Prepping for an emergency someday is extremely important. Having the right supplies at home can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Water is a key element in many prepper supply lists. Having the correct kind of water is essential to your success in any emergency or disaster situation. This article will discuss some of the best water options to have for your prepper supplies.
Understanding Water Requirements
Water is one of the most important components of your prepper supplies. Without it, life and good health cannot be maintained. Therefore, it is important for you to understand your water requirements both for daily use and for emergency situations.
Daily Water Needs:
In general, the amount of water that you need to consume every day should equal about 2 to 3 liters or about 8 to 12 cups of fluid. This amount should of course be adjusted according to the activities and climate that you live inc. In hotter climates more water would need to be intake and more water may need to be taken in if you have some sort of physical activity.
Emergency Water Supplies:
Your emergency water supplies should last throughout the entirety of the emergency depending on the duration of that emergency. In general, it is recommended to have 4 liters of water if you are prepping for an individual. For a family of five, the recommended emergency water supply is 10 liters of water. Depending on your prepping needs, these numbers may have to be adjusted with the same considerations made for daily water needs for activities and climate.
Single Use Bottles
Single-use bottles are an option for those preppers looking for a convenient and economic way to store water in their prepper supplies. These are typically made from a strong plastic, like polyethylene terephthalate, and come in various shapes and sizes. While these bottles can be disposable, you may also want to consider reusing them. Reusing them will help to reduce your prepper supply costs as well as helping to reduce waste. When reusing your single-use bottles, make sure that they are properly cleaned and stored between uses to help prevent any contamination.
Single-use bottles offer a convenient way to transport water, as they are lightweight and easily packed up in backpacks or used for outdoor trips. Additionally, many single-use bottles are now designed to be more sustainable, using less plastic and being more easily recycled. If you plan on prepping for the long-term, investing in reusable water bottles is likely a more cost-effective option. However, single-use bottles can be a viable alternative if you are looking to save costs and worry less about environmental impact.
Reusable Water Cans
If you’re looking for a way to have plenty of water on hand without having to constantly stock up, reusable water cans are the perfect way to do so. These cans, typically made from stainless steel or plastic, are light-weight and easy to transport, making them ideal for any prepper situation.
Unlike disposable water bottles, these cans are strong, sturdy and can hold large amounts of water. This means you won’t have to worry about wasting precious resources or having to constantly replace bottles. Furthermore, they are much more environmentally conscious as they can be reused over and over again.
When prepping, you should always consider investing in reusable water cans. Not only will they save you money in the long run, but they are also much more convenient and safe to use. Plus, you’ll be helping to reduce the carbon footprint!
Water Filters
Having the ability to access clean, safe water is an essential part of prepping for any situation. Water filters are a great way to ensure your family stays healthy and hydrated. There are a few different types of water filters that are perfect for prepper supplies:
Gravity Filters
Gravity filters are perfect for preppers who want a lightweight, and efficient solution. Gravity filters use the force of gravity to move water through a hollow-fiber membrane filter. The water then collects in a reservoir below, leaving all bacteria and organisms behind. This type of filter is easy to setup and requires no electricity or pumping.
Ceramic Filters
Ceramic filters are great for preppers as they are simple, effective, and require no power source. They use narrow pores to filter out particulates, bacteria and other organisms from water. They are cost-effective and easy to use, making them a great option for preppers.
Ultraviolet Filters
UV filters use short-wave ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses and other organisms before they can enter your drinking water. This type of filter is perfect for preppers who are looking for a reliable and energy-efficient way of treating their water.
No matter which type of filter you choose for your prepper supplies, having the ability to access clean, safe drinking water is essential for surviving any emergency situation. With the right selection of water filters, you'll be prepared to handle whatever life throws your way.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are an ideal water source for preppers. These handy tools are usually placed outdoors, under a rain gutter, so they can collect large amounts of rainfall and store it for future use. By redirecting the rainwater runoff, the diverted water serves a dual purpose – to provide a reliable water source and to reduce the amount of water that needs to be collected from public utilities.
