well head and install above parts.Now you have access to the water,all with out electric power.
How long will bottled water, the 16 oz, to 20 oz type you buy by the case, and or bottle last stored in a metal building with minimum insulation. Non controlled environment, cold with the weather, and hot with the weather, but no sunlight. Thank-you
so what about all of us living in apartments? No one seems to want to address ANYTHING about what WE do. I guess all those who survive are home owners? How do I store water for one. in what kind of containers? and for how long? The article didn’t say how long before we have to DRINK our stored water and where to replace it in a city. How about some more detailed instructions in storing water, is that asking too much?
You need to use your brain and think. You have closets. What about under the sink? No one is going to hold your hand. The article clearly states blue water containers. The article clearly states replace every year. The article clearly states have filters available. Apartment? Do you have a balcony? Make a plan to catch rainwater. Use your brain. All Frank is doing is giving you a basic plan. You need to adjust the plan according to your life. Good Grief, GROW UP.
Rodney: You can buy collapsible water containers for apartment dwelling. They are easy to store flat. More than likely most people will have enough time to fill these bags, their tubs, kitchen sinks, etc. I bought mine at jet.com because they are cheaper with free shipping on $35 minimum order. I can always make the $35 and them some because they carry all manner of groceries.
Seriously, if you live in a city, you’ve pretty much dug your own grave.
Frank….haven’t seen any discussion on dealing with sanitation issues in the event house is cut off from water and electric. My home is on sewer system so electricity not required to flush toilets. So am I correct in saying the toilets can continue to be used as long as you have (stored) water to fill the holding tank after each use?
Yes, you are correct
Putting water in the tank might require more water than necessary. Practice flushing by saving pre-hot water with hose and head into a bucket. It saves water if you’re paying the bill. Flush toilet with water from the bucket. Put hoarded water into the bucket for flushing. I’ve tried both, and bucket works better than putting water in the tank.
PJH: Consider this; If we are in an extended SHTF, your septic system is going to get full. Most likely, you will need an alternative plan. Like an outhouse. I have personally stocked up on some lime for just such purpose.
I have a 25000 gallon salt water swimming pool. Can I use this water for drinking? What is the best way to filter it?
No. Empty it and fill with fresh water.
You can distill the saltwater and drink it all day, no problem.
You need the SURVIVAL STILL.
The Survival Still is a permanent desalination system
Is storing the 24-bottle case of 16.9 oz. Dasani bottles ok to keep in an inside closet? Please send me an answer to my email…..thank you!
Yes, but not forever. Buy two cases, and rotate now and then.
Where can you get boxed water storage kits?
So where can you get boxed water storage kits?
Does anyone know What happened to aqua pail? I heard they were no longer in business.
I bought Aqua Pails on Amazon recently. Check there.
BE AWARE , intentional contamination, re: ‘payback'(so-called; ).A single, home size spray can, of insecticide, can RUIN your watershed(acres..years)… Also, plastic containers are subject to “photo-degradation”( break down, from sun exposure). BEST of Luck.
Where can I buy the personal water filtration.
I’ll hope you head to: http://www.water4patriots.com :)
Just a note: in regards to storing water
I used 2- 55gal. Blu-poly drums, I stored R.O. Water in. I stored them outside home. I lived in the desert where temps varied widely. To prevent spoilage of my water supply, I added a cup of ‘micro-particle’ colloidal silver to each drum. I never opened in 10yrs. thereafter. I opened top barrel cap about a year ago, before moving.
The water was as clear & clean, as the day I made it, & tasted fine.
Using CS as a anti-microbial preservative worked fine for me .
Just a FYI memo.
That’s an excellent idea, I use silver for everything else, thanks for posting that
Need cost of the straw that cleans water as you drink.
$19.99 is most common cost…life straw. But it will not remove heavy metals or chemicals. Consider AlexaPure, and/or Berkey.
We received the shipment of the purifiers and am pleased to have the brochures that came with them. It answered all of my questions before I asked them . Thanks
The question about boiling there is one good procedure that can help the boiling of water.
Have two very clean containers like pots for cooking and after the boiled water cools, Begin to pour the water from one container to another a number of times.
You will tell by the odor that the water has been aerated. It will taste like fresh spring water.
Ok, Frank, my question concerns boiling. For how long, basically. Ultimately, is this an all-around good method of purifying water, or at least cleaning up the gook? Should I filter first, then boil? What is best container, pot etc. to boil in? thx
Boiling will kill bacteria. It won’t get rid of dirt or oil or chemicals. It won’t kill prions and some spores can survive it. Boiling for 15 minutes is the standard for bacteria killing, but most of the good happens in the first 5 minutes. I do recommend filtering first – it’ll get rid of the dirt and give remaining bacteria less places to hide.
Why isn’t anyone talking about the “Lifestraw”? Frank is offering them for sale on his website. I purchased three, and I collect rainwater. I plan on drinking my daily water requirement right out of my barrels. Isn’t that what we are preparing for?
I plan on using a 325 gallon container that was once used for some kind of chemical. Probably soap. Still going to clean it with lots of baking soda and Adya Clarity. Although I don’t recommend using A.C. for anything else but to clean a storage container of its contaminants. When its all done I will report back with a water test. btw this will be used as a way to water the garden and in case of emergency use for drinking after filtering and/or a method of purifying. Thanks for doing what you do. Peace!
Using a container that was once used for storing chemicals is a very bad idea, and is always advised to not do that. No amount of cleaning that barrel will make it safe. Chemicals may have permeated the material the barrel is made of, and will leach back into the water you put in barrel. Do Not Do This. NOT SAFE EVER.
