Water Storage and Purification: How to Ensure a Safe Supply

Water is more critical than food in an emergency. You can survive weeks without food but only a few days without water. In times of war, conflict, or infrastructure collapse, clean water supplies may be disrupted, leaving people vulnerable to dehydration, disease, and contamination.

In conflict zones, water pipelines may be destroyed, city water supplies could be cut off, and local sources (rivers, lakes, wells) may become unsafe. Having a reliable water storage and purification plan is essential for survival.

This guide will cover how to store water, different purification methods, and what to avoid so you and your family stay safe in a crisis.

Step 1: Understanding Your Water Needs

Before storing or purifying water, it’s essential to calculate how much you’ll need.

How Much Water Do You Need?

• Drinking water: Minimum 2 liters per person per day (3–4 liters in hot climates or for high physical activity).
• Cooking & hygiene: 2–4 liters per person per day.
• Total minimum: 4–6 liters per person per day.
• For a family of four, that’s at least 20 liters per day.
• Emergency reserve: Aim to store at least two weeks’ worth of water per person.

Example Calculation:

• A single person needs at least 60–90 liters for two weeks.
• A family of four should store 250–350 liters for two weeks.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not assume tap water will always be available—conflicts and crises can disrupt supply for weeks or months.
• Do not rely solely on bottled water—it runs out fast and is expensive to store in bulk.
• Do not forget pets and additional household members—they also need water.

Step 2: How to Store Water Properly

Water storage is crucial because once regular supply stops, you’ll need a safe and accessible reserve.

Best Water Storage Methods

1. Plastic Water Bottles
   • Store sealed commercial bottled water in a cool, dark place.
   • Good for short-term storage (6–12 months).
   • Rotate bottles every year to prevent degradation.
2. Large Water Containers (20–100 liters)
   • Food-grade plastic or glass containers work best.
   • Use tightly sealed lids to prevent contamination.
   • Store in a cool, dark place away from chemicals.
3. Water Drums & Barrels (100–200 liters+)
   • Best for long-term storage.
   • Use water-preserving treatments (chlorine, water purifiers) to prevent bacteria growth.
   • Keep barrels off the ground to prevent contamination from leaks.
4. Underground Storage (Cisterns, Wells, or Tanks)
   • Suitable for long-term survival situations.
   • Should be well-sealed and regularly treated.
   • Requires a manual pump or gravity-fed system in case of power failure.
5. Rainwater Collection
   • Install gutters and storage tanks to collect rainwater.
   • Filter and purify before drinking.
   • Best for backup use, not primary drinking water.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not store water in milk jugs or low-quality plastic—they degrade and leak over time.
• Do not keep water containers in direct sunlight—this encourages bacteria and algae growth.
• Do not store water near chemicals or fuel—contaminants can seep through plastic.

Step 3: Water Purification Methods

Stored water can become contaminated over time, and natural sources may contain bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Purifying water before drinking is essential.

1. Boiling (Most Reliable Method)

• Kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 5 minutes (longer at high altitudes).
• Let it cool before drinking.

Best for: Home use when fuel is available.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not boil water in containers that may release chemicals (plastic, non-food-safe metal).
• Boiling does not remove chemicals, heavy metals, or salts—only biological contaminants.

2. Water Purification Tablets (Portable & Easy)

• Chlorine, iodine, or other chemical tablets kill bacteria and viruses.
• Follow dosage instructions carefully.
• Good for small amounts of water and emergency situations.

Best for: Quick disinfection in field conditions, bug-out bags, and travel.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not use if water contains oil, chemicals, or heavy metals—tablets do not remove toxins.
• Iodine tablets should not be used long-term (especially for pregnant women or those with thyroid issues).

3. Water Filtration (Removes Dirt & Microorganisms)

• Ceramic and carbon filters remove bacteria, sediment, and some chemicals.
• Hollow-fiber membrane filters (e.g., LifeStraw) remove viruses as well.
• Portable and easy to use.

Best for: Purifying river/lake water when boiling isn’t an option.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not assume all filters remove viruses—check specifications.
• Do not let filters freeze or dry out—this can damage the filtration mechanism.

4. Solar Disinfection (SODIS) (UV Light Kills Bacteria)

• Fill a clear plastic or glass bottle with water.
• Leave it in direct sunlight for 6+ hours.
• UV light kills most bacteria and viruses.

Best for: Hot climates, emergency use when no other methods are available.

What NOT to Do:

• Does not work well on cloudy days.
• Does not remove chemical contaminants—only microorganisms.

Step 4: Emergency Water Sources When Supplies Run Out

If stored water runs out, you’ll need alternative water sources:

• Rainwater – Collect from rooftops, filter, and purify.
• Rivers, streams, and lakes – Always purify before drinking.
• Melted snow or ice – Only use fresh, white snow, not old or dirty ice.
• Wells & springs – Safer but should still be treated.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not drink stagnant water—it likely contains bacteria and toxins.
• Do not collect rainwater from painted or treated surfaces—chemicals can contaminate it.
• Avoid urban runoff water—it may contain industrial waste and heavy metals.

Conclusion: Be Ready Before a Crisis Hits

Without clean water, survival becomes impossible. Storing, filtering, and purifying water should be a top priority in any emergency preparedness plan.

Final Recommendations:

• Store at least two weeks’ worth of water per person.
• Use multiple storage methods (bottles, barrels, rainwater collection).
• Have backup purification methods (boiling, filters, purification tablets).
• Locate emergency water sources in advance.
• Rotate and check stored water every 6–12 months.

Water security is one of the most important survival skills. Prepare now, and ensure you have safe drinking water—before an emergency happens.