 
WATER
The storage and purification of water is vital in the grand scheme of disaster preparedness. It is important to know how to store water properly before disaster strikes and even more important to know how to purify water after a disaster. Here are some important tips to help you.
BEFORE
- Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or metal containers lined with enamel.
- Never use a container that has held toxic substances.
- Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
- Seal water containers tightly, label and store them in a cool, dark place.
- Adding oxygen by pouring water back and forth between two clean containers will improve the taste of stored water.
- Replace the water every six months.
WATER PURIFICATION
- While the storage of water is straight forward, purification is a bit more complex. There are many ways to purify water, none is perfect. Often the best method is a combination of methods. Boiling and disinfection will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Before purifying, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towels or a clean cloth.
BOILING
- Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes.
- Let the water cool before drinking.
DISINFECTION
- You can use household bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.
- The only agent used to purify water should be household liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.
DISTILLATION
- Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The condensed water will not include salt and other impurities.
- To distill, fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup will hang right side up when the lid is upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
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