Storing Survival Water Makes Good Sense

Storing emergency survival water may be a possibility you never considered until recently. In America, thanks to two hundred years of hard work and ingenuity, when we turn on a tap in our home a dependable abundance of clean water flows into our sinks and showers. We run dishwashers and washing machines, or flush our toilets, certain that gallons will be available to do the job. As populations increase and urbanization expands around the world, the availability of potable water has become a serious issue. Here in the US we are facing a number of diverse problems which threaten to disrupt our reliable supply of clean water.

The global financial crisis is hitting hard at home causing cut backs in local services, and contributing to a crumbling infrastructure as many states struggle to manage their budgets. We can no longer take these services for granted. One of the most common reasons for an outage is a water main break. In North America, due to our aging and poorly maintained sewer and water systems, there are over 850 water main breaks each day creating an annual repair bill of over three billion dollars.

Another cause for an outage is a contamination of the water supply with E. Coli, arsenic, radioactive substances, or some other contaminant. This may be the result of a one time event, such as a storm, or due to errors and mismanagement by a water company. Violations of E.P.A. safe drinking water laws have been reported at water companies around the country. You may want to check on the quality of the water being provided by your municipality. Finally, a prolonged power outage may cut off your water. It takes electricity to pump water into your home, so once you have used up the supply already in the pipes, no more can enter your home until the power is restored.

Even more serious and dramatic disruptions in our water service may occur. During the last several years, the US has experienced record levels of violent weather including earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and droughts. The resulting prolonged water outages and shortages can compound the devastation by causing additional suffering and death. Recall the difficulties encountered by the Red Cross, F.E.M.A. and other emergency responders as they struggled to get clean water and other necessities to the victims of Katrina. Sadly, financial and political upheaval, or natural disasters could spark civil unrest causing further disruption. In any emergency which causes a water outage, it is safest to consider all water contaminated even if it comes out of your own tap or well.

The Red Cross and F.E.M.A. recommend a three day supply of one gallon for each person as an absolute minimum. Storing one gallon per person per day to last for at least a week, or preferably, one month would be much safer. If your household consists of one or more healthy adults, a brief water outage may be endured with only discomfort. Family members with higher water requirements such as children, or the ailing and elderly, may find a disruption more difficult or even impossible to bear. You must also consider the needs of your pets. A growing number of Americans have begun stockpiling staples and buying an emergency supply of dehydrated foods which can be stored long term. Unfortunately many are overlooking the fact that they will be unable to prepare and cook these foods without an adequate supply of clean water.

There are simple, effective and affordable ways to store water in your home. You could buy bottled water, or store tap, well or purified harvested water. Take the first step and start creating your supply of survival water right away. Not since the earliest days of our country has there been a time when individual responsibility and emergency preparedness were more prudent. You can survive for weeks without food but not long at all without water. A supply of survival water for you and your family can provide real peace of mind.