Loss of safe drinking water can be deadly.  Most people, with few exceptions, will start feeling the effects if they do without water for more than 36 hours.   Dehydration occurs much quicker than starvation.  Our bodies can tolerate the loss of food much better.  With an ample water supply, starvation is delayed many days, even weeks.

WATER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM TO STORE

Contaminants can get into the drinking water supply through ruptures in the pipes, the mixing up of supply sediments, the adulteration of filtering systems, earthquakes, etc.  Do not take your water for granted.  Plan ahead and store a sufficient supply for your family.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I STORE?

A good rule of thumb is: ONE GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS (MINIMUM).  A three-week supply of water is ideal.

WATER SOURCES

       Bottled water from the store - one and two gallon sealed containers. NOTE: The containers that you purchase in your local store are not designed for long term storage and will begin to leak after about six months.

       One and five gallon sealable containers - from camping or survival stores.  Be sure to sanitize container and treat the water that you are storing.

       Five gallon sealed containers from private water companies - water companies claim their containers are good forever if still factory sealed.  Store all plastic water containers on a wooden pallet or shelf.  Keep water containers in a location where container failure will not destroy your other supplies.  Keep all water and supplies in a cool dark place.

       DO NOT STORE ANY PLASTIC WATER CONTAINER DIRECTLY ON CONCRETE.  The concrete will leech chemicals into the water, contaminating it.  Concrete will also degrade the plastic bottle causing failure.

PURIFYING YOUR TAP WATER

Any water that you make up yourself needs to be treated.  If left untreated over time, it becomes contaminated with bacteria and algae.

       Eight drops of pure unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water will reduce the contaminants in the water.

       Add the bleach when you first store the water away.

       NOTE: Rotate your water every six months (this includes the one and two gallon sealed bottles purchased at the store, and the supply you made up from tap water with bleach added.)

OTHER SOURCES OF WATER IN YOUR HOME

Another source of water is the hot water heater.  Every water heater has a drain valve near the bottom.  Drain water until it becomes clear of sediment. 

      Remember to disconnect from power or turn off gas before draining.

A toilet water storage tank.  Use the water from the storage tank NOT THE TOILET BOWL.  Don’t drink if you use toilet tank chemicals.

       Melted ice cubes are a source of water.  Packed can goods are mostly water.

PURIFYING YOUR WATER SOURCE TO MAKE IT SAFE TO DRINK

Boil the water vigorously for ten minutes or add liquid chlorine bleach to the water. Eight drops per gallon of water.  Double this dose if water is cloudy.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Fire Department at (801) 568-2930.