Would the 2 liter pop bottles work if they were rinsed out well before filling with purified water? Also would they work to purify by setting out in the sun,for how long?
Make sure your two liter bottles are a high grade of plastic. Cheap plastic will leach chemicals into your water. Keep your water OUT of direct sunlight. Sunlight will accelerate the algae and bacteria growth.
Lowes has “Contractor” water jugs in several sizes. 5 gal being the largest. In my survival shed I keep 3, and I keep three in the RV, along with at least two cases of bottles in each, using and rotating regularly. I also keep 50 gal of fresh water in the RV holding tank.
Went on Nutri Systems a few weeks ago, found out right away we can’t eat all the food they send us every month, starting to stack some of the meals into the RV for back up to my FFP And Weis Supply, Straw filters, $29.00 each, stored everywhere. Keep a bottle of fish pond chlorine remover on hand to treat pool water before filtering for use. Aquaponics system doing great. Have many eating size TalapiA and somewhere upwards of 50 free range chickens. Looking into rabbits.
Rusty
Past investigation indicated that fish have the highest food:weight ratio of any animal, almost 1:1.
If you have the resources fish can remain alive with minimum food for a good period. Even small containers can be used with proper aeration and treatment.
Hey Frank,
Great grandparents had a cistern and put silver quarters and dimes at the bottom to kill bacteria. Can’t seem to find any info on how many you would
need per gallon.
well, most “silver” coins aren’t actually silver anymore, so mostly folks use silver nitrate or silver chloride to treat water. How much depends on what you want to do: Soluble silver compounds may be used as external antiseptic agents (15–50 µg/litre), as bacteriostatic agents (up to 100 µg/litre), and as disinfectants (>150 µg/litre).
Dear Frank,
If you’d like I’ll send you directions for making a “Hobo Filter” during a crisis. In my second attempt at writing a book (Survival 2.0) as a follow up to our book available here on P4P, Survival 101: How to Bug Out and Survive the First 72 Hours, I am including disaster DIY filtration systems from the simplest for in the field to a large fmaily or team size to be used during a major long-term disaster.
God same America!
Your Friend,
Orrin
Absolutely! For those reading – you’ve got to check it out: http://www.bugoutbag4patriots.com
That link goes to a 404 page not found.
hmmm…weird. Try here: http://www.patriotalliance.com/survival101/
All the advice you hand out I find very informative and absolutely necessary. I am in the beginning stages of preparation for if the unmentionable date happens. I want to learn as much as I can and avoid unnecessarily the steps I don’t need. That being said I can’t help but feel that the videos I watch feel more like an advertisement. I just want to know the meat and potatoes of the subject. I’m sorry, but there are times when I just don’t have the time to sit and watch at length the entire video when what I really need is the last 5 minutes of a 20 minute presentation.
My thought to Rodney. Buy a book, spend the dime. If you don’t have 15 minutes then you don’t have the time for survival.
15 gallons of water will weigh about 125 bounds (8.34 Lbs per gallon). I would think with a little engineering one could build wooden racks to hold the jugs of water. An additional advantage is when the SHTF you have some building material or fire wood to use as you empty the racks
I have bottled water delivered in 5 gal. bottles. It’s filtered water such as you would find in the office water cooler. I keep 12 bottles in reserve and rotate them, the last thing I want is a storage rack displaying the water. This service is cheap enough to be realistic, good enough to want and conveniently delivered every month. There are no requirements, or minimums, and the water dispenser is a rental. All in all, it’s cheaper than buying water at the store and I’m not contributing to the plastic pile in the landfills. Currently I kep 75 gal. of water on hand at all times. 12 in storage, 3 in usage, each month I take 3 out of storage and replace them with fresh ones.
Why does one part of the website say to put your small containers of water in the sun to kill the bacteria, and another place says to keep them away from the sun or they will grow bacteria. Which is it?
The size and material of the bottle is important. Those little, thin plastic bottles go in the sun and enough sunlight comes through to kill off bacteria. Thick glass bottles, gallon jugs, mason jars, all sorts of other jars of water…just not enough sunlight gets in to kill bacteria – you just provide a nice, warm sauna for the bacteria to grow in.
I have read reports about drinking water being left in hot sun or car or freezing conditions in their plastic bottle. They leach cancer causing/ bad stuff into the drinking water) That’s most of all the personal size bottles with the thin, soft plastics.
As Frank responded he is correct. However, that is more a method for making questionable water safe when harvesting it. That is much different than long-term storage of already safe water.
Where do we purchase the water storage racks and plastic containers shown on the front webpage of this
article / section??
Thanks.
DW
Hmm…Everywhere I’ve looked for it seems to be out of stock: http://www.organizeit.com/3-tier-water-bottle-rack-chrome.asp, but 5 gallon bottles and racks aren’t hard to come by…just not for free.
If you belong to Costco they have a program. Basically just the dispenser is upgraded for the basic price. In my area the water delivery comany is called Sparkletts – they carry deep rock, Dasani, Aquafina, Eldorado … all brands. Delicious water, delivered every two weeks, I paid a one time $6 deposit on each container and then you just pay for the water that is replaced each delivery. I’ve been told you can also get “pour your own” purified water at Walmart. I’ve seen it at King Soopers, which is one of the Krogers grocery chain. It is everywhere.
World be good if you had a forward and pause/play system on your videos
I believe your suggestion is very important-so much so that it should be implemented ASAP. I believe just about ALL videos could benefit from such a feature ! Great idea !