How to Prepare for Emergency Water Storage

Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Terrorists bombed the World Trade Center. The environment is going to hell in a hand basket. These things, and more, have made the idea of an emergency water shortage all too real. You don't have to wait for a disaster to happen to prepare for an emergency situation. Digging a big hole to a water supply will probably not be the best way to go about it, but gathering supplies to hold emergency water is possible. These steps will provide a few helpful measures.

Instructions

• 1

  Stock up on water storage supplies. Water barrels and bags specifically created to safely store water are on the market. You can also purchase a water preserver liquid to add to the water to ensure that it stays healthy. Check your local camping and sports stores, and military supply shops. See the Resources section below for a link.

• 2

  Stock up on water. Individual rations of water are available in handy pouches or boxes that have a shelf life of up to five years. This outdoes the average water bottle, which is said to have a shelf life of only six months. These are also available at many camping and sports stores or military supply shops.

• 3

  Invest in purification devices. Water filters, sometimes built right into a water bottle, are another option for purifying water that has been contaminated. Filters are also sold that fit right on your sink. Check home stores and camping stores for this stuff, or see the Resources section below.

• 4

  Get some pills. Water purification pills are another option. They are dropped right into the contaminated mix to make it safe to drink. This not only works for contaminated tap water, but can be added to water from lakes and streams if absolutely necessary.

• 5

  Do your part to conserve. While you have no control over hurricanes or world wars, you can do your part to help the environment by conserving as much water as you can. Take quick showers, recycle gray water, harvest rain water and opt for low-water landscaping for some savings in that arena.