Finding Water in a Grid Down Situation
In a grid-down scenario, access to clean water can become limited very quickly, and knowing how to find or purify water could be crucial for survival. Here are some strategies to find and secure water when the grid is down:
1. Rainwater Collection
- Set Up Rain Barrels: If you live in an area that receives rain, collecting rainwater is one of the simplest ways to gather water. Position barrels, buckets, or other large containers outside to catch rain. You can also create a rain-catching system using tarps or plastic sheets to funnel water into containers.
- Purify Before Drinking: Always purify rainwater by boiling, filtering, or using purification tablets, as it can pick up contaminants from roofs, gutters, and the air.
2. Natural Water Sources
- Lakes, Rivers, and Streams: Identify nearby bodies of water, such as lakes, streams, ponds, or rivers. Be cautious of contaminants—natural water sources may contain bacteria or pollutants.
- Water Purification: Use portable water filters (like LifeStraw or Sawyer filters), purification tablets, or boil the water to make it safe for consumption.
- Map Local Water Sources: Before a crisis, map out all natural water sources around your area so you can access them if needed.
3. Pools, Hot Tubs, and Ponds
- Non-Potable Water: Swimming pools, hot tubs, or decorative ponds can serve as a water source for cleaning or flushing toilets. However, water from these sources should not be consumed without proper treatment, as they often contain chemicals or bacteria.
- Filtration and Purification: If needed for drinking, water from these sources should be treated through a filter and then boiled or purified with tablets.
4. Underground Water
- Wells: If you have access to a well and a manual pump, this can be one of the most reliable sources of clean water. However, in a grid-down situation, electric well pumps won’t work without a backup generator or manual alternative.
- Hand-Pump Conversion: Consider adding a hand-pump to your well system in advance so you can still access water without power.
5. Household Water Reserves
- Tapping Into Existing Sources: After the grid goes down, immediately tap into water from household sources:
- Water Heaters: Most water heaters hold 30–80 gallons of water that can be accessed from the drain valve at the bottom.
- Toilet Tanks: The water in the toilet tank (not the bowl) is usually clean and can be used for drinking or cooking if properly treated. Avoid using toilet tank water that has been chemically treated with cleaning agents.
- Melting Ice: Use the ice in your freezer by letting it melt for drinking water.
6. Collecting Dew and Condensation
- Morning Dew: You can collect dew from plants or grass by wiping it with a clean cloth or sponge in the early morning. Squeeze it into a container, but remember to purify it.
- Solar Stills: A solar still is a low-tech way to extract water from soil or plants using evaporation and condensation. You can dig a hole, place a container in the center, and cover it with plastic sheeting weighted down in the middle to collect the condensed water droplets.
7. Emergency Sources from Indoors
- Store-Bought Water: If you’ve stored bottled water, this should be your first resource. Aim for at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
- Bath Tub and Sinks: In preparation for an emergency, fill your bathtub and sinks with water before the grid goes down, especially if you anticipate water service interruption.
- WaterBob: Consider purchasing a WaterBob or similar water storage system. These are large, durable plastic containers that can store up to 100 gallons of water in your bathtub during emergencies.
8. Snow and Ice
- Melting Snow or Ice: If you live in a cold climate, snow and ice can be melted for water. However, avoid consuming unmelted snow directly, as it can lower your body temperature and lead to hypothermia.
- Purification: Even snow should be boiled or treated before drinking, as it can still carry pollutants.
9. Purification and Treatment Methods
- Boiling: Boiling is one of the most effective methods to kill bacteria and pathogens in water. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1–3 minutes.
- Water Filters: Portable water filters (like a LifeStraw or Sawyer) can remove bacteria, parasites, and sediment.
- Purification Tablets: Chemical purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide) can be used to kill pathogens in water.
- Bleach: Household bleach can be used to disinfect water (8 drops per gallon of clear water or 16 drops per gallon of cloudy water). Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.
- UV Purification: UV light purification tools, like SteriPens, can kill pathogens using ultraviolet light.
Conclusion
Finding water in a grid-down or election unrest scenario requires both resourcefulness and preparation. By knowing how to collect, store, and purify water from various sources, you can ensure your family stays hydrated and safe even during extended emergencies. Planning ahead by identifying nearby natural water sources, investing in water storage, and understanding purification techniques will go a long way in surviving a water crisis.