How Much Water Is Enough?

Modern Survival Blog ^ | 4/9/12 | Ken

[Kartographer]

If you like food as much as I do, it’s hard to imagine that our body can actually go weeks without food. It wouldn’t be fun, of course, but it can be done. But without water, our bodies can get into serious trouble quickly – just a matter of days before dehydration can set in. So why is it that many people keep lots of extra food stored in their houses, but neglect to store any water?

This subject came to mind recently when my cousin told me about having to endure a power outage with no drinkable water. Since power outages often impact water treatment facilities, tap water can be unsafe for drinking. The situation was made worse by the fact that her child had vomiting and diarrhea, which meant that there was an even greater need for drinking water, as well as water for cleaning, sanitation and hand washing.

For instance, a mixture of water and chlorine bleach would have greatly assisted in sanitizing around her child, helping to ensure that others didn’t also get sick. And obviously, you wouldn’t want to clean up after such a mess without being able to thoroughly wash your hands. (As a dad, I know that’s NOT fun!) Finally, water for food preparation is a supply you’ll need over and above what you plan to drink.

[Kartographer]

Well according to some FReepers why store water? Just go over to your local neighborhood prepper and demand if they are Christians they supply you with water out of their stash.

[thackney]

It is tough to store enough water beyound a short term need.

Longer term prepping must use water production/filtration.

[APatientMan]

Which bleach is 5.25% sodium hypochlorite these days? Any brand that’s readily available?

[Vendome]

Between all the diet coke, club soda, juices, bottled H2O, cement pond and water heater I figure I’m good for a couple of weeks, maybe more, before I have to venture out and bring H2O back to purify in my Lifesaver® or Berkeys. I have three Lifesaver and two Berkey and a few Katadyns.

I’m probably good for years if I don’t get picked off by some miscreant.

[Kartographer]

Preppers’ PING!

Theres a reason Sarajevo survivor says: “Living near a well with a manual pump is like living in the garden of Eden.”

From my Preparedness Manual, which you can download for FREE at:

http://tomeaker.com/kart/Preparedness1j.pdf

NOTE! THIS IS A FREE DOWNLOAD. I DO NOT MAKE ONE CENT OFF MY PREPAREDNESS MANUAL!

[Kartographer]

Easier to store pool shock (Calcium Hypochlorite) and make your own bleach solution.

http://readynutrition.com/resources/better-than-bleach-use-calcium-hypochlorite-to-disinfect-water_19062010/

[mountainlion]

Vinegar is a good disinfectant. That is what the old timers used to use, or whiskey.

[APatientMan]

You are a good soul, Kart. Much appreciated!!

[bgill]

Water was the first thing I thought about a couple days ago when the electricity went off. No worries, just first thought.

[thackney]

Thanks for that!

[driftdiver]

How much depends on your health, activity level, number of people, and the weather.

If you don’t have enough you can die.

[Wuli]

Curious, and maybe you know - what’s the usual “shelf life” of the typical supermarket supplied bottled waters, like a “Poland Springs” brand.

I filter my tap water, for consumption, but have been doing so just for immediate and short-term use.

Thanks for any ideas.

[goodnesswins]

Does it need to be 78% hypochlorite? (Hard to find)

[opentalk]

Recently bought bottled 1 gal. spring water at a local grocery with expiration date of 7/14

[Polynikes]

After the 1989 quake I became quite aware that water was essential. Accounts of the ‘06 quake made passing mention of the fact that water quickly became worth its weight in gold. Food is good but water is better at least at first. I live in SF and the local government,such as it is, subsidizes rainwater catchment systems from the roof runoff. Couple that with a few 55 gallon barrels for drinking, plus assorted fluids we have stored already and a water pasteurizer and filters we are probably set for 2 month at least. I think my in-laws think I am a bit unhinged but I smile and nod. :~)

[Uncle Ike]

Think about it - it’s WATER, for cryin’ out loud.. There’s nothing to ‘go bad’ in it, and as long as the container stays sealed, no bacteria or other nasties can get in to grow.... (And if they do, a bit of boiling settles their hash quite handily... ;))

“Expiration Dates” on water are nothing more than a marketing ploy...

[Lurker]

If it remains sealed it will last for years. But a bit of FIFO never hurts.

[tbw2]

What has been your experience with the Lifesaver straw? I’ve read complaints about the seating of the seal.

[Carriage Hill]

If you keep it in a cool and dark area, and it’s airtight, it’s good for 2-3yrs. But I have some bleach and pool-shock just in case.

I also have 8 wells on the Farm; 2 are nearby hand-pumpers. I also have 2 diesel gens and 3x1,000gal underground fuel tanks.

The floor under our expanded 40’x20’ Family ‘Safe Unit’ is 3ft deep and stockpiled w/ food, many kinds of supplies & lots of bottled water as back-up to the wells.

http://www.atlassurvivalshelters.com/

[cripplecreek]

Enough water is never a problem in Michigan. Purification is always an issue but scarcity is never a problem.