Should I be buying water?

[Brent S]

In general that's a myth and a waste of fuel and water, though if both are plenty (fuel and water) if one feels better then boil it for a period of time but if you're limited on either or both fuel/water it's not necessary.

I did some reading on steralizing water, and you sir, are correct. By the time the water makes it to a boil, it's allready killed everything. I have no idea where that three minute thing came from. Good to know.

 

[Brent S]

I would suggest having a good way to collect rain water. This way you can avoid many of the pitfalls that go along with collecting ground water.

I think with something as important as water that we should have a way to make a mud puddle drinkable, just in case. You can't have too many options on something that is so important that you die in three days without it.

 

[Gazrok]

Something to note, even stored water can go bad. It's about how it reacts to the plastic container. After about 6 months or so, it will taste kind of funny. Storing water isn't the solution, especially bottled. You are better off with a water catchment system (if it rains there), or with large water barrels that you empty and refill every few months. There is even a huge tub bag you can get, to hold many gallons, that you could fill if you know an emergency event is coming (like a storm, etc.).

 

[Maverick]

Something to note, even stored water can go bad. It's about how it reacts to the plastic container. After about 6 months or so, it will taste kind of funny. Storing water isn't the solution, especially bottled. You are better off with a water catchment system (if it rains there), or with large water barrels that you empty and refill every few months. There is even a huge tub bag you can get, to hold many gallons, that you could fill if you know an emergency event is coming (like a storm, etc.).

Water will store 5 years with one time treatment in the blue 55gal brrls. The water has been fine after tapping one of the barrels a little over 4 years of storage, we just aerated the water. I never had any issues with the 55gal as a long term water storage.

 

[Brent S]

Something to note, even stored water can go bad. It's about how it reacts to the plastic container. After about 6 months or so, it will taste kind of funny. Storing water isn't the solution, especially bottled. You are better off with a water catchment system (if it rains there), or with large water barrels that you empty and refill every few months. There is even a huge tub bag you can get, to hold many gallons, that you could fill if you know an emergency event is coming (like a storm, etc.).

I agree storage isn't the answer. Not saying that storing some for quick use isn't wise, but I think having some supply options is really important. Then filtering options are needed too. I hope everyone noticed the plural in both of these sentences. Water is too important. I honestly think that this is where all prepping should begin.

 

[Brent S]

I agree storage isn't the answer. Not saying that storing some for quick use isn't wise, but I think having some supply options is really important. Then filtering options are needed too. I hope everyone noticed the plural in both of these sentences. Water is too important. I honestly think that this is where all prepping should begin.

One note here, yes you can store water if it's in food grade containers. The problem is its heavy and if something happens to your container, your back to square one.

 

[Gazrok]

Water will store 5 years with one time treatment in the blue 55gal brrls. The water has been fine after tapping one of the barrels a little over 4 years of storage, we just aerated the water. I never had any issues with the 55gal as a long term water storage.

Yes, but I mean more about storing the store bought bottled water, or even the milk jug water. They use thin plastic that isn't made for long term storage. I too use the 55 gallon ones at home, but I still have trust issues, so I empty and refill them periodically...no harm, no foul.

Going off Brent's mud puddle comment....they do make great filter straws, that everyone should definitely have handy. I mean, it's a cheap way to always have the ONE substance you need to survive, close at hand.

 

[Brent S]

Yes, but I mean more about storing the store bought bottled water, or even the milk jug water. They use thin plastic that isn't made for long term storage. I too use the 55 gallon ones at home, but I still have trust issues, so I empty and refill them periodically...no harm, no foul.

Going off Brent's mud puddle comment....they do make great filter straws, that everyone should definitely have handy. I mean, it's a cheap way to always have the ONE substance you need to survive, close at hand.

I agree that I am a little suspect of the plastics leaching things into the water. Stainless and glass are good alternatives, but pricey.
As far as using a life straw, or any other filter on muddy water goes, always filter it with something to prolong the life of your filter. A tee shirt folded into several layers is better than nothing. Sand in a soda bottle is a pretty effective pre filter. I'm not selling anything here, but after researching, and trying different filters out, my favorite is the Berkey with the ceramic filters. It's effective, lightweight and will filter a lot of water.

 

[WGregMiller]

I've taken to hiking a lot. So, in the summer, if I drink up everything in my camelback, I carry a life straw. I've also taken to hanging a shemagh around my neck to shade it a bit and I've used it as something of a pre filter.

