Water storage

Tribhangananda das

Perhaps someone with expert knowledge can answer regarding radiation. But by all means store it wherever you realistically can. In the UK at least, Boots sell lotions and tablets to make solutions to destroy bacteria in plastic containers. These are usually used to sterilise babies feeding bottles, and when you come to use the water itself, water purifying tablets (Puritabs) come in 2 sizes - for 1 litre and 25 litres at a time.

> - How much water to store, which kind, in which containers?

Building suppliers have proved a good source of 20/25 litre water containers with taps, but you might well think of 45 gallon drums. I'd go for "food quality" containers anyhow, as some plastics can be cancer inducing. Make sure you have a tap to make access easy and to avoid contaminating the rest when you need to draw from it, and preferably keep this sealed with a sterile bag and a rubber band to stop bugs large and small from climbing into the tap.

Try analysing how much drinking water you use per person per day, and take into account how much you need for cooking and washing your chosen foods in your store (low water usage foods are a good idea, eg canned beans, soups, etc.). Also how much you'll need for washing any pots or utensils you use, as well as washing hands before meals and brushing teeth. Have plenty of disposable cups, plates, spoons, etc as they don't need washing. Then consider bathing, for which you can use rainwater, perhaps collected in rain butts from the roof - try garden centres or farmers' supplies. If you have to cater for children you'll probably need rather more either way. Then multiply that by your preferred emergency time, and take into account that you may have a few extra "guests". You might find about a gallon per person per day is required, but that's a lot of storage space.

Practice taking bath with the most minimal quantity you possibly can, say with a small jug and a flannel. Make sure everyone has practical training in water conservation, ie not wasting this most valuable resource. Srila Prabhupada hated waste, even dripping taps, so this is a good exercise even in peaceful times. Waste is where most water goes. Of course, composting toilets and loo roll (with just a little wash water if you have that luxury) will save ENORMOUS amounts of water. Get set up in advance so you all know how to use them in the most water efficient and hygeinic way.

> - How long does it keep, in which conditions?

Cool and in the dark is best to avoid great bacterial build-ups, as with food generally. Ordinary tap water has many substances in it already, as in many places its got a good percentage of re-cycled sewage in it, as well as additives. If you can afford it get some bottled water with a long shelf life. Straining it with a T-shirt in an emergency will get the big bits out, wherever the supply is questionable, then boil it for at least 10-15 minutes in a pan to kill anything nasty that you can't see. Water purifying tablets save valuable fuel. You can also get water purifying syringe-type devices from camping stores, as used by emergency services all over the world, which can clean up even muddy water off the ground and make it fit to drink. They cost, but if its in your budget and high on your priority list, then ... There are also smaller devices for home or camping use available.

> - Should one add some pills or chemicals to make this normal water last for > years?

I'd take advice from your local chemist and possibly your local water supplier, if not your local health centre. Iodene is supposed to taste foul, but does wipe out some nasties, and iodene tablets are available. Chlorine is often used by water companies, but you'd better be sure how to use it. Leaving water open to help evaporate off some of the more volatile chemicals for some minutes before drinking can improve the taste, as can the addition of a little cordial/drink concentrate.

> - How to filter water (in "normal times", in case of pollution and in case of > radio-activity)?

Lots of water filters are on the market. The chain of information about polluted water in the taps can be very slow, after people get ill and are finally taken to hospital, hospitals inform the water companies, the water companies get a test report and get round to telling the public, and somehow you find out. See above how much we ingest in the meantime.

> - How can a 10 meters deep well be affected by pollution and radiations?

If the water table is polluted from things draining into it, that's where your well water is coming from. Is it protected from things being dropped or thrown into it, or creatures falling in? Is your pumping equipment or lifting bucket kept clean? Local health officers and water suppliers should be able to give you information about testing and monitoring it.