Clean Water

Perhaps it is due to all the rain and snow we have gotten of late, but I want to cover water needs. (The weather has kept me out of the garden for almost a week now.) Water purity can be a big problem in emergencies. How are you preparing to have clean water?

There are two major issues with water. The first is drinking water and the second is sanitation. The later can be easy to prepare for. "Grey water" is often easy to come by for toilets. Water for washing is another story. I like to store water in old two liter soda bottles. They wash easily and when filled with hot water, seal nicely. I don't recommend the tinted plastic as you can't see what might be growing inside. I store mine under the stairs where they are out of the way and can stack easily.

Drinking water can be a more difficult proposition. I have a small filtration pump for my 72 hour kit for mobility. Treatment tablets can also be useful. For longer term water needs, you can store large barrels of food grade plastic. I also recommend having a large purification system such as the Big Berkey water system which can purify as much as 3.5 gallons an hour. That is plenty for a large family.

I'll have to cover laundry needs soon. It's always nice to have clean clothes in stressful situations.



- Mark

Value is based on perception.