 

[Maverick]

I agree stainless steel and glass are best. Keep in mind plastic will leach chemicals from the ground if the container sets directly on the ground especially concrete though if temps are below 77 than the plastic won't react to the heat and safe to store on the ground including concrete, not an issue here but can be an issue in the South, but if the the plastic containers (blue BPA free) are set in a dry cool place off the ground with no direct sun light then the plastic are safe. Most plastic pop bottles and milk jugs are totally safe for a limited time but will easily last 6 months except for the milk jugs, milk jugs will last 90 days if kept refrigerated, I personally would refrain from using milk jugs.

Also keep in mind, most canned goods are lined on the inside that also leaches if above 77deg F So while the focus have been placed on plastic water containers/bottles for some reason canned goods are ignored.

Also here's a link to other information regarding plastics; The Murky Truth About Leaching Plastic Bottles
http://www.livescience.com/5487-murky-truth-leaching-plastic-bottles.html

 

[Brent S]

I agree stainless steel and glass are best. Keep in mind plastic will leach chemicals from the ground if the container sets directly on the ground especially concrete though if temps are below 77 than the plastic won't react to the heat and safe to store on the ground including concrete, not an issue here but can be an issue in the South, but if the the plastic containers (blue BPA free) are set in a dry cool place off the ground with no direct sun light then the plastic are safe. Most plastic pop bottles and milk jugs are totally safe for a limited time but will easily last 6 months except for the milk jugs, milk jugs will last 90 days if kept refrigerated, I personally would refrain from using milk jugs.

Also keep in mind, most canned goods are lined on the inside that also leaches if above 77deg F So while the focus have been placed on plastic water containers/bottles for some reason canned goods are ignored.

Also here's a link to other information regarding plastics; The Murky Truth About Leaching Plastic Bottles
http://www.livescience.com/5487-murky-truth-leaching-plastic-bottles.html

Honestly, the thought of using milk jugs is kind of gross. Can you really clean out all he residue?

 

[Maverick]

Honestly, the thought of using milk jugs is kind of gross. Can you really clean out all he residue?

I've been told many many times over the years, plastic milk jugs cannot be thoroughly cleaned for reuse. In the last several years I have read and been told that heat starts to break plastic down (135-140degF) though it takes heat to clean milk jugs.

 

[bigpaul]

it dosent matter how much one cleans milk container some of the residue will be left and it will taint the water, how much i'm not sure.
with shop bought water containers the kind you buy in supermarkets, I am informed that the plastic will break down and leech into the water, I always change mine every 6 months, that's buy new not change the water.

 

[Maverick]

it dosent matter how much one cleans milk container some of the residue will be left and it will taint the water, how much i'm not sure.
with shop bought water containers the kind you buy in supermarkets, I am informed that the plastic will break down and leech into the water, I always change mine every 6 months, that's buy new not change the water.

All the research I have read plastic begins to leach if stored were the temps are at 77degF for 3 days below 77 the plastic won't leach.

 

[bigpaul]

i just change it every 6 months to be safe.

 

[jontte]

a good reminder that I'll have some changeing to do soon too...

 

[jontte]

but again with this valuable H2O,we must have plans a,b,c,d and so on,stored water,life straws and alikes,make your own purifycation systems etc...having that feeling of thirst ain't good.
personally I have gotten some nice ideas from here.

 

[Kyle92]

Ok, everyone here thinks your a troll. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt here. Get a couple water filters.

Yeah seriously... It's not that complicated. Here I'll get you started, pretty much the first things I found googling... some water filter reviews if you want to get fancy - http://justaddcleanwater.com and a bunch of water filters for sale - http:/waterfilters.mercola.com/ Boom, I just saved you having to lug 100 gallons of water around with you when SHTF.

 

[Silent Earth]

Just buy and store dehydrated water, problem solved ?

 

[Maverick]

Yeah seriously... It's not that complicated. Here I'll get you started, pretty much the first things I found googling... some water filter reviews if you want to get fancy - http://justaddcleanwater.com and a bunch of water filters for sale - http:/waterfilters.mercola.com/ Boom, I just saved you having to lug 100 gallons of water around with you when SHTF.

There isn't much trust from anything Mercola, he's to controversial and by his own admission not an water filtration expert

Much of these big box stores that sell water filters for either water faucet or pitcher style are designed for clean water only, the filter taps for the faucets are designed for pressurized lines to push the water through the filters, if power is lost for a good period of time the homes will lose tap water making the filter taps useless. Getting something like a Berkey or make your own Berkey can be used in the home or in the field, abit slower but more reliable and flexible and the filters last longer.

FYI, Mercola filters are made by Aquasana, just purchase Aquasana and one might save a ton of money if one wants to go that rout