Health and Fitness : Project Joseph encourages each household to store water

(Project Joseph is a committee formed of like-minded Christians who want to assist families, churches and our communities to become disaster prepared. We are a member of the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition.)

One of the most important resources after a disaster is clean drinking water. Be prepared for the unexpected by having a supply of bottled water stored in a dry, room-temperature or cooler room and away from sunlight.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has established certain guidelines for water storage before and after emergencies. FEMA counsels that you should have at least

** 3 day supply of water (better yet 5 to 10 days if possible)

** store at least one gallon of water per person per day. (better 2 gallons/person/day)

A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. Store more water if you plan on cleaning and bathing.

These situations may require more water on hand:

•Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.

•Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.

•Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.

•A medical emergency might require additional water.

U.S. federal agencies and the Red Cross recommend these steps to disinfect drinking water in an emergency. 1. Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.

2. If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.

3. If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water (Chlorine and iodine may not be effective in controlling more resistant organisms like Cryptosporidium). If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or

allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.

Bleach that is more than a year old loses approximately half its potency. Adjust the dosage accordingly.

When on the move during a disaster, carrying bleach for water sanitizing is of course not possible. See below for the water purification tablets that are handy to carry with you.

Here are some other methods frequently mentioned

Dry chlorine

Also known as calcium hypochlorite, it is used primarily in swimming pools. Since it is a powder, it has the significant benefit of extended shelf life. Dry chlorine may be stored for up to 10 years with minimal degradation if it is kept dry, cool and in an airtight container.

This is a far better choice for quantity storage than liquid bleach. Dry chlorine is commonly available at swimming pool supply stores as well as many hardware and grocery stores.

For chlorinating water in rain tanks, the recommended dosage is seven grams dry (1/4 ounce by weight) or 40 milliliters (1.35 ounce) per 1000 liters (264 gallons). Let the water stand for 24 hours before drinking. To maintain chlorination, add one gram (.035 ounce) of dry chlorine or 4 ml (.135 ounce) weekly per 1,000 liters.

Iodine

If no instructions are provided on the bottle, use 12 drops per gallon of water. Increase the dosage if the water is of dubious quality. Mix well and allow the water to stand for 30 minutes before using. Iodine does have an unpleasant aftertaste.

Purification tablets

They are either iodine or chlorine based. One or two tablets will purify a quart of water depending on the contamination level and length of time allowed for treated water to stand. Follow instructions on the package. These tablets are among the more convenient and affordable ways to purify water. Not every brand of purification products (especially iodine tablets) will kill giardia. These may be found in the camping section of stores.

Filtration Water Bottles

Another method to get clean drinking water is to use a filtration water bottle or straws that fit onto special water bottles. There are many brands and types. Many will take out giardia and other harmful bacteria. These bottles can purify water, but don’t put other liquids through them. These will be talked about in future articles.

Information on Wells If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department for specific advice.

Information on Well Remediation and Disinfection after Flooding: Disinfecting Wells Following an Emergency (CDC) What to Do After the FloodExternal Web Site Icon (EPA)

How Should I Store Water?

To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or "use by" date. (See article below)

Filling Water Containers- when out of bottled water

Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If you add 1/8 tsp. per gallon of water, it will store longer.

It is not recommended to use milk jugs or juice containers for storing water.

If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place. Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.

From EPA website

How long can bottled water be stored?

The Food and Drug Administration has not established a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be stored indefinitely if it is kept in the proper environment. Bottled water should be kept in a dry place out of direct sunlight and stored at room temperature or cooler. Bottled water should also be kept away from toxic chemicals, such as cleaning agents, solvents or gasoline. Information on bottled water storage is available from NSF International at www.nsf.org/consumer/bottled_water/bw_faq.asp?program=BottledWat

To learn more about this topic, visit the link below: http://safewater.supportportal.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=23015&task=knowledge&questionID=17511