Emergency water sources include rainwater, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and natural springs. Salt water should be distilled. Never drink floodwater. Water from emergency source should be purified before drinking or using to prepare food.
Three ways are recommended to purify water:
1. Boiling is the safest method. Bring water to a roiling boil for at least one minute. Some water will evaporate. Cool before drinking. Improve the taste of boiled water by pouring it back and forth between two clean containers. This same trick will work for stored water.
2. Disinfection methods use household bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household bleach that contains 2.5 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slightly bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.
3. Distillination involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities. To distill water, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup hangs right side up when the lid is upside down. Make sure the cup is not dangling in the water. Boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
Other emergency sources of water can include water in the hot water tank, water pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, the water inside the tank of the toilet can be used. Do not use the water in the toilet bowl. Liquids from canned goods, such as fruit and vegetable juices also can supplement dwindling water supplies.
When a storm is approaching, it is recommended to fill the bathtub, washing machine and anything else that will hold water. This water supply can be used for washing. If purified, it also can be used for drinking.
According to FEMA, chemicals such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do no contain 5.25 to 6.0 sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient are not recommended and should not be used to purify water during emergency situations.
