SAFE DRINKING WATER

WATER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM TO STORE

Most people, with few exceptions, will start feeling the effects if they do without water for more than 36 hours. Dehydration occurs much quicker than starvation. Our bodies can tolerate the loss of food much better. With an ample water supply, starvation is delayed many days, even weeks.

Do not take our water for granted.   The city water supply is vulnerable to the effects of a large earthquake. Contaminants can get into the drinking water supply through ruptures in the pipes, the mixing up of supply sediments, the adulteration of filtering systems, etc. Plan ahead and store a sufficient supply for your family.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I STORE?

A good rule of thumb is: ONE GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS (MINIMUM). A three weeks supply of water is ideal.

WATER SOURCES

Bottled water from the store - one and two gallon sealed containers. NOTE: The one and two gallon containers that you purchase in your local store are not designed for long term storage and will begin to leak after about six months.

·         One and five gallon sealable containers - From camping or survival stores. Be sure to sanitize container and treat the water that you are storing. Old bleach bottles clearly marked make good containers for water storage.

·         Five gallon sealed containers from private water companies - Water companies claim their containers are good forever if still factory sealed. Store all plastic water containers on a wooden pallet or shelf. Keep water containers in a location where container failure will not destroy your other supplies. Keep all water and supplies in a cool dark place.

·         DO NOT STORE ANY PLASTIC WATER CONTAINER DIRECTLY ON CONCRETE. The concrete will leech chemicals into the water, contaminating it. Concrete will also degrade the plastic bottle causing failure.

 

PURIFYING YOUR TAP WATER

Any water that you make up yourself needs to be treated. If left untreated over time, it becomes contaminated with bacteria and algae.

EIGHT DROPS OF PURE UNSCENTED LIQUID BLEACH PER GALLON OF WATER WILL REDUCE THE CONTAMINANTS IN THE WATER.

ADD THE BLEACH WHEN YOU FIRST STORE THE WATER AWAY.

NOTE: ROTATE YOUR WATER EVERY SIX MONTHS (this includes the one and two gallon sealed bottles purchased at the store, and the supply you made up from tap water with bleach added.)

Another source of water is the hot water heater. Every water heater has a drain valve near the bottom.

GETTING THE WATER OUT OF YOUR WATER HEATER

·         Use extreme caution. Let the water cool.

·         Turn off the cold water supply to the tank

·         Turn off the gas or electric heater for the tank

·         Open the drain valve at the bottom

·         REMEMBER: Some sediment at the bottom of the tank may at first make water flowing out look murky. Continue to drain water until it becomes clear.

OTHER SOURCES OF WATER IN YOUR HOME

Toilet Water Storage Tank: NOTE: Use the water from the storage tank - NOT THE TOILET BOWL (Don't drink the water if you use coloring or chemicals in it)

Melted Ice Cubes are a source of water. Packed Can Goods (even syrups are mostly water)

Water Trapped in Home Piping: Water can sometimes be removed by locating and shutting off the main water valve. Open the valve at the highest point of your property (I.E. the 2nd floor ). Then, when you open the valve at the lowest point, gravity will force the water from the pipes.

IF THE PURITY OF YOUR WATER SOURCE IS QUESTIONABLE, USE THE FOLLOWING METHODS TO MAKE THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK

BEST: Add liquid chlorine bleach to the water. Eight drops per gallon of water. Double this dose if the water is cloudy.

GOOD: Add 2% tincture of iodine to the water. (12 drops per gallon of water). Double this dose if the water is cloudy.

ACCEPTABLE: boil the water vigorously for ten minutes.

Do not forget to clean and sanitize your food containers before using them. Wash with soap and warm water, then fill with a 10% bleach solution. After five minutes empty the bleach solution and let dry.

Water that is dirty should first be strained through a coffee filter, cheese cloth, or a paper towel to remove suspended matter.