When the grid goes down, so does your tap.
Whether it’s a power outage, a boil notice, or a long-term emergency, clean drinking water is the first thing you’ll miss – and the last thing you can afford to be without.
The problem is that the grid can go down at any time, and our municipal water supply is constantly being found unsafe.
A 2024 EPA study reported 4,032 boil water advisories in 2021.
Another study from 2012 - 2014 found over 20,000 notices across 50 states.
Additionally, cybercriminals have routinely attacked our local water supply systems.
This is why it is critical that you know how to access clean water at all times.
Read on for several tips for cleaning water and why you need a failsafe method.
Look for Hidden Water Sources
If you find the tap water isn’t running or safe, begin to look for hidden water sources within your home.
For instance, your home’s water heater tank may have several gallons of water you can use in an emergency. You’ll need to open the drain sprout and have a water container ready.
Additionally, gather all the ice from your freezer and allow it to melt for emergency use.
Read More: 13 Unique Places to Find Water for Survival
The Boiling Method
The most common technique for purifying water is boiling it.
Most organisms and bacteria cannot survive when the water reaches a boil.
But it needs to boil for at least 30 minutes to kill these organisms and bacteria.
If you are still unsure, you can pour the boiled water through a coffee filter before use.
NOTE - Some contaminants cannot be removed by boiling, such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals, which will lead to a “Do not drink/use” public health advisory.
In these situations, you will need to use other methods to create clean water rather than boiling the water.
This is because boiling water with these types of contaminants can release more toxins.
The Bleaching Method
If you are unable to boil water, you can also disinfect the water using unscented concentrated bleach (with either 6% or 8.25% sodium hypochlorite).
- Locate a fresh liquid chlorine bleach or liquid chlorine bleach that is stored at room temperatures for less than one year.
- Add 2 drops of 8.25% bleach to 1 quart/liter of water in a glass container. Double the amount of bleach if the water is cloudy, colored, or very cold.
- Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If it doesn’t, repeat the dosage and let it stand for another 15 minutes before use.
- If the chlorine taste is too strong, pour the water from one clean container to another and let it stand for a few hours before use.
The Water Purification Tablet Method
In addition to bleach, you can purchase Drinking Water Treatment Tablets.
The active ingredient in water purification tablets is usually chlorine or iodine – two chemicals that deactivate bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
One tablet will disinfect approximately one-half quart of water.
DIY Filter Method
There are DIY filter methods for making water safe to drink, such as the sand filtration method.
Supplies
- 2 buckets
- Sand
- Dirt
- Rocks
- Water
Instructions
- After you’ve collected all of the materials, punch a few small drainage holes in the bottom of your bucket.
- Fill the bucket with a layer of sand (this should be the first thing you add), followed by a layer of dirt, and a layer of rocks.
- Once your bucket is full, hang it on a post or a tree – anywhere that it is elevated – and place the second empty bucket underneath it.
- Pour water into the hanging bucket and let it drain into the empty bucket below.
It is recommended to boil the water even after using the DIY filter method.
The Method That Always Works
Sure, you can use any of the above-mentioned methods, but there is one that always works.
The Alexapure Pro Water Filtration System is one of the smartest investments a family can make.
It is the failsafe tool for accessing drinkable water any time you need it.
The Alexapure Pro Water Filtration System is powered by gravity AND works without electricity or water pressure.
It’s perfect for grid-down situations, off-grid living, or just cutting out the chemicals in your everyday tap water.
This water filtration system reduces 206 contaminants commonly found in drinking water.
It stores 2¼ gallons of water at a time, and the super flow kit works for up to 800 gallons.
In other words, the filters are built to last.
It is simple to install an Alexapure Pro Genuine Replacement Filter.
Some people believe stocking up on bottled water is all they need for emergencies.
While it is better than having no water on hand, experts agree that filtered water is better than bottled water.
The University of Queensland reports: “There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that bottled water can have detrimental effects on human health. One study found that many brands of bottled water were deficient in essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. Another study found that 20% of the bottled water samples had concentrations of chlorine, fluoride, nitrate and other harmful compounds that exceeded the World Health Organization guidelines. Additional studies found that the bacteriological quality of tap water was greater than bottled mineral water. There are other health concerns related to bottled water due to harmful chemicals released from the bottle, such as bisphenol A (BPA).”
Not only is the Alexapure Pro better for your health, it’s also WAY cheaper in the long run.
According to the Harvard Energy and Facilities Department, tap water is 3000% less expensive per gallon than bottled water (tap is around $0.02 per gallon compared to $0.64 per gallon for bottled water).
While you pay for a water filtration system upfront, you will wind up saving considerably over time.
It is well worth the price for clean water peace of mind.
Invest in clean water, friends.
In liberty,
Elizabeth Anderson
Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply
