Water Is Life
In 1607, English colonists established James Fort and founded Jamestown, in what would become Virginia. They chose an area they felt was accessible by water and close to the mainland, but defensible and removed from the local population of Native Americans. Part of the reason the Native Americans were not as active in that area is it was swampy, infertile ground. Perhaps the biggest issue though, one they could not have known when they chose their site, is that the area was experiencing its worst drought in 800 years. Clean drinkable water was in short supply. In not too long, 80% of the colonists had perished. Lack of clean drinkable water was a significant factor for these deaths. Water is life.
Water Is Essential For A Healthy Life
Generally speaking, a person can last about three days without water. Water helps the human body stay healthy and functional in several ways. Water helps regulate our body temperature. Toxins and waste are flushed out of our bodies through water. Our blood contains water. Internal organs, joints, tissue, muscle, and mucous membranes are all lubricated and protected by water’s presence.
Modern technology has brought us so many modern conveniences. The majority of people have unfettered access to clean, drinkable water. However, disasters could cause our water systems to fail. How would you have access to clean, drinkable water if the water systems weren’t working? You could depend on others to bring in bottled water, or share what they have. A better option would be to have your own supply.
Water Storage Basics
Having a safe, clean water supply is an important part of being self-sufficient and therefore an important part of building a life as sustainable and happy as possible. There are many different ways to store water and each has advantages. We won’t go into specific storage methods in this article however. That will come later. For now, here are some important water storage basics.
Water does not expire. It can go “flat” and need to be aerated by stirring, shaking, or pouring water back and forth between containers.
Store water in a food safe container. Storage containers meant for water storage are usually blue. The best plastic containers for water are plastic types 1, 2, and 4, but type 7 is acceptable too. Water should not be stored in any containers that have been used previously for anything except water. It is nearly impossible to remove all contaminants even if the container has been washed thoroughly.
It used to be that people were counselled to have a minimum three day supply of emergency food and water. This supply should be calculated based on one gallon per day for each person or pet. This calculation is the minimum for drinking water. If you want to have water for hygiene, washing dishes, cleaning, or other tasks, that is above and beyond the one gallon per person and pet per day. After many of the disasters in recent years, this minimum has been lengthened to a minimum of two weeks. This is the minimum recommendation though. If you can have supplies for one month, three months, six months, or a year, that is even better and is definitely encouraged.
Even with water that has been stored properly, the best practice is to use both a filter and a water purifier to ensure the water is clean.
Water Storage Is For Homes Or Businesses
Americans usually spend eight hours a day at work, five days a week. That’s almost one third of their time. A disaster can occur any time of day. Businesses have a responsibility to their employees to be prepared for an emergency, especially one that might require sheltering in place. Each business should have an emergency plan providing for instructions and supplies. Not having emergency plans or supplies could cause problems from a perception you don’t care about your employees to a liability related to or causing illness, injury, or death. Businesses need to be prepared for an emergency just like families and individuals.
Do you have water storage for your home or business?
How are you storing water?
Like we said, LLPHP will follow up with more specifics about water storage later, but if you need more information, suggestions, or guidance please reach out to the LLPHP and ask for a consultation for your family or business. We’re here to help, and happy to do so!
Remember, water storage is an essential part of preparing for an emergency. Storing water safely and in sufficient amounts will help you stay alive and healthy so the life you build can be sustainable. Water is life.
Garrett Leeds is the founder of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Project
If you would like to support the Life, Liberty, And Pursuit Of Happiness Project, please consider contributing to LLPHP via GoFundMe
