By Brian Crissey and Pamela Meyer-Crissey
We live in a changing world where the rate of change seems to accelerate daily. Sometimes it is hard to remember even yesterday’s disaster, because so many new ones are appearing so quickly. And the weather is clearly getting more extreme. One day is balmy and the next is snowy. “Weird is the new normal.” Are you prepared for unexpected surprises?
You may find yourself in any of the following four scenarios, and here is what to do about water in each case.
Stuck at Home, No Utilities
Know the location of your incoming water valve. If you hear reports of broken water lines or contaminated municipal water supplies, quickly shut this valve to stop contaminated water from entering your home. To be prepared for the unexpected, it is good to stockpile treated water in your home, which you should use only for drinking. You can also use the water in your hot-water tank, in your plumbing, in ice cubes, and in the toilet tanks, which is only tap water. Do not use water from the toilet bowl, which may be contaminated.
To use the water in pipes, let air into the pipes by opening the highest faucet in your house, then drain water from the lowest one. To use the water in your hot-water tank, turn off the electricity or gas, open a hot-water faucet, then open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Do not turn the gas or power back on when the tank is empty, or it will burn out. To use a waterbed to store water, drain it annually and refill it with fresh water containing two oz. of bleach per 120 gal. It may hold 400 gallons or so, which can still be used for washing or to flush toilets, even if it is undrinkable.
If your water is contaminated with chemicals, the only way to purify it is through distilling. You’ll need two containers—one to boil the water, with an inverted lid on it, and a second to be placed under the lid to catch the distilled drips. Drinking distilled water long term is not healthy because it pulls minerals from your body.
Finding Water
In recent earthquakes, people have survived for extended periods of time because they were trapped in or under bathrooms or kitchens, where broken pipes or water heaters dribbled enough water for them to suck up. Be alert for opportunities….
If you live where vegetation is blooming, follow the natural water flows that are visible on the sides of hills and mountains or in fields and lawns. Trees and shrubs are denser where the water flow is greater, so it will be greener. When you find these areas, dig down a couple of feet and allow it to settle. Dry stream or creek beds may still have water below the surface—dig down until you reach moisture.
Look for water around vegetation at the base of cliffs. The pulp of some cacti can be pressed into a watery mash. A good book about your local plants will be useful. Along coastlines find a sand depression at least 100 feet from the shore and dig a shallow hole. Rainwater collects on the top of saltwater behind the dunes. Do not dig too deeply, as you will soon reach brackish water, which is unpalatable. Strain water from wet sand and purify before consuming.
Making a Solar Still
Just in case you find yourself in a real pinch, you can use a small utility shovel and a clear sheet of 1-mil plastic at least 6’ square to create a solar still. You’ll also need a small container to place on the bottom and a 4’ to 6’ clear plastic tube to use as a straw.
Dig a hole about 40” wide with steep sides about 20” deep. To increase the amount of water collected, dig another smaller hole next to the collecting container that is about 12” wide and 4” to 6” deep. You can place waste fluids in it, including urine, plant material, and any scrounged water. Distilling will purify the waste water. Place a container in the middle of the bottom of the big hole. In your Go Pack you should have six feet of plastic tubing, wrapped with some all-purpose duct tape. So you don’t have to dismantle the still and stop production, tape the plastic “straw” to the container with the duct tape and lead it up the side of the hole, securing it and keeping it clean so you can sip from it when distilled water appears.
Place the plastic sheeting over the hole and secure it around the edges with rocks and soil from the hole. Place a rock in the center of the plastic, heavy enough to pull the plastic down into a cone shape so that it reaches about 4” above the container. It should not be touching any soil on the sides.
Away from Home, without a Vehicle
Carry at least a quart of water with you wherever you go. Use a shoulder-slung water bottle harness so you can stay hydrated.
Away from Home, in Your Vehicle
Keep water in your vehicle for emergencies, preferably two quarts per person, replaced often. Although glass does not leach PBAs into the water, use it only when you expect your vehicle not to freeze, and keep clear glass bottles of water out of direct sunlight, because they can act like magnifying glasses and create fires.
Water is our most basic need, but we often take it for granted. If there is ever a shortage—even for a brief time—it becomes more valuable than oil, gold or diamonds. It doesn’t take enormous effort to preserve some for emergency situations. Beyond that, for long-term survival, it would behoove us all to begin preserving water in its natural environment.
The authors of Common Sense in Uncommon Times, Brian Crissey and Pamela Meyer-Crissey, have published books for 23 years through their company Granite Publishing and its imprints, Wild Flower Press and Swan•Raven & Co. This is their second co-authored book. They live in North Carolina and operate the Crystal Creek Center, which offers classes, gatherings and ceremonies.
Find more information on how to be prepared for uncommon events.
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