The Prepper's Guide: Storing Water and Ensuring Safe Water Purification
In the world of prepping, few resources are as critical as clean, safe drinking water. When disaster strikes, the availability of clean water can mean the difference between survival and desperation. As a prepper, it's essential to understand the significance of emergency water storage and having reliable water purification methods at your disposal. While I've covered this subject lightly in my video (link below), I believe there's a need to delve a bit deeper.
The Importance of Storing Water
1. Lifesaving Necessity:Water is the most vital resource for human survival. The average person can only survive for about three days without it. During emergencies, municipal water supplies can become contaminated or disrupted, making stored water your lifeline.
2. Unpredictable Disasters: Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, as well as human-made crises such as power grid failures or civil unrest, can quickly disrupt your access to clean water. Having stored water ensures you're prepared for these unforeseen events.
3. Limited Access: When on the move or bugging out to a remote location, access to clean water sources might be limited. Pre-stored water provides you with the flexibility to stay hydrated and healthy during your prepping journey. Of course, having a portable water filtration system in this scenario is also a must.
Tips for Storing Water:
1. Quantity Matters: Experts recommend storing at least 5 liters of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. However, 3 days is not a very long time and will only apply to very specific circumstances like a power outage or a storm. As a prepper, I always suggest keeping as much as space allows, even if you store water purification tablets. There are far more possible scenarios where access to water can be limited for months and not just days.
2. Containers: This part is slightly controversial, as there are as many opinions as there are people. Some individuals overcomplicate the process, especially when it comes to containers. I'm an average person, a mom, a wife, and a prepper, and I don't have endless financial resources to spend on water containers alone. I believe that investing in a water filtration system is a wiser choice. However, here are the main principles:
- Use food-grade, BPA-free containers designed for storing liquids. I personally buy bottled water and store my water in the same bottles. They are stackable, leak-resistant (as long as you don't drag them all over the flor), and already have a minimum 2-year shelf life, which can be extended if kept in a cool, dark place.
3. Rotation: Regularly rotate your stored water to ensure its freshness. If you are repurposing bottles and storing tap water, make sure to use and replace the water to avoid stagnant, unpleasant-tasting water, approximately every six months.
Harvesting Water
Even if you store water at home, harvesting water is a fundamental aspect of preparedness that cannot be overlooked. Rainwater harvesting, in particular, is an essential component of any prepper's strategy. By collecting and storing rainwater, we can ensure access to clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and irrigation. This self-reliant approach not only provides a vital resource when it's needed most but also reduces dependency on external sources, making it a cornerstone of any comprehensive preparedness plan. Whether through rain barrels, roof catchment systems, or other water collection methods, harvesting rainwater is a proactive and sustainable step towards preparedness and self-sufficiency. If you have a garden, investing in a water butt or IBC tank is a great and inexpensive idea that will guarantee you an emergency water supply. If you don't have a garden, investing in a tarp and a bucket and researching how to make a rain catcher is your way forward.
The Importance of Water Purification:
1. Safety: Even your stored water can become contaminated or deteriorate over a prolonged period of time. Water purification methods ensure you have access to safe and potable water, even from uncertain sources.
2. Versatility: In a survival scenario, you may not always have access to your stored water. Water purification methods allow you to make water safe from rivers, lakes, rainwater, or even questionable municipal sources.
3. Cost-Effective: Relying solely on bottled water can be expensive. Water purification methods offer a cost-effective way to obtain clean water, especially in the long term.
Whereas I choose to have a stock of bottled water, we have also built a gravity water filtration system that will last us a long time. Rather than spending hundreds of pounds on a Berkeley system, check out my video link below on a very inexpensive but highly effective system
Effective Water Purification Methods:
1. Boiling: Boiling water is one of the most reliable methods to kill harmful microorganisms. Ensure you have a heat source for this, such as a camp stove or open fire. It's important to note that boiling water will not remove certain hazardous chemical contaminants.
2. Water Filters: Portable water filters, including straw filters and pump filters, are convenient for on-the-go purification. Look for models that can remove bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses. There are many options on the market to suit every budget. However, keep in mind that, usually, you get what you pay for, and in an emergency, you want to be sure that your filtration system works.
3. Chlorine Tablets: These are compact and easy to carry and take up very little space in your prepper pantry. They effectively kill many waterborne pathogens, but they can leave an unpleasant chlorine taste in your water. However, the tablets are still very affordable and it’s worth having a few stashed away.
4. Bleach: An alternative to chlorine tablets is actual unscented household bleach. The active ingredient should be Sodium Hypochlorite, typically at a concentration of 5.25% to 8.25%. If the water is cloudy, then I suggest filtering it through a clean cloth or towel to remove as much debris as possible. To clean the water, you will need to add approximately 8 drops to 4.5 liters of water if the water is clear enough. If the water is cloudy, then add about 16 drops to 4.5 liters. Mix the bleach with water, stir thoroughly, and wait approximately 30 minutes. If the water is very cold, leave it for 2 hours. The water must have a slight chlorine smell after disinfection; if it doesn’t, you will need to add a few more drops. DISCLAIMER: Please use these guidelines as a general reference, as there are many variable aspects like starting water quality and bleach percentages. My advice would still be to stock water purification tablets where possible and rely on bleach as a secondary option.
5. UV Purifiers: UV purifiers use ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms in the water. They are quick and efficient but typically rely on batteries. This may not be a perfect filtration system in an emergency, as the batteries will eventually run out, and unless you can replenish them, you will be left without a fresh water source.
6. Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor. It's effective but requires specific equipment. It can be done with very basic materials
As a prepper, understanding the importance of storing water and having reliable water purification methods is paramount. Water is the essence of life, and your preparedness hinges on your ability to secure a clean and safe supply. Remember to regularly check and refresh your stored water and familiarize yourself with various water purification techniques, that will be relevant to your family and scenario you are preparing for.
In the unpredictable world of prepping, ensuring your water supply is a step closer to ensuring your survival and that of your loved ones.
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