In the United States, there are about 300 million people. Safe drinking water is a critical resource for people’s daily life. According to WHO statistics, 92% of Americans have access to clean drinking water.
Though the water quality in America is pretty good, there will be changes if an emergency happens. The changes may be massive or small, but you must have some emergency water supply.
It’s not a big problem to store clean water in an emergency. So let’s consider what kind of water you need and how to keep water.
Identifying a Source for Emergency Water
When natural disasters strike, it is critical to identify a trusted emergency water supply. Collect clean and safe drinking water from taps in basements or below ground level if possible.
Other water sources include underground wells, streams, and shallow lakes that are clean from chemicals or bacteria. Some tablets and filters can help purify water when no other sources are available.
Storing Water Long-Term for Emergencies
Storing water long-term for emergencies is essential. It can be hard to come by when necessary, such as during floods or droughts. You can do this by purchasing a 55 gallon water tank and filling them up with pre-treated water before an emergency.
Additionally, you can use a combination of large plastic trash cans and water drums to store and rotate water, plus add a few drops of chlorine bleach for extra protection. Furthermore, be sure to change the water every 3-6 months.
Using Alternative Water Supplies
Using alternative water supplies is essential for meeting the increasing demand for water in our cities and rural areas. You can alleviate water shortages with technologies like rainwater harvesting, well and borehole drilling, and artificial recharge. These alternative water sources can provide safe and clean drinking water either or after treating it.
Rainwater harvesting is a perfect way to store water. You can use it to supplement stream flows during the dry season.
Systematic borehole drilling can also provide access to groundwater during periods of water stress. Artificial recharge of groundwater can help revitalize failing aquifers. It ensures that the water table does not become depleted.
Purifying Water for Safe Consumption
Purify the water for safe consumption to prepare an emergency water supply. You can do this through various methods. It includes boiling, using filtering devices, chemical drops, or UV sterilization methods.
Boiling is the best method for killing potential bacteria. It can also remove oxygen. Filtering devices use a physical filter to remove debris.
Chemical drops are iodine or chlorine. It releases a disinfecting agent into the water. Additionally, UV sterilization uses a UV lamp to kill bacteria and viruses.
Consider Having an Emergency Water Supply
It is essential to ensure that your emergency water supply is well organized and secured to help you prepare for any emergency. Gather large containers, filter your emergency water and store it in a cool, dry place.
Finally, check your emergency water supply regularly to make sure it is clean and ready to use when the time comes. Take the time today to ensure your emergency water supply is ready for use in case of emergencies. Check out the rest of our site for more information on disaster preparation.
