9 Water Conservation Tips for an Emergency

Water is wonderful. It’s the stuff of life, and something we often take for granted until disaster strikes. Suddenly, a reliable source of clean water becomes a top priority! Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes can quickly disrupt water infrastructure, leaving you struggling to meet your basic needs. But even in the face of an emergency, there are ways to conserve your most precious resource.

First Things First: Stockpile Water

The first line of defense in any water shortage is having a readily available supply. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. This includes for drinking, sanitation, and basic hygiene. However, a two-week supply is ideal, especially for families with young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with underlying health conditions who may require more fluids.

[Editor’s note: I suggest working towards stockpiling five gallons of water per person per day for a minimum of two weeks. For a family of four, that equals 280 gallons of water, but even if you stockpile the minimum of one gallon per person for two weeks, that’s a mere 56 gallons, roughly one 55-gallon water barrel. Remember, too, that pets need water, you might have extra people to care for, and there will inevitably to waste and loss.]

Here’s what you need to know about building your emergency water stockpile:

• Storage containers: Use clean, food-grade containers like commercially bottled water or BPA-free plastic jugs. Avoid using thin plastic bottles as they can leach chemicals over time.
• Storage location: Choose a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent taste alteration and bacterial growth. Basements or interior cabinets are good options.
• Rotation: Water stored in plastic containers should be replaced every six months. Regularly rotate your stockpile to ensure fresh water is always available.

Pro Tip: Label your water containers with the date of storage for easy rotation tracking.

[Editor’s note: I like to add some form of water treatment, even if it’s only bleach, to my long-term water storage. And I tend to wait about a year before swapping out water, but more often is certainly better. That said, I’ve also let water sit for years before changing it out. The truth is that water should be fine for years to come IF it’s been properly treated, hasn’t been contaminated, and the containers are clean from the start.]

5 Alternative Water Sources:

While a stockpile of clean water is not only preferable, but crucial, here are some alternative sources to consider should the need arise:

1. Municipal tap water: If authorities haven’t issued a boil water notice, fill bathtubs, sinks, and pots with tap water before the supply is disrupted. Remember to prioritize drinking water over other uses.
2. Rainwater: If safe, collect rainwater in clean containers. However, rainwater should be treated before consumption, especially in urban areas where pollutants might be present.
3. Melted ice: Ice from your freezer can be a source of clean drinking water in a pinch.
4. Hot water tank: Turn off the water tank electricity and gas, then drain. Let sediment settle to the bottom and filter before consumption. Remember to refill the water tank before turning on electricity or gas to the unit otherwise damage will occur.
5. Toilet tank reservoirs: If water is untainted with cleaners or other chemicals, and there are no signs of rust, this water could be consumed after being filtered. That said, this water is probably be left for non-potable uses. And remember that water from the toilet bowl should NOT be consumed no matter what!

Treating Untreated Water:

If you must resort to using untreated water sources, like rainwater or melted snow, it’s vital to purify it before consumption:

• Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute (three minutes at elevations above 5,000 feet) to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Let it cool completely before drinking.
• Chlorination: Use household chlorine bleach (unscented, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite) to disinfect water. Follow the specific instructions on the bleach label based on the volume of water being treated.

Safety Note: Never use water from sources potentially contaminated with sewage or industrial waste, including anything possibly contaminated with floodwaters.

[Editor’s note: Most bleach is 8%, which throws off the calculations a bit, but this advice from Clorox should suffice for most situations.]

9 Ways to Conserve Water During an Emergency

Every drop saved during an emergency is a drop gained. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your water supply:

1. Prioritize drinking and sanitation: Drinking and basic hygiene, like brushing your teeth, are the most important concerns. Use water for these purposes first and foremost.
2. Limit showers: If the water stops flowing, there’s little need to shower for days or longer unless something happens. And if you must shower, then consider using a bucket to collect shower water for flushing toilets, though I wouldn’t try to reuse this water for consumption, even if filtered or treated by boiling or chlorination.
3. Sink baths instead of showers: Filling a bathtub just enough to wash requires less water than a typical shower. Even better, take a sponge bath using as little water as possible. If done right, you can bathe with less than a cup of water!
4. Brushing teeth: Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth if the water still flows; if not, just wet the toothbrush and use a a tiny amount of water for rinsing.
5. Washing dishes: Wash dishes in a basin of soapy water instead of letting the tap run continuously. Rinse them quickly with minimal water. Better yet, use the 3-bin/pot method of washing dishes.
6. Use disposable plates and utensils whenever possible.
7. Cooking: Use the minimum amount of water required for cooking. Cover pots and pans to retain moisture and cook food faster. Leftover cooking water (unseasoned) can be used for watering plants (if safe) or flushing toilets.
8. Don’t do the laundry: Limit laundry loads and only wash clothes when absolutely necessary. Better yet, just wear other clothing you already have or wear clothes for longer. Use a clothesline for drying.
9. Save the water in canned foods. Many canned foods, such as corn and green beans, have good water in them. Instead of draining them, add the water to soups or stews.

[Editor’s note: I offer many ideas inside The Survival Blueprint book regarding water conservation, treatment, and more. There’s a lot you can do with a little ingenuity and forethought!]

Additional Water Conservation Techniques

Here are some advanced techniques for water conservation in emergencies:

• Graywater: Water used for washing dishes, fruits, or vegetables can be reused for watering non-edible plants. However, ensure the graywater isn’t contaminated with harmful substances like bleach or soap.
• Solar water stills: These simple devices use sunlight to evaporate water, leaving behind clean drinking water. While not a quick fix, they can be a valuable tool in long-term emergencies.
• Water-saving toilets: If your emergency situation allows for minor plumbing modifications, consider installing a low-flow toilet or a toilet tank displacement device to reduce water usage per flush.

[Editor’s note: The three ideas above really need to be considered before a disaster strikes. And, honestly, if the water still flows through your spigot during an emergency, I wouldn’t be terribly concerned about a low-flow toilet. That said, employing solar for other uses related to water, such as pre-heating water for bathing or even cooking, is something to consider. Remember that it’s not just about conserving water, but power and other limited resources, too.]

Conclusions and Takeaways

Remember that:

• Hygiene is still important: Even in an emergency, maintaining basic hygiene practices is crucial to prevent the spread of disease. Thus, you’ll still need to wash your hands, occasionally bathe, and brush your teeth daily.
• Educate others: Share water conservation tips with your family, neighbors, and community. Working together can help everyone stretch their water resources further.
• Rationing provides a sense of control: Develop a water rationing plan for your family and stick to it as closely as possible. It can’t hurt to take a daily measurement of water used/remaining to ensure you’re not using more water than expected.
• Focus on what you can control: While the overall situation might be beyond your control, focus on the actions you can take to conserve water within your household. You might be surprised at what can be done with the right motivation.
• Maintain a routine: As much as possible, stick to your normal hygiene routine, even if it’s a shortened version. This sense of normalcy can provide comfort and reduce anxiety for everyone in the household.

Water is the cornerstone of survival. By preparing an emergency water stockpile, learning water conservation techniques, and managing your usage, you’ll be better equipped to face whatever happens. Remember, every drop counts. Act accordingly.