Originally published January 14 2015
Follow these water storage tips to ensure your family's survival
by L.J. Devon, Staff Writer
(NaturalNews) It's what most families do: pay the monthly water bill and expect water to flow freely from every faucet in the house, on demand. We even take for granted having the option of both cold and hot water within seconds, with the twist of a knob. What a paradise we live in! It wasn't long ago when families had to retrieve water themselves, ration it and heat it over flame for a hot shower that lasted probably no longer than a minute. Today, water seems to flow like magic through a sophisticated grid of pipework that sustains the life of millions of people.
What would it take for this free flow to come to a trickling end? We depend on current infrastructure to never fail us. Various sizes of materials and pipes are laid below our feet. If these are damaged for a prolonged period due to earthquakes, storms or root erosion, do you have a backup plan to supply your home with water?
If you live in a place that doesn't have natural access to water -- ponds, lakes, streams or rivers -- then you may consider storing water in case of an emergency. If municipal water is contaminated for a prolonged period, or if drought conditions sucked water supplies dry, do you have enough water to sustain you and your family, and for how long? Having adequate clean water might be one of the most important preparations anyone can make in a time when the grid is heading down an unsustainable path, overburdened and dependent on so many factors to stay running. Typically, a person cannot survive after three days if they are deprived of water. To ensure your family's survival, think ahead now and follow these water storage tips.
Simple proactive strategies for water insurance during emergency
In an event where municipal water has been contaminated, first shut off the main water valve to your home. This isolates the water already in your pipes and in your water heater, which could amount to several life-saving gallons. If you are in an impending natural disaster, collecting and storing water in the bathtubs and sinks is a great proactive strategy. Additionally, it's best to store extra drinking water in food-grade containers to assure a backup drinking supply. For a more long- term strategy, consider investing in rain barrels to collect rainwater from roofs and gutters.
Consider the realistic amount of water your family will need
The amount of backup water each home needs is dependent upon how many people are living in the home and how much water they typically use. In a survival situation, each person can live off of 1 gallon a day, for hydration and sanitary purposes, but in a realistic scenario, each person is going to need much more water. By dividing the total number of gallons used on the current month's water bill by the total number of people living in the household, one can see just how much water they will wish they had in any given month, in any emergency. By having a week to a month of backup water on hand, a family can feel confident during most short-term emergencies. If facing long-term drought situations, a family may need to employ larger-scale water-storage systems underground.
Having clean water is most important for survival purposes
When it boils down to it, merely having water might not be enough. Having clean water for drinking is most important, which is why having a water-disinfection method on hand is so crucial. One of the best methods to use is a gravity-fed activated-charcoal water-filtration system. During any citywide boil order, municipal water can still be consumed, if run through these filtration systems. Through extensive testing, the Natural News Forensic Food Lab found Big Berkey water filters to be the most effective for removing heavy metals. These filters are also known for removing bacteria and viruses. I have personally put sewage water through the Big Berkey system. The water I put through the Berkey was deemed unsuitable for human consumption, but these filters did the trick, cleaning the water. I didn't get sick after drinking a whole cup of filtered sewage water!
Water-sanitation methods
For those who don't have a wonderful charcoal-filtration system, there are other methods of storing water using chemicals. If water is not chlorinated and needs to be stored, then you may need to add either chlorine or household bleach for sanitary storage. Simply add 1/4 teaspoon or 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water to ensure proper sanitation. Another method of water purification includes using calcium hypochlorite or "Pool Shock." If chemicals or charcoal-filtration systems are not available, then using the primal method of boiling will work. To kill the germs, the water should be boiled for three to five minutes, and longer if you live in higher altitudes or are using heavily contaminated water. Water that is purchased will last about five years. Water stored at home should be changed each year. One of the problems that I've had with storing water is making sure the lining of the container is rust-proof. Any tinge of rust can significantly alter the flavor of the water, making it taste impure. Additionally, all stored water should be kept out of light and heat to prevent the growth of algae.
Sources:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.com
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