Off-grid living means you get your water from Mother Nature and not big business. You might rely on a nearby river or stream, and you may even have a rain barrel to collect what the sky provides. It may not be clean or safe enough to be drinkable, though.
Since industrialization and modern farming, more contaminants have entered water sources through groundwater, runoff and other means. Toxins build up over time, making nearly any water source undrinkable without filtration or purification. Survival shows often portray people boiling water to make it potable. However, that method isn’t ideal for a large family with greater needs.
There are plenty of other options to make your water drinkable and usable. Here are some water purification basics when living off the grid.
Alternative Off-the-Grid Water Sources for Your Homestead
Public water systems aren’t available in every part of the country. Some rural areas may not have access to a line, which is why they need alternative sources. As a homesteader, you’re trying to live off the grid, so you purposely avoid public water. Therefore, you need to find an alternative to survive.
A homestead that relies on municipal water isn’t a sustainable homestead. Traditional homesteading means you find any means possible to survive off the land without connecting to the grid. Although some people may still rely on some parts of the grid, making them partial homesteaders, this is not ideal.
Those going off the grid with their water sources need to be prepared for emergencies. You don’t want to risk running low or having no water at all. Therefore, it’s best to have more than one source. Each alternative also requires a filtration and purification system so you can use the water for drinking, your hygiene and chores, watering plants, and caring for your livestock.
Here are some alternative water sources most homesteaders tend to use:
Underground Well
One of the most reliable water sources you can have on your homestead is an underground well. It costs more upfront to put one in, but you can almost always rely on it.
After you or a professional digs a well, it will begin filling up with water from the ground or the surface of the land. Wells aren’t typically located directly beside your homestead, so you’ll have to install a pump to move the water into your home.
If you would prefer not to install a water pump system, you can always purchase or craft your own well dipper. It will be a slow process to get the water from hundreds of feet below the ground, but it is more cost-effective. Additionally, you could install a manual pump.
Rain Barrels
Another way to harvest water is by setting up rain barrels. They offer a steady supply of water, and every time it rains, you get more. However, you may have periods of no rain or drought, so you should have a backup for rain barrels.
Rain barrels are an ideal extra water source. Attach a pipe to your gutters to feed falling water into your containers. After collecting the rainwater, store it in food-safe barrels or plastic storage bins.
Creek, Stream or River
If your homestead property is near a flowing stream of water, then you’ll be set for water. These sources are typically available all year as long as there is enough rain or melted snow to keep them running.
You can collect water by placing a pump system in the creek, stream or river. From there, you can connect a hose to transfer the water to your home or wherever else you need the water.
Water Hauling Jugs or Tanks
You can also transport water from a source far from your home with hauling tanks. Although this is a more challenging option, it can be a temporary solution to a shortage.
You can travel to a place where there is a freshwater supply, fill up jugs or tanks and then bring it back to your homestead to store in a cistern. It’s also a great way to gather extra water for emergencies or survival.
What Does It Mean to Purify, Filter and Distill Water?
Purification, filtration and distillation may seem like the same processes to get clean water, but there are several differences. Additionally, not all these methods make the water safe for consumption, although it can be used for other purposes.
Filtration and purification often are exchanged for one another, mainly because both processes must occur for water to be deemed safe. Each alternative water source should go through filtration or purification to ensure the water is safe to use.
Purification
Purification is the only process that ensures your water has very few contaminants and makes it safe enough for people to consume. Often, water purification systems do the work of a filter and more. They remove impurities and bacteria that you can’t see with the naked eye.
Filtration
There are many types of water filters, but their main job is to remove items like dirt, sand, leaves, living organisms and other debris. Filtration is generally the first step in making water safe to consume or use for other purposes.
Distillation
Distillation is relatively common for those who live off the grid. A device captures steam from boiling water, which becomes purified.
Why Should You Purify Water?
Some water that people get from rivers or streams may be safe for drinking, but that often isn’t the case. There are always bacteria and other debris lurking in the water. If you were to drink untreated water, you could become seriously ill.
In addition to meeting the needs of clean drinking water, purified water is also necessary for other purposes. Those working in the medical, pharmacological, industrial and chemical industries need clean water to complete a job safely. Water treatment plants filter and purify water for communities to ensure the supply is potable.
Many people living in countries where it isn’t possible to have clean water to drink for hygienic use become ill. One of the conditions that hurt people the most is diarrhea, one of the leading causes of death for children under 5 years old. Additionally, people growing up with nonpotable water often become malnourished.
