Obtain storage containers: A good water container is airtight, breakage resistant, and heavy enough to hold water. Containers should stack well and have a lining that will not rust or effect the flavor. A few good choices are:
1.) 30-50 gallon FDA approved food grade plastic barrels
2) 5·7 gallon plastic jugs (FDA approved also)
Do not use plastic jugs that have held milk or juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth
3.) Two-liter soda pop bottles
4.) Gallon water jugs from store-bought water
*See the FEMA website attachment below for information on containers and how to properly clean used containers for water storage.
Do not store more than fifteen gallons (about 125 lbs.) in any container meant to be portable. Water weighs over eight lbs. per gallon.Obtain a siphon pump, for use with the large water barrels.
PURIFICATION -
Obtain a three-day supply of water per person for your 72-hour kit. Place water in small, portable containers along with extra bleach or filter.
Use household bleach (5.25% hypo chlorite with no additives) when storing water.
The following amounts are suggested:
· 4 drops for two-liter bottles
· 8 drops per gallon
· 1/2 teaspoon for 5 gallons
· 1 Tablespoon for 30 gallons
· '2 Tablespoons for 55 gallons
Some people are afraid that chlorine is not safe for their bodies. The above amounts used to purify water are completely safe. Major cities throughout the world use chlorine to purify water.
Methods tor purifying potentially contaminated water for drinking:
- Boiling: According to the American Red Cross, boiling is the safest method of purifying water: Boil for 8-10 minutes.
- Disinfecting: According to the American Red Cross: "The only agent used to purify water should be household liquid bleach. Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.
- Filters: Consider obtaining a good water filter or purifier.
Note: Filtering water will not destroy germs or parasite eggs. After water has been filtered, it should be purified using chlorine bleach or by boiling.
A great way to store water is in a variety of containers for example:
Store the majority of your water in 30-55 gallon drums. Store some in 5-7 gallon containers and re-use those two-liter bottles!
OTHER WATER SOURCES -
Problem: Lack of water supply due to environment
Solutions:
Solutions:
· Rivers and Streams
· Ponds and Lakes
· Snow and Ice
· Rainwater
.
These sources are available but, may be contaminated and need some method of.
purification. Other sources of water can be found if a person knows how to look for them.
purification. Other sources of water can be found if a person knows how to look for them.
For example; Ground water .
1.) Most of the moisture can be found on the sloping side of the hills in dry mountain ranges.
2.) Narrow canyons and gullies should be followed up to their heads because small seeps and springs are often located nearby and run only a short distance before drying up.
3.) The water table is usually close to the surface and one can locate it by digging:
· At the base of cliffs and rocks where abnormal amounts of vegetation is
thriving
· In dry mud holes, riverbeds, and the bends of the river
· At the base of large sand dunes on the shady or steep sides
· Anywhere the ground is damp or muddy
· In low spots where patches of salt grass, greasewood, cattails, willows or
elderberries grow
elderberries grow
Obtaining water from soil
· A hole dug in damp or muddy sink area allows water to seep in and collect
· Mud wrung in a shirt or cloth will force water out
· An evaporation sill
Precautions in using water:
- Be thrifty using water
- Nothing should be eaten if water is not available. Eating uses up the body's water reserve.
- Water should be stored in the stomach and not in a canteen (people have died from dehydration with water still in their canteens).
- Water polluted by animals or mud that tastes bad, (but is harmless if boiled.)
- Muddy water can be partially cleared by allowing it to stand overnight, run through several layers of cloth or a grass filter.
- There should be no traveling during the heat of the day and walking should be done slowly, not in a hurry.
*WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WATER STORAGE:
