Urban water procurement & storage.

Tyrkon Lawson

Tyrkon Lawson

Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
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Living in earthquake country having enough water in my emergency stores is a huge concern. Especially for a family of 5. So I am in the process of updating that part of my home emergency plan. I am looking into those 55 gal. water storage barrels but was wondering if any of you have used them and if so what type? A simple google search brings up a lot of choices many of which complain about cheap pumps, missing caps, etc...

Or do you guys prefer smaller containers that would be easier to relocate? Or both? I want enough for a month just in case it takes a while for things to get back on track.

I am also interested in water filter straws for on the go. Do they really work good or should I instead invest in a portable pump? Or both?

I know that there are water sources in our homes in places like the toilet tank (not bowl :barf:), the water heater, etc... if they are shut off before any thing can back up and ruin them.

Anyway, feel free to add your water tips here be it regarding "gear" or water collection "Skills" that would benefit us urbanites.

Thanks. :) :thumbup:
 
After watching the events in Japan I was thinking that maybe the question might be not what your using for storage but how and where it's stored. The people on the coast would have been wiped out of everything no matter what it was stored in or where due to the tidal wave. Good post for thought especially since your on the coast.
 
I have a good storage place for it and luckily I live more inland. But you are spot on about location. Emergency supplies will be useless if stored in a bad place.
 
The problem with a 55 gal drum is, like you said, moving it. Lots of gallon jugs are more portable, but a bit fragile.
Get a good water filter, many made for international travel will filter out virus and bacteria. I have a Katadyn Hiker, it's great for the states, considering the water is in the wild, and fairly clean. It does not however filter for viruses. I'd worry about viruses in water after an earthquake and or flood.
I'd also store water, if outside, you will need something to block the sunlight. Those blue plastic barrles are good for blocking light.
Or fill up empty spots in your fridge with water jugs. Opening the door of the fridge allows for air exchange, fill up empty spots with water jugs, and save money.
 
T/L, not a bad decision considering what is going in other parts of the world this year. I have personally used the Frontier Survival Straw while out hunting and fishing over the last 10+ yrs. and it has worked fine for me. We also have the Katadyn Hiker Pro in our emergency items, have used it a few times just to get familar with it. It has worked great, water flow is a little slow it seems, but very easy to use and to learn. Also, don't forget an extra filter for that "just in case" moment . . . :)
We also have a good supply (200+) of the Katadyn Micro-Pur MP-1 tablets stored with it in case something would break with the pump. Our water supply consists of one gallon jugs due to the fact my wife has back issues & these are the easiest for her to handle. We don't have a lot of water stored per say, because we have a spring fed pond about 100' from our home, & it has been running strong going on 14 years now. You also need to consider to make a couple of different storage areas just in case you can not stay where you are, if you have to move, & how easy it will be to transport it. Pre-planning goes far beyond just getting the items.
Good thinking of being pro-active instead of re-active on the water, hope all works out for you.
Be safe.
 
5 gallon gas cans... painted green with a white "W" on it work for me.
4 for 2 people.... so that will be one gallon of water for 10 days.

Family of 5 is a different story..... spending the money for those jugs might be a better way so you can treat many gallons of water.

I may just get some of those lifesaver bottles..... maybe even a Jerry can....they are slick
 
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everything's obviously a hypothetical but lets say the average adult person in average health needs to consume 8-8oz glasses a day in normal circumstances that adds up to roughly 2gals day. A 55gal drum would suit its purpose, but lets say it was damaged in the disaster, what then..?? also pending your living conditions after the disaster you may need more water a day to keep up with all the work you'll be doing daily, shelter, food, protecting your water/family.... you may need some for injuries....!!etc

I'd advice 5 gal containers in what ever suits your fancy, try all kinds because you'll need at least 10 if you want to go the month, I'd say more is better in case some of it gets damaged.. they are portable etc, but hey it wouldn't hurt to have a big 35 gal or so trash can full of water laying around now would it?? just in case, besides you be protecting this precious gold day and night while predators of every kind try to kill you for it... human nature is a BEAST, survival of the fittest..

and for every intent and purpose, its probably best you keep your stash a secret from your neighbors:) sad but true...

I just had a very in depth conversion with someone last week about this very thing (before the quake), you people do realize water will be more valuable then gold right?? good.. :thumbup:

take care,

ETA: in short to answer, I'd say water 'purification' pump as opposed to filters, and 35gal or bigger trash cans with lids, and some large portable containers..
 
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I have several 15 and 20 liter (5 gallon) water containers, which are refilled on a rotating basis. Small means portable, though I don't plan on going anywhere. And I would not want a 55 gallon container splitting open and dumping its contents in my basement. Having 30 or so gallons is not optimal, but I'm more prepared than most folks.

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I do the same with gas for my 3 generators, but thats for another thread. :thumbup:

eu2000.jpg
 
Way back during Y2K prep, we bought five, full and sealed, 5 gallon water jugs, the kind that go on office water coolers. They've been stored in the climate stable area of our house in the crawl space. Last Summer we went car camping with some friends and had to bring our own water. In addition to some small bottles, I took one of the jugs.
Even though it was long past it's "good by" date, the water was just fine and actually tasted pretty good.
We also have a filter with the rest of our disaster gear.
 
maybe its a dumb question but how long could you store water in a plastic container and still be confident about drinking it? i would assume that if you kept it cool and dark it would be a while, but still it must have a "shelf life".

unfortunately i was spoiled as a child with not being forced to drink straight water. i always had juice or some sports drinks available and as such, besides the occasional sip from a fountian i do not like the taste of plain water.... now of course that could easily change in a life and death situation but i figure if i have the time and space to be storing 55 gallons of water, i would also have room for a $2 tub of sugar free koolaid or something similar.... whats everybodys feeling on this? i know people say that it actually dehydrates you but i feel that id drink more if it tasted better to me and that would in fact hydrate me.... thoughts?
 
and to go along with that, what would happen to the water from sitting? would it be straight up toxic or just "not reccommended"?
 
for portability and ready access and a couple of these for higher-volume storage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Vz19uhcW0

The primary downside of the Water Bob is that it requires you to have enough warning time to actually fill it. In an earthquake situation, that may or may not work. On the other hand, it takes up very little space and is relatively cheap (about $20.)

I change out the water in my jugs every 6 months or so. You can extend that with a little household bleach if required.

Curt
 
Lets say you do have the water stored for longer than 6 months or so. You would just want to boil the water if you had fear of any bacteria growth . I really dont see what kinds of problems you would have if you stored the water in a cool dark place for more than 6 months but i am no expert.
 
blackcaddy90 said:
Lets say you do have the water stored for longer than 6 months or so. You would just want to boil the water if you had fear of any bacteria growth . I really dont see what kinds of problems you would have if you stored the water in a cool dark place for more than 6 months but i am no expert.
Click to expand...

I agree having water that needs to be treated is better than not having any water at all!
 
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