How Much Water Storage Do You Really Have?
WaterSupply is a member of the emergency preparedness community and we feel a responsibility to educate the public about water storage. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), also known as FEMA lists water first in their Recommended Items To Include In A Basic Emergency Supply Kit.
We are experts in water storage and often get asked "Why do I need containers to store water? I can use my water heater to heat water or fill my bathtub with water if I need it to store water." We will be discussing three types of water storage that one might find in their home, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Water Heaters
A standard home water heater can hold anywhere from 55 to 80 gallons. Because it doesn't require any advanced preparation, the water heater can be used immediately and is easy to access. The water heater has a few limitations. It is connected to your home as well as the municipal water supply, making it difficult to transport the water. There is no way to stop contamination if the municipal water supply becomes contaminated.
Pros:
- A 80-gallon water heater can provide enough water to sustain a family of four for up to 6 days.
- It is not necessary to store or rotate manually.
- Accessible in an emergency
Cons:
- The municipal water supply is connected. Your water supply will also be affected if there is a contamination.
- It is difficult to transport water.
Bathtub
When filled, a standard bathtub measures 30 Wx 60 Lx 15 H and holds 80 gallons of water. It is not recommended to include a bathtub in your emergency water storage plan. Although it provides a lot of storage, you must notify the authorities in advance to fill the tub and store it. It is difficult to keep the water clean because it isn't an enclosed container.
Pros:
- A family of four can survive for up to six days on enough water.
- Once filled, water is easy to access.
- Additional water heater storage can provide up to two weeks of water for a family of four.
Cons:
- The municipal water supply is connected. Your water supply will also be affected if there is a contamination.
- It is difficult to transport water.
- You must notify your plumber in advance of any emergency.
- Water isn't enclosed, which makes it difficult to maintain its cleanliness.
Water Bottles
Disposable water bottles hold 16 oz or 1/7 th of one gallon. Disposable water bottles make a great mobile storage option. Disposable bottles have the disadvantage of taking up too much space to keep enough water for survival.
Pros:
- Option for mobile water storage
- Rotatable easily
- It is easy to acquire.
Cons:
- For one week, a typical family of four would require approximately 11 cases.
- How much storage space is required.
What can I do to improve:
We have two suggestions for you to improve your emergency water storage after assessing your situation.
- It is a good idea to have some sort of water storage. It is important to have an emergency water supply in case you are forced to evacuate your home. This problem can be solved with our 35 gallon water tank.
- A separate water supply to an enclosed area will prevent contamination and provide more independence during an emergency. Individuals looking to expand their storage space within their homes can choose from our 260-gallon or 500-gallon tanks.
Water is an essential item in emergency situations. There are many options for water storage in your home. We at Sure Water recommend that you review your emergency water preparation and find ways to improve it. We are happy to assist you, no matter if you need to increase your home's water storage or a mobile option.