No.3 – Survival Water: Why It Matters and How to Secure It in an Emergency
Imagine a sudden water outage, like the one that struck a nearby town just last year. With no warning, the taps ran dry, and residents scrambled for water. Shelves emptied quickly, and lines formed at emergency distribution centres. Water is crucial for survival. While we usually have easy access to it, emergencies can make safe drinking water hard to find. Learning how to find, clean, and store water is important for everyone’s health and safety. The need for “survival water” affects all households, not just hobbyists.
Why Clean Water Is Essential
About 60% of the human body is made of water, which helps control temperature, move nutrients, support thinking, and remove waste. Without enough water, most people cannot survive more than three or four days.
The quality of water matters just as much as the amount. Dirty water can carry germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can cause serious illness. Diseases such as cholera, Giardia, and dysentery can become dangerous fast, especially if you can’t get medical help. Chemicals from spills, floods, or broken pipes can also make water unsafe to drink.
Water that looks clear or smells fine can still be unsafe. It’s important to learn how to clean and store water before an emergency. Animals can often tell what water is right for them, but our needs and bodies are different. Do not assume what is safe for a pet is safe for people. Take steps to be sure the survival water you store or collect is safe for human use.
Now that you know why water is so important, you might wonder how much you need to stay safe during an emergency.
Emergency preparedness organisations generally recommend storing at least:
- 4 litres of water per person per day, a lot more in hot, arid climates
- 2 litres for drinking
- 2 litres for basic hygiene and cooking
For a basic emergency supply, store enough water for each person for three days (72 hours). If possible, try to keep a two-week supply for extra safety. If you have pets, babies, older adults, or anyone with medical needs, plan for even more water.
Emergency Survival Water Sources
In a crisis, your usual water supply might stop working. Finding alternative water sources can help you get by until things return to normal. Here are some options you can use in an emergency:
1. Stored tap water or bottled water
This is the safest and most reliable option if you have prepared in advance.
2. Water heaters
Most home water heaters hold 30 to 80 gallons of drinkable water. Turn off the electricity or gas before using it, and let any sediment settle before draining.
3. Melted ice cubes
A small but immediate source of clean water.
4. Rainwater
You can collect rainwater safely if you purify it, but local rules may differ. Rainwater usually contains few contaminants, but it can pick up dirt or chemicals in the air or from the surfaces it lands on.
5. Natural water sources
Always purify water from rivers, lakes, ponds, springs, and streams before using it. Never assume surface water is safe to drink.
Emergency Water Purification Methods
Purifying water keeps it safe when clean sources are scarce.
1. Boiling
Boiling is the most reliable purification method for biological contaminants.
- Heat water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute; 5 minutes is better.
- Above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes due to the lower boiling temperature at higher altitudes. Water boils at a lower temperature when the air pressure is lower. For this reason, boiling tea also does not reach optimal temperature at high elevations.
- Boiling kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites, but it does not remove chemicals, heavy metals, or some dissolved substances.
2. Filtration
Survival water filters clean water by trapping harmful substances. They use materials such as activated carbon to remove chemicals, ceramic parts to filter bacteria, or membranes with tiny holes to block contaminants.
- Portable filters (e.g., pump filters and straw filters) work well for hiking or for emergency kits.
- Bigger gravity-fed filters work well for home emergency water storage.
- Pick filters rated at 0.1-0.2 microns to remove most germs.
Most regular filters do not remove viruses unless they are designed to do so.
3. Chemical purification
Use chemical purification when boiling or filtration is not possible.
- For unscented household bleach, add 8 drops per gallon of clear water or 16 drops if the water is cloudy. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide): Lightweight and reliable for kits. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Chemical treatments may taste strange and do not work as well in cold or dirty water.
4. UV Purification
UV pens or bottle-style UV purifiers kill germs in water.
- They work against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
- You need clear water and either batteries or solar power for these devices.
UV treatment does not remove chemicals or dirt from water.
5. Distillation
Distillation removes nearly all contaminants, including salts, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
- This method heats water into steam and then collects the condensed water.
- Distillation is useful if water is contaminated with chemicals or salt, such as in coastal emergencies.
Distillation is effective but requires heat and specialised equipment, so it is not the best choice for quick emergencies.
Preparing and Storing Water Before an Emergency
Before an emergency strikes, being prepared with a reserve of clean water is essential. In the following sections, we’ll cover the types of containers suitable for storage, how to sanitise them, and their shelf life. Ensuring you have a reliable water supply can safeguard your health and well-being when resources are scarce. Getting ready ahead of time is the best way to make sure you have clean water when you need it.
Choosing Survival Water Storage Containers
The best containers include:
- Food-grade plastic jugs designed for water storage
- BPA-free (bisphenol A) water storage barrels that hold 15 to 55 gallons
- Heavy-duty water bricks or containers that you can stack
- Stainless steel containers (do not use these for storing chlorinated water)
Do not use milk jugs or any containers that once held non-food items.
How to Store Tap Water Properly
- Use food-grade containers only. Clean the container thoroughly and sterilise it before use.
- Sanitise the container with an unscented chlorine bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach for each 1 litre of water). Swish the solution around the container to reach all surfaces. Leave for a minute or two. Rinse it well afterwards.
- Fill with tap water, which is already treated.
- Close the container tightly and write the date you filled it on the label.
- Store in a cool, dark place, away from chemicals.
If you store tap water correctly, it stays safe for 6 to 12 months. Refill your supply every year. You can use the out-of-date water for personal hygiene or watering plants.
Bottled Water Storage
Unopened commercial bottled water can last a very long time, but the taste might change a bit. For the best quality, replace it every year.
Large-Scale Storage Tips
- Add bleach to water that has not been chlorinated before storing it for a long time.
- You can add water preservative concentrate to stored water to stop bacteria and fungus from growing. This can keep water safe for up to 5 years.
- Store water containers off concrete floors to protect the plastic and maintain a steady temperature.
Building a Comprehensive Emergency Water Plan
To ensure adequate survival water:
1. Store a minimum three-day supply
If you have enough space, try to store a two-week supply.
2. Include purification tools in your emergency kit
At minimum:
- A portable filter
- Water purification tablets
- A metal pot or container for boiling
- Unscented household bleach
3. Identify backup sources near your home
Find out where you can get backup water near your home.
4. Practice rotating your stored water
Change out your stored water regularly to keep it fresh and safe.
Conclusion
Survival Water is essential in emergencies because it helps prevent illness and maintain stability. If you know how to find, clean, and store water, you’ll have a safety net. Planning ahead is simple, affordable, and key to keeping you and your family safe.