Water Storage

Water storage and ways to purify water are at the top of the list when discussing preparedness. In the event of nearly any emergency, we all need water. Water for drinking, cleaning, cooking, and washing. Without water--clean water--none of us could survive for very long. This blog entry is only going to cover the water storage bit. The next one will be on water purification. Since water is essential to life--information about both are very important to obtain and then put into practice.

Short Term and Long Term Plans

As I write about being prepared, you'll see I focus on having both a short term plan and a long term plan. A short term plan focuses on a two week or less event. The long term plan is for providing for ourselves and our families those necessities of life longer than two weeks. The short term plans usually allow us to live as close to our "normal" way of life as possible while shifting gears to get everything put in place for the long term plan.

 Water storage is no different. Short term, each family or household needs to store at least a two week supply of water. The absolute bare minimum would equate to 1 gallon of water per person per day. Ideally, 2 gallons of water per person per day would make life a little easier during a difficult time. So for a family of 4 that would equal 56 gallons for two weeks, if you were only storing 1 gallon per person per day---or 112 gallons at the 2 gallon per person per day. Even with the 2 gallon per person rule--it will still be a challenge, so the more you are able to store the better. 

If you live in an apartment or condo where storing as much water as is suggested is nearly impossible, store as much as you are able to. Your short term timing would then be less than 2 weeks. At least have 3 days worth. In this time perhaps you could find an alternate source of water, or relocate to your parents home where they have preparations. Just make sure you have a plan of some type, and know how long your supplies will last.

The long term plan is put into effect when it becomes evident that the water supply will not be restored in the near future. During your two weeks you are using your short term water supply, one of your first priorities will be to find another source of water. This could be a nearby lake, river, irrigation ditch (if water is flowing), or even digging a well. The long term plan also involves having adequate containers and a system of obtaining the water, and transporting it. It would be nice if you've already thought on the possible options in advance.

Water Storage Containers

55 gallon drum

There are many water storage containers on the market that work well in obtaining the needed water. Here are a few ideas:

• Most common are the 55 gallon blue drums. 
• Stackable tanks which hold 275 gallons. These can be found at farm supply outlets. 
• Smaller 15 or 20 gallon barrels
• Even smaller, and portable 2.5,  5 or 10 gallon containers. (Just remember one gallon = 8.34 pounds.)
• Juice or 2 liter pop containers, or glass bottles. Do Not Use Milk Jugs.

If using previously used containers, make sure to clean them out with hot soapy water first. Then rinse, rinse, rinse. A solution of 1 Tbsp plain bleach per gallon of water for the final rinse will make sure your container is sanitized. 

Once your cleaned container are ready, fill with tap water. Municipal City water has sufficient chlorine to maintain clean water in your container, so no additional chlorine for storage is needed. Ideally, you would change the water in your container ever 6 months--but realistically if you did it every year that would be sufficient. 

First Things First

If you find yourself in a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, where the city water supply is most likely contaminated, you need to protect the water you do have in your home. Go to the water main valve coming into your house and shut it off. If you don't have a shut off valve in your home or don't know where it is--go to the main valve where your water meter is in your yard and turn off the water at this point. Ideally, after reading this, you will find these shut off valves today so you'll know where to go and what to do easily in case of an emergency. That will at least save you one headache.

Hidden Water Storage

Additional water can be found in the following places in your house:

• Water heater (typical water heaters hold 40 gallons.) You need to turn off gas or electricity to water heater first. Open valve at bottom of tank, and fill containers.
• Toilet tank (the back part of the toilet--not the bowl. Cannot be used if you use cleaning chemical additives.) Could be used for cleaning or if filtered or boiled could be used for drinking.
• Water pipes. To obtain water from your pipes, turn on water faucet at highest level in house. A small trickle should result, then air will flow into the pipes. Now go to the lowest faucet in your home, and turn the faucet on. Have containers ready to fill. 
• Ice Cubes. Don't forget the ice cube trays or container in your freezer. Empty them into a pitcher and cover for later use.
• Swimming Pool. This water can be used for cleaning, but do not use for drinking unless you have a way to filter the chemicals out.
• Water Bed water also should not be used for drinking, but would be OK for cleaning.
• For more detained information on obtaining hidden water storage go to: http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Water-in-an-Emergency

In Conclusion

Something as important as having water to drink should not be left to chance. Start today. Do what you can. Even if it isn't the ideal--so something. Your life and the lives of your family may depend on it. Think ahead, and be prepared. Then whatever happens can be an adventure, and not a catastrophe. 

Stackable 275 gallon tanks are ideal if you have the space