Water Safety During Disasters

The Importance of Water

Most people can only live a few days without water. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water per day. Children and individuals with medical conditions may need more water.

Hot and humid weather may also increase the need for water.

Emergency Water Supply

Keep a supply of bottled water for use in the event of disasters or water outages. Periodically rotate your supply.

You should have at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.
(On the average, a gallon of water per person, per day is recommended.)

You will also need water for:

• drinking
• cooking
• dishwashing
• personal hygiene
• brushing your teeth
• cleaning

How to Disinfect Water

There are several ways to disinfect water. None are perfect.

The following are the most recommended methods:

• Boiling is the safest method of disinfecting water.
  • Bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
  • Some water will evaporate during this process.
  • Let the water cool.

Helpful Hint:  Boiled water and stored water will taste better if you take two clean containers and pour the water between the two containers. 

• Household liquid bleach can be used to kill microorganisms.
  • Check the label to make sure the bleach has 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite.
  • Do not use scented bleaches or ones with additives.
  • Add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water.
  • Then stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand for another 15 minutes.

Helpful Hint:  If stored water still has an odor, pour the water between two clean containers.

• You can also use water-purifying tablets from your local pharmacy.

Caution: If the water looks cloudy prior to boiling or adding bleach, let the water sit undisturbed so that any suspended particle settle to the bottom. Then filter the water through layer of clean cotton, paper towels, cheesecloth, or coffee filters before boiling, re-boiling or treating with bleach.

How to Store Water

Plastic food grade containers are best for storing water after it has been decontaminated. If necessary, you can use soft drink bottles that have been thoroughly washed and rinsed with safe water. Never wash out bottles with contaminated water. Also do not use containers that held toxic substances. Before reusing containers rinse them with a bleach solution.

Private Water Supply

If you have a well and your property has been flooded or your aquifer contaminated, your well must be disinfected and tested before you can use the water.

Recommendation: If your property is located in a flood plain or has been flooded in the past, you should install a flood proof cap. If your well needs to be vented, the vent should be elevated above anticipated flood levels or a device used to prevent floodwater from entering the vent.

Hidden Water Sources

When you are notified of a water outage or a break in sewage lines, you should turn off the water entering your home.  Do you know where your incoming water valve is located?  Make sure that you turn the valve off to stop contaminated water from entering your home.

• You can use ice cubes or the water in the your hot water tank and water pipes.
• As a last resort, you could use the water in the reservoir of your toilet tank (not the bowl).

Helpful Hints:

1. To use the water in your pipes:
   • Let air into the plumbing by turning on the bathroom faucet on the highest floor.
   • Then go to the lowest location and obtain water from a faucet in this area.
2. To obtain water from your hot water heater:
   • You must first turn off the electricity/gas to the tank.
3. Open the bottom valve and wait until you see clear water ( there may be some sediment that comes out first.)
   ***Do not turn the electricity or gas on until the tank has been refilled with water.***

For additional information on water and water safety:

www.fema.gov/rrr/foodwtr.html

www.fema.gov/library/diskit.shtm

www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/index.asp

Revised February 16, 2006