Water Contamination a Threat Following Extreme Weather
It’s been nearly a month since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and the troubles keep mounting. Several people have died from bacterial infections as the island deals with a growing water crisis. Some areas don’t have water at all and others fear their water is contaminated.
The EPA is investigating whether water from several wells is safe to drink and have been told at the very least to boil water for their own safety. Call me paranoid, but there’s no possible way I’m going to think my water is safe after only boiling it!
Storms Increase Water Contamination
Anytime a major storm hits, you should assume your water isn’t safe! When a serious storm affects an area, the surge of extra water increases the contamination by pushing sizeable amounts of toxins from the earth and other contaminants into the water supply.
So, what can you do to prevent illness and possible death due to contaminated water? You can listen to public health broadcasts, but I wouldn’t take a chance on trusting the government on that.
Remember the water crisis in Flint, Michigan? The Environmental Protection Agency waited way too long to warn residents of the high levels of lead in the water.
The Flint water crisis is one more reason you need to be able to take care of yourself and your family in every possible disaster condition, not just weather-related emergencies. We cannot trust the government to do it for us!
You Have Some Choices
OK, so let’s talk options. Water is the foundation of our survival, and should be the foundation of disaster preparedness planning.
Water purification tablets and bottled water are a good disaster preparedness item to have in your emergency supplies as a short-term solution. However, when faced with a long-term issue such as post-storm water contamination, it’s wise to also have an emergency water purification system ready to go.
My emergency water supplies contain bottled water, emergency purification tablets, a water purification system and the filters that go along with it.
Water Purification Is a Must
The best thing about a reliable water purification system is that you can use this without power, and most are lightweight, portable systems when out and about. Based on needs, you’ve got a few options available for what type of water purifier to purchase and use, so do you research first. Some only filter particles while others are better suited for bacteria/viruses and other smaller contaminants. You can also check out our Alexapure Pro water filtration system.
Just a few things in closing: boiling water may not remove all contaminants, especially if this is a chemical contamination. Water that looks clean can still contain harmful bacteria, which are invisible to the naked eye. It’s important to purify your water if you suspect it looks safe to drink. It is best to use a water purifier to remove any contaminants that will not be removed during boiling, and then boil this purified water to be sure all bacteria has been removed.
Like I mentioned before, water is your survival foundation. I want to be as prepared as I possibly can be, and so should you.
I purchased my Alexa pure water filter and I love it! Semper Fi! I know I’m good for 5000 gallons!
I have had my Alexapure water filter for many moons and cannot do without it. I drink lots of water and this tastes wonderful. I am 87 and trust my good health to good water.
I would have bought one of your AquaPures long ago, but your extra and spare filter cartridges are just way too expensive!
Bob Mason
Two other ways to get clean water. Distill it or catch rain from a source that is NOT your gutters.
Yep, tha AlexPur Pro I have I use everyday. As a secondary measure I use the AlexPur Filter Pitcher to double filter and purify the water. In an emergency water crisis I would use purification tabs, iodine or Chlorox, then boil or distill it with my Survival Still, filter it thru the AlexPur filters and then drink it thru a LifeStraw. I wouldn’t take any chance in getting sick from water in an emergency crisis situation. And also like the reviewer above just filtering normal tap water makes the water taste great and also I believe more bioavailable since the crucial minerals in water are not removed by the AlexPur products…plus 1 filter will filter 5000 gallons of “relatively clean and clear” water…that is unheard of except for the Katadyn Pocket handheld filter that will filter I think 2000+ gallons of water.
The treatments described below work only to remove bacteria or viruses from water. If you suspect the water is unsafe because of chemicals, oils, poisonous substances, sewage or other contaminants, do not drink the water. Don’t drink water that is dark colored, has an odor or contains solid materials.
Storing water safely
The best source of drinking water during an emergency is water you have stored with your emergency supplies.
Store one gallon of water per person per day–enough for at least three days.
Store-bought, factory-sealed bottled water is best. Check for an expiration date and replace as needed.
If you choose to fill your own water containers:
Collect the water from a safe supply.
Store water in thoroughly washed plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
Seal water containers tightly, label with date, and store in a cool, dark place.
Replace water every six months.
Never reuse a container that held toxic substances such as pesticides, chemicals or oil.
Purifying by boiling
If your tap water is unsafe, boiling is the best method to kill disease-causing organisms.
If tap water is unavailable, the following may be considered as potential water sources. Water taken from these sources should be boiled before drinking.
Rainwater
Lakes
Rivers and streams
Natural springs
Ponds
Caution: Many chemical pollutants will not be removed by boiling.
Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling. Filter cloudy water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel.
Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute.
Let the water cool before drinking.
Add two drops of household bleach per gallon to maintain water quality while in storage.
Purifying by adding liquid chlorine bleach
Treat water by adding liquid household bleach, such as Clorox or Purex.
Household bleach is typically between 5.25 percent and 8.25 percent chlorine. Read the label.
Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.
Cloudy water should be filtered before adding bleach.
Place the water in a clean container. Add the amount of bleach according to the table below.
Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least 60 minutes before drinking.
Treating water with household bleach containing 5.25-8.25 percent chlorine
Volume of Water to be Treated Bleach Solution to Add
1 quart/1 liter 5 drops
1/2 gallon/2 quarts/2 liters 10 drops
1 gallon 1/4 teaspoon
5 gallons 1 teaspoon
10 gallons 2 teaspoons
Caution: Bleach will not kill some disease-causing organisms commonly found in surface water. Bleach will not remove chemical pollutants.
Purifying by boiling
If your tap water is unsafe, boiling is the best method to kill disease-causing organisms.
If tap water is unavailable, the following may be considered as potential water sources. Water taken from these sources should be boiled before drinking.
Rainwater
Lakes
Rivers and streams
Natural springs
Ponds
Caution: Many chemical pollutants will not be removed by boiling.
Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling. Filter cloudy water using coffee filters, paper towels, cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel.
Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute.
Let the water cool before drinking.
Add two drops of household bleach per gallon to maintain water quality while in storage.
Purifying by adding liquid chlorine bleach
Treat water by adding liquid household bleach, such as Clorox or Purex.
Household bleach is typically between 5.25 percent and 8.25 percent chlorine. Read the label.
Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.
Cloudy water should be filtered before adding bleach.
Place the water in a clean container. Add the amount of bleach according to the table below.
Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least 60 minutes before drinking.
Treating water with household bleach containing 5.25-8.25 percent chlorine
Volume of Water to be Treated Bleach Solution to Add
1 quart/1 liter 5 drops
1/2 gallon/2 quarts/2 liters 10 drops
1 gallon 1/4 teaspoon
5 gallons 1 teaspoon
10 gallons 2 teaspoons
Caution: Bleach will not kill some disease-causing organisms commonly found in surface water. Bleach will not remove chemical pollutants.
I bought my first AquaPure 3 months ago. I love it! The water tastes great. Hands down the best tasting water I’ve had from a purifier. I liked mine so much that I bought one for my son for Christmas. If you are looking for a purifier, I would recommend to try this first. I don’t think you would be disappointed.
Thanks for that testimonial, Bryan.
Agreed. I got the small AquaPure portable filters for my bug out supplies, and to barter in a crisis, to go along with my AquaPure pitcher. Just smart.