Other diseases, such as cholera, Guinea worm disease and malaria, can result from unsafe water consumption. That’s why you, as a survivalist or homesteader, must take every precaution when sourcing your water. Make sure you have the supplies necessary to filter and purify your water. Additionally, ensure that you conserve your clean water because it’s a precious resource that many people take for granted.
Types of Water Contaminants
You must remove multiple impurities for water to be potable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes four general categories of contaminants found in drinking water:
Physical Contaminants
Physical contaminants are what you would be able to see in the water. You can easily filter these out. This includes sediment, leaves and other organic matter. Usually, you’ll notice physical contaminants in the water you source from lakes, rivers or streams. Although it may look clean once you filter out pollutants, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you cannot see with the naked eye.
Chemical Contaminants
These contaminants would include any element or compound of them. They might come from nature, or they may be pollutants from human activity or industry. Some examples of chemical contaminants include nitrogen, salts, pesticides, metals and drugs.
Biological Contaminants
These contaminants are naturally living organisms in the water. You might otherwise know them as microbes. Biological pollutants include things like viruses, parasites, bacteria and protozoan. These can carry harmful diseases, which is why you need to purify your water before drinking it.
Radiological Contaminants
Radiological contaminants could be present in your water source. Their protons and neutrons are unbalanced. This means the atoms are unstable and can give off radiation, such as uranium, plutonium and cesium.
Methods of Purification
Once you find a way to get water to your homestead, you have to ensure it is safe for consumption and other daily usages. However, not all water needs to be purified. There are some cases where you can simply filter the water and use it, such as:
- Doing laundry
- Watering plants, but making sure to wash your produce with purified water
- Showering, as long as no water is consumed or can enter wounds
- Washing hands with soap
- Washing dishes, followed by a bleach dip
- Giving water to pets
Some standard filtration methods include using an activated carbon filter, digging a hole near a creek or stream so the water filters through the ground, or utilizing a ceramic garden pot.
Here are the methods of purification that many homesteaders use to purify their water:
Sun Sterilization or UV Light Disinfection
The sun and ultraviolet (UV) light both do a great job ensuring your water contains zero contaminants. Sunlight is a free resource, so all you have to do is place your water in a clear container. It should sit in direct sunlight for about six hours to ensure complete sterilization. It’s better to use glass than plastic to avoid toxins.
UV light disinfects water as well because it’s strong enough to kill off bacteria and viruses. You can purchase a UV system and install it directly in your plumbing. Make sure to regularly replace the bulb, though, to ensure your water is safe. Consider testing it after it passes through both of these methods to give you peace of mind.
Chemical Purification
Another way to purify your water is through the use of chemicals. While this probably isn’t the most sustainable method, it is proven effective. It can be a temporary fix before you upgrade to a more eco-friendly purification system.
Iodine and chlorine are the chemicals typically used for water purification. Keep a few chlorine tablets and iodine as a backup to get clean water, like in an emergency.
Gravity-Fed Water Filtration
If you only need a small amount of water to drink at a time, you can use a gravity-fed water system. This technique is similar to using pitcher water filters.
A benefit of these is that they are small enough to fit on your counter, although you can purchase larger ones for more water. As long as the water has already been filtered, you can use a tabletop purifier to get the rest of the job done.
Boiling or Using a Stovetop Still
A tried-and-true method, boiling water or using a stovetop still for distillation ensures the water you consume is safe. These methods take a bit more time, but you can feel safe drinking the water that is boiled or goes through a still.
Make sure you have a fireproof container to boil the water. If you use a still, the sediment will separate from the pure water. Only use water that has already gone through filtration.
Whole House Filter and Purifier
Whole house filters and purifiers are the most realistic and ideal means to get potable water for your homestead. When you decide to live off the grid, this is the most affordable and accessible solution, especially if you plan to homestead long term.
You can easily install a filter and purifier to whatever type of water collection system you have. Install it at your water shutoff valve so you have an easy access point to exchange filters.
The Most Precious Resource
Homesteaders require a constant supply of water. You need to make sure it’s safe for every activity, whether for drinking, washing, watering plants or caring for your animals. Some chores only require filtered water, but you must purify your drinking supply to keep you from becoming ill.
In addition to purifying water, make sure you make every effort to conserve it. Doing this now guarantees you’ll have lots of fresh water for future use and is key for self-reliance. Off-grid living allows for true independence, and getting your water from Mother Nature herself is the best way to live off the land.
Author Bio:
Jane is the editor-in-chief of Environment.co. She is passionate about sustainability, gardening and homesteading.
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