Creating an Emergency Water Supply

Even though you can live a few weeks without food, you cannot live without water. The goal of this article is to teach you how to create an emergency water supply. After air, water is our next most precious resource. Just a few days without it, and were done. One of the most important things we can do to prepare for an emergency is to store an adequate water supply. You can either physically store a short term supply or buy a portable biological water treatment system.

Why You Need More Water Than You Think

At the very least, you’ll want to have 3 days worth of water saved. The first 3 days are the most difficult in an emergency, and after 3 days help has usually arrived. For this critical period, you’ll want at least 1 liter per person, as FEMA recommends. If you have the space, consider more- having 2-3 liters per person per day would allow you some extra water for washing and cleaning, as well as cover you if you’re losing a lot of your hydration through sweat or otherwise over the 3 day period.

For long term storage, you’ll want a little more per person- consider 4+ liters per day. That way you’ll know you have all your bases covered for cleaning and washing.

For more information on making unknown water sources drinkable, read this article on emergency water filtration and purification systems that can be purchased at REI, Amazon, and other fine online stores.

How to Store It?
The easiest method for water storage is just to buy large cases of bottled water. It’s already bottled and sealed, with the shelf life printed on it. It is more expensive than tap water though, so if you have some free time there is a cheaper alternative.

We can fill up old bottles with tap water and use them. Consider old bottles made of plastic or another stable material. Old 2 liter pop bottles are a good choice. Avoid any bottles that had juice or milk in them, as sugar and fats are difficult to fully remove and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Wash the bottles out with soap and water, then with 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach and water. Rinse thoroughly. Then fill the bottles with tap water. If your tap water is treated with chlorine, you’re done. If not, add 2 drops of bleach to kill any bacteria in the water. Seal the cap tight, and you now have 2 liters ready for storage!

Where to Store Your Emergency Water Supply?

Store your water in a dark, cool area. Cover it with dark plastic garbage bags, to minimize any light it wound receive. Keep away from fuels or pesticides, as their fumes can penetrate plastic, and avoid placing a plastic bottle directly on cement.

Inspect your water 6 months to 1 year in, looking for changes in color or leaks. You now have an emergency water supply!

Finally, invest in a portable d water purification and treatment system for emergency use like the Sawyer Complete.