Back to Basics: Water — The Foundation of Survival
In our first episode of the Back to Basics series, we’re focusing on water — the most essential survival resource. You can go weeks without food, but without water, you’re in serious trouble after just 3 days. Whether you're facing a boil order, a power outage, or a larger crisis, having a solid water plan can be the difference between survival and disaster.
Why Water is Critical in Emergencies
Water isn’t just about staying hydrated. It’s essential for:
Drinking: The obvious one — staying alive and avoiding dehydration.
Hygiene: Washing hands, brushing teeth, and cleaning dishes to prevent illness.
First Aid: Cleaning wounds to prevent infection.
Food Prep: Cooking grains, boiling pasta, and rehydrating freeze-dried meals.
Pets: Don’t forget that furry friends need clean water too!
How Much Water Do You Need?
A good baseline is 1 gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. But you may need more in:
Hot climates: Higher temps = more sweat, so your water needs increase.
Active situations: Physical tasks like chopping wood or bugging out burn through your hydration faster.
A 2-week supply of water per family member is a solid start, but for longer-term scenarios, plan for 30 days or more.
Where to Find Water in an Emergency
When your stored water runs low, knowing where to find and collect clean water is key:
Natural Sources: Streams, lakes, ponds, rainwater (but these need purification).
Household Sources: Water heater, toilet tank (as long as it’s free of cleaners), outdoor spigots.
Creative Options: Collect dew with a clean cloth, set up a rain catchment system, or melt snow (but boil it first).
Purifying Water: What Works and What Doesn’t
Even if a water source looks clean, you’ve got to purify it. Here’s how:
Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Filters: A good water filter removes sediment, bacteria, and protozoa. Look for filters rated for 99.9% effectiveness or better.
Purification Tablets: Lightweight and portable but may leave a chemical taste.
UV Devices: Small, effective, and battery-powered — great for small quantities of water.
Avoid relying on only one method. Redundancy is your friend when it comes to safe drinking water.
Water Storage Basics
Short-Term (2 Weeks): Store water in sealed, food-grade containers. Rotate every 6–12 months unless you’re using water preservatives.
Mid-Term (1–6 Months): Invest in 5-gallon water bricks or 55-gallon drums.
Long-Term (6+ Months): Large water storage tanks with treatment systems, rain catchment systems, or even off-grid wells for self-sufficiency.
Store your water in cool, dry, and dark places to prevent contamination. Avoid storing in garages or sheds where heat can degrade the containers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
"I’ll Get to It Later" Mentality: Not rotating stored water leads to stale or contaminated supplies.
Using Improper Containers: Milk jugs break down over time and can leak — stick to food-grade storage options.
Forgetting Family-Specific Needs: Infants, elderly family members, and pets may need more water.
One Purification Method Only: If your filter clogs or you run out of tablets, you’re out of options. Always have a backup.
Pro Tips for Staying Water-Ready
Add Purification Tablets to Every Bag: Bug-out bags, EDC kits, and car kits should all have water purification options.
Teach Your Family: Make sure everyone in your household knows how to purify water and where emergency supplies are stored.
Have a “Water Plan”: Include nearby water sources and storage locations in your family’s emergency plan.
Final Thoughts
Water is the foundation of preparedness. If you’re just starting out, focus on storing 2 weeks’ worth per family member. As you build your plan, add redundancy with purification methods and alternative sources.
Take a few minutes this week to check your water supply — how much do you have, and is it enough? Whether you need to rotate, restock, or add more, now’s the time to make it happen.
Want more prepping tips? Listen to the full episode of “Back to Basics: Water” on your favorite podcast platform. And remember...
#StaySurvived, friends.
