Following a disaster it is possible water supplies will be temporarily cut off or become contaminated. You must have water to survive. It is important to know how to locate and purify drinking water to make it safe.

Water Sources

In Your Home - melt ice cubes, use water from your hot water tank, the toilet tank (not the toilet bowl), and water pipes.

Hot Water Tank - turn off the power that heats the tank and let the water in tank cool. Place a container underneath the tanks drain valve spigot and open the drain valve. Don't turn the tank on again until water services are restored.

Toilet tank - water in the toilet tank is safe to drink unless the water is treated with chemicals.

Water pipes - release the air pressure in the pipes by turning on the faucet at the highest elevation in the house. Then drain water from the faucet at the lowest elevation in the house. 

Outside You Home - Collect rain water, spring water, snow and water from streams, river, and lakes. Garden hoses can be used after the hose and water has been purified.

Do Not Use Water From A Water Bed - The water contains additives to prevent the growth of algae, fungi, and bacteria, and the beds plastic casing contains chemicals. This water is safe only for hand-washing and laundering.

Boiling and chemical sterilization are two ways to purify water.

Any water obtained from sources outside the home or water that does not appear clear should be sterilized. Non-sterilized water may be contaminated with the parasite Giardia.

• Heat sterilization - Boiling water is the preferred method of purification because disease causing microorganisms cannot survive intense heat. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Pour the water back and forth from one clean container to another to improve the taste. Adding a pinch of salt may also help.

• Chemical sterilization - Boiling may not be an option, in some situations. The alternative is to treat the water chemically. Plain household chlorine bleach may be used. Be sure the label states that hypochlorite is the only active ingredient. Bleach containing soap or fragrances is not acceptable.

With an eye dropper, add 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water (16 if the water is cloudy), stir and let stand. After 30 minutes the water should taste and smell of chlorine. At this time it can be used. If the taste and smell (and appearance in the case of cloudy water) has not changed, add another dose and let stand. If after one half hour the water does not have a chlorine smell, do not use it.

Store water in a clean and sanitary glass or plastic container. Plastic containers are good because they are lightweight and unbreakable. Metal containers are a last resort because they may corrode and give water an unpleasant taste.

Water that local officials report has been contaminated with toxic chemicals or radioactive materials cannot be purified using home decontamination methods.

Water is the single most abundant substance in the human body. It makes up to 60 percent of an adult's weight and up to 80 percent of an infant's weight. A person can live several days without food, but just a few days without water. It is second only to air in importance to life.

Because water is so important to human survival, drink at least 2 quarts per day, as long as supplies last, and look for alternative sources.