Water Storage and Purification
1. Water Requirements
v The amount of water required to survive will vary depending on the environment—when it’s hotter, you’ll need more
v The average requirement is 1 gallon per person, per day - 2 quarts for drinking and 2 quarts for food prep and bathing
v Store at least a 3 day supply. Two weeks is preferred.
v Don’t forget to store water for pets and animals.
2. Water Discipline
v Have you ever considered how much water you really use per day? 3.5 gallons per flush of the toilet; 5+ gallons for a shower; 37 gallons for a load of laundry; 15 gallons for the dishwasher; and 3 gallons per minute every time the tap is running . 4 flushes + 1 shower + 1 load of laundry + 1 load in the dishwasher + 1 minute of Tap time = ~ 74 gallons per day!
3. Types of Purification
v Mechanical (ceramic filter/charcoal filter/UV) – There are numerous brands and types of mechanical filters on the market. Some are a combination of Ceramic filter, chemical treatment, and charcoal filtration.
_ Ceramic filters have a long life (>1,000 gallons) and have excellent filtration properties against solid matter and organisms, but clog quickly and are labor intensive. They can be easily cleaned with plastic scrubbing pads (usually included with filter). For home use, get one that you can fill and let gravity do the work.
_ Ceramic filters will not filter chemicals from the water. If you are concerned about chemical contamination, use an active charcoal filter in conjunction with your ceramic filter. Many filters come in this combination. NOTE: Once used, no matter how little, Active Charcoal will “wear” out. It is usually only good for a few hundred gallons. Get a filter that allows simple replacement of the charcoal.
_ UV lights are meant to kill organisms. They will not filter anything.
v Chemical – There are also numerous brands of chemical purification. All are intended to kill harmful organisms in the water. Chemical purification will not protect you from harmful chemical contaminants.
_ Household bleach (2 drops per quart)
_ Iodine tablets (not for long term use)
§ _ Other brands available from Walmart & outdoor recreational stores
v Still - If electrical power or another source of abundant energy is available, consider using a water purification still. (available from survival stores) A still may not remove all chemical contaminants—again, it may be a good idea to run distilled water through an active charcoal filter.
4. Types of Storage
v Numerous types available. Pick the ones that fit your budget and the space available. Key points:
1. Commercially bottled water is preferred. It has an indefinite shelf life if unopened. Rotation is wise.
2. Your house probably has built in water storage in water heater & toilet tanks (as long as you don’t have toilet cleaner in the tank). In an emergency, fill containers and bathtubs with water. This should be disinfected before use.
3. Water can be stored for years
4. Container should be opaque. Light will promote algae growth.
5. Temperature will not affect storage. However, freezing could cause the container to burst and heat could cause the water to take on the taste of the container.
5. How to Store Water
v Your own containers must be prepared. Here are some tips:
1. Use food grade containers only.
2. Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
3. Do not use milk or juice containers. They have protein and fruit sugars that cannot be removed.
4. Empty and refill containers regularly.
5. Purify water before storing or use public water supply (tap water).
v Store containers off the ground.
v Prevent contamination: Do not store plastic containers near gasoline, pesticides, and chemicals.
v Improve the taste of stored water by pouring it back and forth between two containers, pouring it through a filter, letting it sit open overnight, adding a pinch of salt or adding a drink mix such as Kool-aid.
v Do not keep empty containers! Store water in them.
6. Preparing Water Containers
v Wash container with warm, soapy water.
v Rinse.
v Sanitize with one teaspoon of household bleach (unscented) per one quart of water. Swish and leave it for two minutes.
v Rinse with drinking water.
v Fill container with tap water. Don't use a hose.
v Cap and label “Drinking Water” and date stored.
v After six months, empty and refill.
7. HOW TO PURIFY WATER
v Boiling is the safest method. Bring water to a rolling boil for 3 to 5 minutes.
v Chlorination is the simplest method of treating water. Use liquid household bleach with 5.25-6.0% sodium hypochlorite (no scented or color-safe). Add 8 drops per gallon for clear water. Add 16 drops per gallon for cloudy water. (Filter first) Stir or shake and let stand for 30 minutes. Water should have a slight chlorine smell to it. If not treat again.
v Distillation- involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. Removes salt and parasites.
v Iodine Tablets - sold at camping stores, not for long term use. They may be harmful to some people.
v Commercial Filters - units like Britta DO NOT remove parasites or other contaminants! They only improve taste.
8. DO NOT DRINK:
v Pool water
v Waterbeds
v Hot tubs
v Flood water
9. WHEN TO DISINFECT WATER
v Water used in beverages such as coffee, tea, lemonade or baby formula.
v Water used as an ingredient in food products. ( i.e. sauces, desserts, dressings. Etc.)
v Water used for hand washing.
v Water used for making ice.
v Water used for washing and sanitizing of food prep surfaces (i.e. dishes, counter tops, etc.)
v Water used for washing produce.
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