Friday, June 02, 2006
Alternative to storing water
Last week, at the Fairfax County Pandemic Flu Summit, a representative of the water department reminded us that if the electricity fails, they cease delivering water. So, if electric company employees don't get sick and if water department employees don't get sick, you will still have power and water. But - if they do get sick, you may need to use your stored water.
It only takes a quick look at how much space a gallon of water takes up to see that water storage is a huge problem. I don't know anyone who has enough water stored at home to make even a dent in how much they might need in an emergency. The rule of thumb is to store 1 gallon of water per person per day. One gallon only covers drinking and minimal washing - no flushing or showers.
One alternate solution is a quality hiking/camping water filter. At least, it's good for those of us who have ponds and streams nearby. I just looked at the specifications for the Katadyn filter I bought a few years ago. It removes cysts, bacteria, algae, but not viruses. I can kill viruses with bleach or boiling. My pocket filter will treat 13,000 gallons of water. You can purchase high quality filters at good sporting goods stores.
Yes - getting water from a stream means going outside, but if you cannot store water, going to a stream may be better than standing in line with hundreds of people to get water from a delivery truck.
To read more about water treatment, go to
Emergency Kitchen Water Paper
It only takes a quick look at how much space a gallon of water takes up to see that water storage is a huge problem. I don't know anyone who has enough water stored at home to make even a dent in how much they might need in an emergency. The rule of thumb is to store 1 gallon of water per person per day. One gallon only covers drinking and minimal washing - no flushing or showers.
One alternate solution is a quality hiking/camping water filter. At least, it's good for those of us who have ponds and streams nearby. I just looked at the specifications for the Katadyn filter I bought a few years ago. It removes cysts, bacteria, algae, but not viruses. I can kill viruses with bleach or boiling. My pocket filter will treat 13,000 gallons of water. You can purchase high quality filters at good sporting goods stores.
Yes - getting water from a stream means going outside, but if you cannot store water, going to a stream may be better than standing in line with hundreds of people to get water from a delivery truck.
To read more about water treatment, go to
Emergency Kitchen Water Paper
