WHY? You can survive for many days without food, but only a short
time without water. Many kinds of emergencies can cause a loss of water to
your home.
HOW MUCH DO I NEED? A normally active person requires at least
1/2 gallon of water per day for drinking. Additional water is needed for brushing
teeth, bathing and dishwashing. Store at least a three (3) day supply!
HOW DO I STORE IT? Buy one gallon jugs at your market, or store
tap water in well-washed soft drink bottles. Clearly mark the bottles with
the current date. Store them in a cool, dark place. Use the water and discard
the bottle within one year of the storage date. Do not use empty bleach bottles;
these are not "food grade" bottles and the plastic may leach into the water.
...or buy five gallon bottles from water distributors. These can be kept for
many years in a cool, dark location, as long as the seal remains unbroken.
OTHER EMERGENCY WATER SOURCES:
Ice cubes - melt and use.
Toilet tank (not the bowl) - contains clean water which can be used directly
from the tank. Do not use this water if you have added any chemical treatments
or cleaners to the tank.
Hot water heater - be sure your hot water heater is secured with metal strapping
(plumber's tape) and bolts. To drain water from the tank, first open the valve
at the top of the tank or turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. Put
a clean container under the tap at the bottom of the hot water heater. Use this
tap to fill the container, when you need water. HOW TO PURIFY WATER:
Boiling - boil vigorously for ten minutes.*
Purification tablets - follow directions on container. These tablets are
available at drug stores and camping supply stores.
Bleach purification - use household, unscented liquid chlorine bleach. Check
the label; it should contain 5.25% hypochlorite to be effective and safe. Add
liquid chlorine bleach to water, using eye dropper, in the amount indicated
below. Stir. Wait 30 minutes for water to purify before you begin using it.
Amount of Water
Amount of Bleach if Water is Clear
Amount of Bleach if Water is Cloudy
1 quart
2 drops
4 drops
1 gallon
8 drops
16 drops
5 gallons
1/2 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
* Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water
Hotline: 1-800-426 or from Washington D.C. or Alaska, (202) 382-5533.
** Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
