Preparation is key for survival. First you should determine your water needs. Store at least one gallon of water per person which would last approximately three days; this number can vary based on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. Water should be sealed and stored in a dark cool place.
If the disaster out lasts your stored water supply it may be necessary to treat water at home prior to drinking. There are several ways you can do this to help assure your water is potable; boiling, chlorination and distillation. Before you start with any of these methods, you must first let the water sit and allow any suspended particles to settle to the bottom or stain them through a coffee filter or layered cloth.
Boiling
is the safest method of treating water. Bring water in a large pot to a rolling boil for one full minute; let the water cool before using.
Chlorination
is another method to help kill any microorganisms that might be present. Using only unscented household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0% sodium hypochloite add 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of water, stir and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight but apparent bleach smell, if there is not then repeat the dosage and let it stand for another 15 minutes. If you can still not smell the bleach discard and find a different water source.
Distillation
is the most complex way to treat your water at home. This process involves boiling your water and collecting only the vapor that condenses. Fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-down, making sure the cup is not sitting in the water, boil for 20 minutes. The water collected in the cup from the lid is distilled.
All of these methods will kill harmful microorganisms; distillation however will also remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals.
Prepare before the unthinkable happens, it could save your life!
