That’s not a groundbreaking question – but when the faucet fails, it’s one you’ll be glad you asked yourself.

“Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink.” Most of us hear that and picture floating helplessly on a lost ocean raft, or imagine the perils faced by early explorers as they sailed into parts unknown.

Fortunately, the likelihood that any of us will encounter such a situation is comparable to lottery odds. Unfortunately, the so-called freshwater around us often isn’t much more potable than seawater – albeit for different reasons – and can be every bit as dangerous. So, what will you do when the tap stops flowing?

Consider this simple challenge from Dr. Arthur T. Bradley’s Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family:

“Heavy rains have flooded the nearby water treatment facility, introducing two dangerous pathogens (Giardia and Shigella) into the water supply. Local authorities have issued an order to use bottled water and boil tap water. The rains are expected to continue for the next five days. How will you provide clean drinking water for your family? Do you understand the risks these pathogens pose?” (Bradley, 2012, pp. 3–22)

Right away, you’ll notice this scenario is actually a best-case version of disaster. The water is contaminated – but it’s still flowing. We can assume utilities are functioning. So, you boil what you need and move on.

Now let’s add a twist: What if the local river floods? Your home isn’t in the flooded zone, but your power is out and bottled water is no longer an option. Would you still know what to do?

The truth is, there’s no single perfect answer. But there are many workable solutions with varying levels of convenience, cost, and reliability. It may be a worn mantra, but again – it all starts with education. Take time to study different purification methods and available products. Then choose the combination that best suits your needs.

Storage

Stockpiling water has the clear advantage of instant availability. Unless your stockpile floats away with the storm, you’re covered. The downside is storing enough for long-term use is logistically difficult, and water does indeed have a shelf life.

“Unless treated with a water preserver, it must be poured out and refilled about every six months” (Bradley, 2012, p. 3–23).

Bradley dedicates an entire chapter to water storage, making it clear that tossing a few jugs in the garage is not a sufficient plan (Bradley, 2012). Still, this shouldn’t stop you from storing what you can if trouble is forecast.

“Regardless of your approach, one thing holds true. If disaster is imminent, store as much water as possible. If you don’t have enough water containers, fill bathtubs, buckets, pots, barrels, and anything else you have available. Remember water is not only used for drinking and cooking, but also hygiene and sanitation” (Bradley, 2012).

Even if you do have enough containers, I would argue you should still fill everything else you have. More is more.

Again, no single solution fits every family or every situation. What matters is that you take time to make basic preparations – and keep an agile mindset to adapt when needed.

References

Bradley, A. T. (2012). Handbook to practical disaster preparedness for the family (3rd ed.). Lexington, KY: Arthur T. Bradley.