In a crisis, securing safe water is paramount. As primary sources like tap water may become unavailable or unsafe, your immediate focus should be on bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. If these are not readily available, you will need to identify and prepare alternative sources both inside and outside your home.
In an emergency, public water systems can be compromised, making tap water unsafe. The foundational rule is to use water that has been verified safe. According to emergency guidelines:
"In an emergency, your tap water may not be available or safe to use. In these situations, you should use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene."
Here’s a quick overview of these primary safe water options:
| Water Source Type | Description | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bottled Water | Commercially pre-packaged and sealed water. | Ready for immediate consumption; requires prior stocking. |
| Boiled Water | Water heated to a rolling boil for at least one minute. | Kills most bacteria and viruses; requires a heat source. |
| Treated Water | Water purified using filters, chemicals, or UV light. | Effective for various contaminants; requires proper application of treatment methods. |
Identifying Alternative Water Sources
When pre-bottled or pre-treated options are exhausted, you must find and prepare other sources. The emergency guidance advises: "If you do not have bottled, boiled, or treated water, you can find other sources of clean water inside or outside of your home."
Inside Your Home
Even without tap water, several sources within your house can provide potable water:
- Water Heater: Drain the water from your hot water tank. Ensure the power or gas supply to the heater is turned off before draining to prevent damage. This water is typically safe for use.
- Toilet Tank (Not the Bowl): The water in the toilet tank (the part behind the bowl, not the bowl itself) is clean and untreated. It can be collected and then purified if necessary.
- Melted Ice: Ice cubes from your freezer, once melted, are a safe source of water.
- Canned Food Liquids: Water from canned vegetables or fruits (e.g., liquid from peas, fruit juice) can be consumed. Avoid liquids from canned meats or seafood.
- Rainwater Collection (from Roof): If you have gutters, you can direct rainwater into clean containers as it runs off the roof. While generally clean, consider treating it if possible.
Outside Your Home (Require Treatment)
External sources are often abundant but almost always require thorough treatment before use due to potential contamination.
- Rainwater: Collect directly from the sky in clean containers. This is generally the cleanest natural source available externally.
- Streams, Rivers, Ponds: While plentiful, these sources are highly susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and human/animal waste. They always require comprehensive treatment.
- Natural Springs: If you know of a reliable, uncontaminated natural spring, it can be a source, but caution is still advised.
- Swimming Pools: While not ideal for drinking due to chemicals, swimming pool water can be used for hygiene purposes. With advanced filtration and treatment, it can potentially be made potable in extreme emergencies, though this is not recommended as a primary drinking source.
Essential Water Treatment Methods
Any water from an unverified source, especially outside your home, must be treated to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
1. Boiling (Most Effective)
Boiling is the most effective method for killing disease-causing microorganisms.
- Procedure: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. For elevations above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters), boil for three minutes to compensate for the lower boiling point.
- Cooling: Allow the water to cool naturally before consuming. Storing it in clean, covered containers can prevent re-contamination.
2. Filtration (Physical Removal)
Filtration physically removes particles and some microorganisms.
- Commercial Water Filters: Portable filters (e.g., pump filters, straw filters) designed for backcountry use can effectively remove protozoa and bacteria. Ensure they are certified for virus removal if that is a concern.
- DIY Filtration: While not as effective as commercial filters, you can create a makeshift filter. Layer clean cloth, sand (fine then coarse), and charcoal (from burnt wood) in a container to remove larger particles and some impurities. Remember: Water filtered this way still needs further treatment (boiling or chemical) to be safe for drinking.
3. Chemical Treatment
Chemicals can disinfect water by killing microorganisms.
- Household Bleach: Use plain, unscented household bleach (containing 5-6% sodium hypochlorite). Add 8 drops (approximately 1/8 teaspoon) per gallon of clear water, or 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon of cloudy water. Stir thoroughly and let stand for at least 30 minutes before use. A slight chlorine odor indicates it's working.
- Water Purification Tablets: Available commercially, these tablets typically contain iodine or chlorine dioxide. They are effective against bacteria and viruses. Always follow the product instructions precisely for dosage and wait times.
Storage and Conservation
Once water is collected and treated, proper storage is vital to keep it safe and prevent re-contamination.
- Clean Containers: Store water in clean, food-grade containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Cool, Dark Place: Keep containers in a cool, dark place to prevent algae growth and degradation.
- Labeling: Label containers with the date of collection and treatment.
- Conservation: Conserve your water supply by limiting unnecessary usage and prioritizing essential needs like drinking and basic hygiene.
