The unthinkable has happened and your preparations are about to be tested.
As days turn into weeks, you begin to realize that help is a very long way off.
Your preparations look adequate except for one area: water.
Do you have enough water stored for a crisis? How can you improve your emergency water storage?
Long-term water solutions in emergencies are critical.
There are long-term water solutions we can look at, however.
As always, it is best to plan ahead and have these preparations made well in advance.
An old-fashioned hand pump well can supplement your water stockpile. In many areas, you can install one yourself in just a weekend.
First up is finding water.
The best solution is a deep well or natural spring on your property.
This has the capacity to provide usable water almost indefinitely.
The depth of a well depends on your location.
Some wells can be as shallow as 15 feet while others may be hundreds of feet into the earth.
Wells must be planned out in advance and can be an expensive investment.
They can also be one of the best investments you’ve got the option to ever make.
With enough preparation you’re able to also install a solar-powered pump system.
Natural waterways such as lakes, streams, and ponds can also provide reliable water sources.
One of the challenges with this option is getting the water back to your camp or home.
A single gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds, which makes moving large quantities a major task.
While carrying this load may seem annoying but doable to many, there are factors you must consider.
Weather interruptions such as severe cold and frozen waterways can eliminate the option.
In addition, an injury can make the trek a challenge.
Another way to obtain water is to capture rain.
Capturing rain requires the construction of a cistern or large storage system.
This system must be sturdy and sound to make it serve you for the long term.
One of the best ways is to use 5-gallon, BPA-free water bottles.
These are manageable in size and can be loaded into top-filling water fountains.
Kept in a cool, dry place these bottles will serve you for the long term.
On the larger end is a 500-gallon water tank.
These tanks are all pre-installed with valves to allow for the filling of smaller containers.
Even if it is crystal clear, it can contain dangerous organisms.
To prepare water for consumption, consider one of these off the shelf solutions.
One of the best-known water filtration systems around is the Big Berkey.
The Berkey water filter is a popular system and is perfect for everyday home use and outdoor activities.
Its a must-have in hostile environments where electricity, water pressure, or treated water may not be available.
It also reduces nitrites and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
Virtually no other system can duplicate this performance.
A second filtration option can help you both at home and on the go.
This is a revolutionary rig.
Another option is the use of a chemical agent to prepare water for consumption.
One of the best in this realm is AquaDrop.
AquaDrop is also an effective algae treatment.
Its primary function is to rapidly destroy organic contaminants in water.
This is the smallest and most cost-effective water purification gear on the market.
Using this effective rig to disinfect large quantities of water is both straightforward and simple.
Second to oxygen, water is the most important thing we need to survive.
It is important to recognize just how challenging long-term water solutions can be.
Edible Water Storage
An alternative to storing water may also double as a ration.
Developers out of London are introducing what they have dubbed Ooho Water H2O encased in gelatinous, edible blobs.
The orbs can also be swallowed whole.
The recipe is easy to whip up at home and does not require gas or electricity to make.
Ultimately, thebest long-term water storageplan combines practical storage techniques with renewable water sources and robust purification options.
