Working in the emergency preparedness industry, we at Sure Water, feel a great responsibility to help educate the public in all things water storage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, lists water first on their Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit.
Since we specialize in water storage we are often asked, “Why do I need to buy containers to store water, I can use the water in my water heater or fill up my bathtub if I need to store water?” Today we are going to address three types of water storage one could find in their household, show you the pros and cons of those different forms of storage, and what one could do to improve their water storage situation.
Water Heaters
The standard home water heater holds anywhere from 55 to 80 gallons of water. The water heater is a good storage option as it doesn’t require advanced preparation and can be accessed easily. Unfortunately, the water heater does have a few drawbacks. First, it is linked to both your home and the municipal water supply which makes transportation of the water difficult. Second, there is no way to prevent contamination should the municipal supply become contaminated.
Pros:
- An 80-gallon water heater will provide enough water for a family of four to survive up to 6 days without the need for additional water.
- No manual storage or rotation is required.
- Easy access in case of an emergency.
Cons:
- Water is connected to the municipal supply. Should there be a contamination in the city supply, your water will be contaminated as well.
- Water supply cannot be transported easily.
Bathtub
A standard bathtub measuring 30 W x 60 L x 15 H holds 80 gallons water when filled. A bathtub is not recommended as part of your emergency water storage plan. While it does provide you with a large storage space, advance notice of the emergency is required in order to fill and store the water. Because it is not an enclosed container, it is also very difficult to maintain the cleanliness of the water for any period of time.
Pros:
- Enough water for a family of 4 to survive up to 6 days without the need for additional water.
- Easy access to water once filled.
- Supplemented with water heater storage could provide a family of four up to 2 weeks of drinkable water.
Cons:
- Water is connected to the municipal supply. Should there be a contamination in the city supply, your water will be contaminated as well.
- Water supply cannot be transported easily.
- Advance notice of an emergency is required as you need to fill your tub before the emergency occurs.
- Water is not enclosed and thereby provides challenges in maintaining the cleanliness of the water.
Water Bottles
Disposable water bottles contain 16 oz of water per container or approximately 1/7th of a gallon. Disposable bottles are an excellent mobile option for water storage. The disadvantage of disposable bottles is the amount of space required to store enough for survival.
Pros:
- Mobile water storage option.
- Easily rotated.
- Easily acquired.
Cons:
- A typical family of four would need approximately 11 cases to survive for one week.
- Amount of storage space required.
How can I Improve:
After assessing your own emergency water situation, we have two recommendations that you may consider for improving your emergency water storage needs.
- We recommend adding some form of transportable water storage option. Emergencies are rarely convenient and it is recommended that families have a portable water solution should an emergency arrive and you need to leave your household. Our WaterBricks are a great solution to this problem.
- An enclosed water supply separate from the municipal supply will both prevent individuals from having a contamination issue and allow for a longer period of independence in an emergency. Our 260 gallon and 500 gallon tanks provide options for individuals looking to increase storage capacity within their homes.
Water is one of the most important items needed in the case of an emergency. While there are several options for water storage built within your home, we at Sure Water recommend reexamining your current emergency water preparation and look for ways you can improve. Whether that be a mobile water storage option or simply increasing your storage capacity at your home we are happy to help you be prepared.