After a major disaster, a hurricane, earthquake, or tornado, it is imperative to have a supply of safe water for drinking and cooking. However, dependant on the severity of the disaster, consumers may face a temporary loss of their public water supply, which may also be damaged and contaminated. Hurricane Katrina victims faced just this very problem, not just during, but for many weeks after.

It is important to remember that human beings need water to live. It is also important to know how to purify water in order to ensure it is safe.

Keeping in mind that up to 60% of a grown adult body consists of water, and up to 80% of a baby’s weight is water, each day without water increases the chances of death. Most people cannot get past 3 days without water, some may go to 7, but very few will get beyond that. So, it is important for the average adult to drink about 2 liters per day.

Finding water sources at home:

Drinking/cooking water – ice cubes, frozen vegetables and fruit, fruit and vegetables, hot water tank water, toilet tank water and water pipes.

Washing/laundry water (never for drinking or eating) – toilet bowl water, and water bed water.

Finding water sources outside:

Rainwater
Stream water
Lake water
Spring water
Garden hoses
Seawater
Pine needles

All these are great for washing/laundry, but have to be purified before consumption or cooking. However, water that smells bad, has stuff floating in it, or has a dark color is highly contaminated and should be avoided.

Water purification methods:

Listen to all water advisories report by local authorities. Never try to purify contaminated water that has been damaged by toxic chemicals, radiation or oil.

Most emergency preparedness classes teach about the basic boiling and chemical purification processes. However, these are not always possible due to the lack of materials. Things may have been lost or severely damaged, but otherwise consider all water from outside sources to need purifying by these methods.

Boiling – Bring water to a boil in a large metal container. Boil for 10 minutes minimum. Add a pinch of salt to help sterilize the water. This fractional amount of salt is also good to prevent dehydration.

Move the boiled water from one container to another, boiling each time. This will greatly improve the taste and smell.

Chemical sterilization – Use bleach that contains only hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, but never any soaps or fragrances. Add 8 drops or 1/8 teaspoon of bleach for every liter of water. If the water is very cloudy, double the bleach amount. Mix well and let it stand for 30 minutes. The water will smell and taste of chlorine. However, if the smell and taste has not improved, add more bleach and repeat the process. If after a third attempt the water is still bad, do not use it. Otherwise chlorinated water is fit for drinking.

Water purification tablets – Water purification tablets use iodine or chlorine to sterilize water. They are available at most camping stores for very cheap prices, but they are not the best method of purification. However, follow package directions carefully. One tablet = 1 qt. water. Use two tablets for clouded water.

Distillation – Distillation is the best method to use during a major disaster. It is essential to get drinking water out of seawater. It is good at removing microorganisms, metals, some chemicals, salt and radioactive fallout materials (dust and dirt).

Find a large pot and fill it with water. Attach a cup firmly to the pot’s handle so its opening is facing the top of the lid. Bring the water to a boil, place the lid on upside down (the cup will be inside the pot, but not in the water), and continue for about 20 minutes.

For a fallout filter, take a large metal bucket. Punch holes in the base. Add a gravel layer. Cut a towel into a portion that is slightly larger than the circumference of the bucket. Place the towel over the container and secure it, so that no water can get into the bucket without going through the towel. Pour the contaminated water through it. Then, take the water and use the distillation process to remove any other contaminants.

Remember to store water in clean containers, preferably plastic bottles or compactable water containers. If using a metal container or bucket, be sure to find one that does not rust.

Source: City of Vancouver
National Emergency Preparedness Program