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. Because water is crucial for survival, emergencies can make safe drinking water hard to find. That is why knowing how to find, clean, and store it matters for everyone’s health and safety. For that reason, survival water affects all households, not just hobbyists.

Why Clean Water Is Essential

About 60% of the human body is water, which helps regulate temperature, transport nutrients, support brain function, and remove waste. As a result, most people cannot survive more than three or four days without enough water.

Water quality matters as much as the amount. Beyond scarcity, 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. So learn how to clean and store water before an emergency. Although animals can often tell which water is right for them, our needs and bodies are different. Do not assume what is safe for a pet is safe for people. Instead, take steps to be sure the survival water you store or collect is safe for human use.

Now that you know why water matters, the next question is 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, keep a two-week supply for extra safety. And 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. So finding alternative water sources can help you get by until things return to normal. Here are some options you can use in an emergency. Use this option if you prepared ahead of time.

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. Although rainwater usually contains few contaminants, 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 helps keep it safe when clean sources are scarce. With that in mind, the following methods can help: 1. Boiling

Boiling is the most reliable way to remove 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 because water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes. 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. So use it with care when contamination may be chemical.

2. Filtration

Survival water filters clean water by trapping harmful substances. They use activated carbon to remove chemicals, ceramic parts to filter bacteria, or tiny-holed membranes to block contaminants.

• Portable filters (e.g., pump filters and straw filters) work well for hiking or for emergency kits.
• Gravity-fed filters work well for emergency water storage at home.
• Pick filters rated at 0.1-0.2 microns to remove most germs.

Most regular filters don’t remove viruses unless they are designed to.

3. Chemical purification

Use chemical purification when boiling or filtration is not possible. In that case, the following options can help:

• 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 work less 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.
• These devices need clear water and either batteries or solar power.

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. For that reason, it is usually a last resort.

Preparing and Storing Water Before an Emergency

Before an emergency strikes, having a reserve of clean water is essential. To get ready, the following sections cover suitable storage containers, how to sanitise them, and their shelf life. Preparing ahead of time is the best way to ensure 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

1. Use food-grade containers only. Clean the container thoroughly and sterilise it before use.
2. Sanitise the container with an unscented chlorine bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach per 1 litre of water). Swish the solution around the container to reach all surfaces. Leave for a minute or two. Rinse it well afterwards.
3. Fill with tap water, which is already treated.
4. Close the container tightly and write the fill date on the label.
5. Store in a cool, dark place, away from chemicals.

If you store tap water correctly, it stays safe for 6 to 12 months. After that, refill your supply every year. You can use the expired water for personal hygiene or to water plants. 

Bottled Water Storage

Unopened commercial bottled water can last a long time, but the taste may change slightly. For the best quality, replace it every year.

Large-Scale Storage Tips

• Add bleach to water that hasn’t been chlorinated before storing it long-term.
• 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 keep the temperature steady.

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 backup water sources near your home.

4. Practice rotating your stored water

Rotate 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.