Water
Water Storage: A Vital Resource for Resilience
Adequate water storage is arguably the most critical aspect of preparedness for any homestead. While food can sustain you for weeks, access to clean water is essential for survival for only a few days. Ensuring a sufficient and safe water supply should be a top priority in any homesteading plan.
The general guideline for emergency water storage is a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day, for at least three days. However, many people aim for much longer durations, often several weeks or even months, depending on their risk assessment and storage capacity. This quantity accounts for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene needs.
Key considerations and methods for water storage include:
- Quantity Calculation: Determine the minimum amount of water needed based on the number of individuals in your household and the desired length of preparedness. Remember to factor in potential increased needs due to weather, strenuous activity, or illness.
- Storage Containers: Choosing appropriate containers is crucial for maintaining water quality over time.
- Food-Grade Plastic Containers: New, opaque, food-grade plastic containers are ideal for long-term water storage. Look for containers specifically designed for water or food storage (often labeled with an HDPE recycling symbol, number 2). Opaque containers help prevent light penetration, which can inhibit algae growth.
- Commercially Bottled Water: Keeping a supply of commercially bottled water is a convenient option for shorter-term needs and rotation.
- Large Water Drums/Barrels: For storing larger quantities, food-grade plastic drums (55-gallon or larger) are a common choice.
- Cisterns: Commonly used to collect and store rainwater and usually able to hold large volumes of water. They may be above or below ground and provide water for multiple uses including irrigation and fire protection.
- Avoid Used Containers (Unless Properly Sanitized): Do not use containers that previously held chemicals, petroleum products, or other non-food items, as residues can be harmful and difficult to remove completely. If using previously used food-grade containers, sanitize them thoroughly before filling.
- Water Source and Treatment:
- Tap Water: In many areas, treated tap water is a reliable source for storage. Before storing, it's often recommended to add a small amount of plain household bleach (without added scents or thickeners) to disinfect it for long-term storage. The general guideline is 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water.
- Filtered or Purified Water: If using alternative water sources, filtering and purifying the water before storage is essential to remove contaminants and microorganisms.
- Water Filters and Purifiers: Beyond stored water, having reliable water filters (like ceramic or hollow fiber filters) and purification methods (like water purification tablets or a reliable boiling method) is crucial for making additional water sources safe to drink during an emergency.
- Storage Location: Store water in a cool, dark, and dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and potential contaminants like gasoline, pesticides, or fertilizers, which can permeate plastic containers.
- Rotation: While properly stored water can last for a very long time, it's wise to rotate your water supply periodically, ideally every 6-12 months for tap water treated with bleach, and according to the manufacturer's recommendations for commercially bottled water. This ensures freshness and allows you to check the integrity of your containers.
- Labeling: Clearly label all water containers with the date of storage to facilitate proper rotation.
- Layering: Don't rely solely on stored water. Incorporate methods for accessing and treating alternative water sources (rainwater harvesting, nearby streams or lakes) into your overall water preparedness plan.
Establishing and maintaining a sufficient water storage is a fundamental step in building preparedness. It provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have access to this most essential resource every day and especially in a crisis.
