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Safe Drinking Water in an Emergency
How Much Water You Should Store for Emergency Use
- One gallon of water per person per day for drinking
- One half gallon per person per day food preparation and basic hygiene
- A 3-day supply of water minimum; two week supply recommended
Additional Considerations
- Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate
- Children, nursing mothers and ill people need more water
- Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed
- A medical emergency might require additional water
How Water Should Be Stored
Commercially Bottled Water
- Safest and most reliable water supply for emergencies
- Keep it in its original container
- Do not open it until you need to use it
- Observe the expiration date or use by date
- Store in a cool, dry location
Personally Prepared Containers
Food-Grade Water Storage Containers
- Clean containers with soap and water and rinse
- Fill container to the top with tap water
- Tightly close the container using the original cap
- Write the date on the outside of the container
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Replace the water every six months if not using bottled water
2-Liter Plastic Soft Drink Bottles
- Thoroughly clean with soap and water and rinse well
- Sanitize by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon non-scented household chlorine bleach to a quart of water
- Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle covering all surfaces and then thoroughly rinse with water
More on Water Storage
Do not use plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have held milk or fruit juice. Protein and sugars cannot adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacteria when water is stored in them. Do not use glass containers. They are too heavy and can break.
Water may not be safe to drink, clean with or bathe in after an emergency such as a flood or earthquake. During and after a disaster, water can become contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria, sewage, agricultural or industrial waster, and chemicals and other substances that can cause illness or death.
Listen to & Follow Advice from Local Health Departments or Water Agencies
Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or to use for cooking and bathing. If the water is not safe to drink, authorities will give instructions to use bottled water only or to boil or disinfect the water.
Use only bottled water, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and cleaning, brushing teeth and washing hands, making ice and bathing until your water supply is tested and found safe.
Protect the Water Sources in Your Home
Shut off incoming water by locating the main valve and closing it.
Hidden Water Sources in the Home
- Pipes: To use water in the pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your home at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the house.
- Hot water tank: Shut off electricity and gas and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve at the tank and turning on a hot water faucet. Refill the tank before turning the gas or electricity back on.
- Melt ice cubes.
Ways to Treat Water
Boiling
- Boiling is the safest method of treating water
- In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute
- Let the water cool before drinking
- Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers
Chlorination
- Household liquid bleach can be used to treat water
- Use only regular non-scented household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite
- Do not use scented, color-safe bleaches or those with added cleaners
- Use bleach from a newly opened or unopened container, as the potency of bleach diminishes with time
- Add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes
- The water should have a slight bleach odor. If it doesn't, then repeat the dosage and let stand for another 15 minutes, if it still does not have a slight odor of bleach, discard it and find another source of water
- Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products that do not contain 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient are not recommended
Additional Guidelines
If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. Reducing activity and staying cool will minimize the amount of water the body needs.
Did You Know?
Monte Vista Water District's dedicated staff of 34 employees work diligently each day to provide high quality water services and excellent customer service.
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