Rain barrels are easy and cost-effective. Many hardware, home goods, and gardening supply stores sell them in a variety of sizes and styles, with prices ranging from budget-minded basic models to expensive, decorative models. Most rain barrels have a flat or slanted top, so they can be placed below the gutter’s downspout and capture as much water as possible. Many also feature a spigot and a hose so that it can be accessed from a distance.
Be sure to find a model with an insect-proof lid that screws on tightly, and make sure that any seals are solid and leak-free. Additionally, never use water from a rain barrel for drinking, as it is susceptible to pollution from roof runoff and other sources.
Water Barrels
Having a quality water storage system is essential when preparing for any emergency. One of the best options are water barrels, which are large containers that hold a substantial amount of water for a reasonable cost. You can easily find them in stores or online, so you don’t have to worry about carrying large quantities of water all at once.
Water barrels can hold one, two, or even four different sizes of water tanks, depending on your needs. They are also designed to hold a variety of different substances, such as potable water and some chemicals. Additionally, many water barrels come with lids which can help keep unbeknownst creatures out of your precious water supply.
Some people prefer to store their water in a barrel instead of buying a few gallons of bottled water. This is particularly true for preppers, who need to make sure that their water is free of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Plus, a barrel can hold up to 55 gallons of water, which should be more than enough to sustain your needs during an extended emergency situation.
When selecting a water barrel for your prepper supplies, make sure to pick one that is made from food-grade materials. While you can find cheaper products that are made from plastic and other materials, quality food-grade barrels are designed to hold water for long periods of time and will resist bacteria or chemical reactions.
Finally, always remember to keep your water barrel in a dry and dark location to preserve the quality of the water. Even when not in use, your barrel should be covered up with a lid to prevent contaminants from getting into the water.
Water barrels offer a great solution for your prepping supplies, so consider investing in a quality barrel if you want to make sure you have an ample supply of water at all times.
Water Purification Tablets
Water purification tablets are a great option for preppers. They are lightweight and relatively inexpensive when compared to other water purification devices. Tablets are simple to use, and can effectively kill viruses and bacteria, making them an ideal choice for preppers.
Tablets generally contain iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals that are able to kill most microorganisms. These tablets provide a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to purify water. It’s important to note, however, that water purification tablets will not remove chemicals or heavy metals, and should not be used as a primary water purifier.
Tablets are great for preppers because they are so simple to use. All you have to do is drop the tablet into a container of clean water and wait for the recommended amount of time. Then, the water should be safe for drinking.
When stocking up for your prepper supplies, it’s important to remember to include water purification tablets, as they are a great way to quickly and easily purify your water.
Building a Stationary Source
Making sure you have an adequate stationary source should be high on your list when preparing for emergencies. Building a stationary source can play a vital role in ensuring your family is safe during any type of disaster. Not only does it provide freshwater that cannot be contaminated, it can be done easily in the backyard of your home or at a designated safe area.
A stationary source can be created by digging a deep, wide hole and lining it with plastic. The hole should be deep enough that the water won't freeze in the winter. After the hole is dug, a pump and filter can be placed at the bottom of the hole to aerate the water. The pump should be powered by a battery and generator, once the hole is sealed. A pipe system should be installed, so that it is easy to access the water without opening the hole.
The tank should also be covered with a sturdy tarp or another form of cover that will protect the water from any contaminants. After the installation is complete, water samples should be taken regularly to ensure the water is still safe to drink. Using this method as a stationary source for your survival needs, you can ensure that your family will have access to fresh water in any type of disaster.
Conclusion
For preppers, having the right water supplies is essential for survival. The right water supplies can make all the difference in an emergency situation. While it’s possible to rely on natural water sources and purification techniques, water storage can offer a reliable and sustainable solution. With the right storage solutions and dedication, preppers can rest easy knowing their supplies are properly taken care of.
Remember, no matter which type of water option you choose for prepping, it’s important to stay prepared and assess your resources. Knowing what sources of water are available to you and understanding your individual needs are key in creating efficient and effective emergency prep supplies.
