The Challenge of Getting Safe WATER to a Gathering Place

Water is more vital than food, because our kidneys begin to shut down after a few days without it. At a minimum the experts tell us 6.5 oz a day will keep our kidneys working, but you will absolutely want more for comfort and healthy hydration.  You must bring your water supply with you to your gathering place.  This is a prime reason to have a kit on wheel—water is heavy -- 8.3lbs per gallon. 

Water Suggestions:  At a gathering place you will have needs for water in addition to drinking. One gallon of water/person/day is the absolute minimum.  Consider cooking, re-hydrating food, hygiene, sanitation, first aid. Place water packets or bottles in all components of your kit. 

Water in cases (24 bottles) for as little as $3-4 on sale and gallons (Dollar stores). 4.22 oz mylar bags (shelf life 5 years) or newly available 12 oz. cans offer a shelf life of 50 years.  (Both available on-line at Beprepared.com formerly, Emergency Essentials). Purchased water brands don’t all taste the same, so if you want a taste you like, try various brands before you select cases of water. BTW: Municipally treated tap water is clean and safe. If you create your own water storage, it is essential that you put tap water into clean PEET1 plastic containers. (Never use milk containers). You can clean two litter pop bottles for water storage.  

NOTE: At some point during the response phase of a major disaster when The Help can reach us, there will be more water available.  But until then, we will only have the water we bring.  We are The Help until Help arrives.