Water Privatization topic monitored and covered by: Prepper Watch – Water
Introduction
Water is a fundamental necessity for all life, essential for survival, health, and sanitation. Access to clean, fresh water is paramount, and disruptions in the water supply can have catastrophic effects on communities and individuals. As such, preppers, individuals who prepare for long-term survival scenarios, often consider various threats to water security. One of the most insidious threats is water privatization: the trend of commercial entities gaining control over water supplies, leading to limited public access and increased costs.
Water privatization is not a new issue, but it has gained increasing attention in recent years. The increasing scarcity of freshwater resources, combined with growing global populations, is driving governments and corporations to look for ways to control and profit from water supplies. This article explores the threat of water privatization, why it’s a concern for preppers, and actionable strategies for preparing for such an eventuality.
What is Water Privatization?
Water privatization refers to the process by which water utilities and services, previously managed by government bodies or municipalities, are transferred to private corporations. This shift often results in private companies gaining control over the extraction, distribution, and pricing of water, which has far-reaching implications for affordability and access.
The privatization of water systems typically occurs in one of three ways:
- Privatization of Water Utilities: Local governments sell or lease water treatment and distribution systems to private companies.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Governments and private companies work together to manage water systems, with the private sector holding significant control over the infrastructure and management.
- Bottled Water Companies: Large corporations may control water sources for bottling and commercial sale, often diverting water from public sources for private use.
This process can lead to increased water prices, reduced water quality, and unequal access, particularly in economically disadvantaged or rural areas.
The Risks of Water Privatization for Preppers
For preppers, the privatization of water presents several serious risks:
- Increased Cost of Water: As private companies aim to maximize profits, water prices often rise. This could result in people being priced out of access to basic water needs, particularly in drought-stricken or economically fragile regions.
- Limited Access: When water is treated as a commodity rather than a human right, it becomes easier for companies to prioritize commercial interests over public needs. In some cases, access to water may be restricted or curtailed during periods of scarcity, or priority could be given to industrial or agricultural users.
- Water Quality Concerns: While private companies may provide water at a lower cost than public utilities, their profit-driven nature can sometimes lead to cost-cutting measures that compromise water quality. Public oversight may be diminished, leading to higher risks of contamination or inadequate treatment.
- Social Unrest and Inequality: As water becomes more expensive and harder to access, social inequality may deepen. Those who cannot afford to pay higher prices for water may be forced to use unsafe water sources, leading to health risks and increasing tensions within communities.
- Environmental Degradation: Corporations may exploit natural water sources with little regard for long-term sustainability, leading to over-extraction and environmental harm. The privatization of water can increase the pressure on ecosystems, particularly in areas with already limited water resources.
Prepping for Water Privatization
Water privatization, like other forms of control over vital resources, presents a unique challenge for preppers. The following strategies will help preppers protect themselves and their families from the impacts of water privatization.
- Stockpiling Water
Stockpiling water is one of the most basic and critical steps a prepper can take. If water prices increase or availability decreases, having a reserve of water will ensure that you are not reliant on external sources.
Steps to Stockpile Water:
- Identify Water Storage Options: Purchase high-quality water storage containers designed for long-term use. These include food-grade plastic barrels, large water storage tanks, and smaller water bottles.
- Calculate Water Needs: The average person needs approximately 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. For a family of four, this equates to about 30 gallons (113 liters) per week.
- Consider Water Purification: In addition to storing water, have water purification methods in place, such as filters, purification tablets, or UV sterilization. This ensures you have access to clean water in case stored water becomes contaminated.
- Rotate Stock: Water does not spoil, but plastic containers can leach chemicals over time. Make sure to rotate your water supply every 6 months to maintain freshness.
- Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting allows preppers to capture water from natural rainfall and store it for future use. This is particularly important in areas where water privatization may result in restricted access to municipal water systems.
Setting Up a Rainwater Harvesting System:
- Install Gutters and Downspouts: These will direct rainwater from your roof into a collection system.
- Choose Appropriate Storage Containers: Use food-grade barrels or large water tanks to store the water.
- Water Filtration and Treatment: Even though rainwater is generally cleaner than other sources, it should still be filtered and purified before drinking. Use a combination of first-flush diverters, sediment filters, and UV sterilizers or chlorine tablets.
- Check Local Regulations: In some regions, rainwater harvesting may be regulated or even illegal. Be sure to research local laws before starting this project.
- Water Filtration and Purification Systems
Even if water becomes unavailable from municipal sources, there are many natural water sources that can be tapped, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. However, these water sources may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or chemicals, making water filtration essential.
Water Filtration Solutions:
- Portable Filters: Have portable water filters, such as the Berkey filter or LifeStraw, on hand for short-term emergencies.
- Gravity-fed Filters: For long-term use, gravity-fed filtration systems can be used to filter large quantities of water. These systems work without electricity and are effective at removing harmful pathogens.
- Distillation: In situations where water is highly contaminated with chemicals, distillation can be used to separate contaminants from water. This is a useful method when relying on non-traditional water sources like saline or heavily polluted water.
- Water Conservation
In the event that water privatization reduces availability, the ability to conserve water will become a vital skill. By reducing water consumption, you can stretch your stored water and minimize your dependence on outside sources.
Water Conservation Tips:
- Low-Flow Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water consumption.
- Greywater Systems: Set up systems to reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry for irrigation purposes.
- Limit Water Usage: Take shorter showers, only run full loads of laundry, and limit water use for non-essential purposes.
- Local Water Source Protection
If you live in an area that is vulnerable to water privatization, consider the protection of local water sources. By working with your community or local government, you may be able to prevent the privatization of water resources or mitigate its effects.
Actions to Take:
- Join or Form Advocacy Groups: Look for local environmental groups or form a community organization to advocate for public control of water resources.
- Participate in Water Conservation Initiatives: Engage in programs that focus on the sustainable management of local water resources, such as watershed management or public water systems.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: Help others understand the importance of maintaining access to clean water as a public resource. Raise awareness about the dangers of water privatization.
- Alternative Water Sources
As a prepper, it’s important to diversify your access to water. Beyond municipal systems and natural sources, there are various alternative water sources that can be tapped in an emergency.
Alternative Sources Include:
- Desalination: While it is expensive, desalination is a viable long-term solution in coastal regions. Some preppers invest in small, home-scale desalination units, which can be used to convert seawater into drinkable water.
- Aquifer Water: If you have property in an area where groundwater is abundant, installing a well could provide a reliable source of fresh water. However, drilling a well can be expensive, and you may need to invest in a pump and filtration system.
- Water Recycling: Set up a water recycling system in your home to clean and reuse water for non-potable uses like irrigation or flushing toilets.
- Building Community Networks
One of the most important strategies in prepping for water privatization is community collaboration. By building a network of like-minded individuals, you can pool resources, share water, and collectively work to secure alternative water sources.
Steps to Build a Water Security Network:
- Join or Create a Mutual Aid Group: Start or join a local mutual aid group focused on water security. This could include shared access to water storage, filtration systems, and emergency water collection.
- Invest in Community Water Solutions: Explore the possibility of implementing community-wide solutions, such as shared rainwater collection systems, wells, or water purification systems.
- Collaborate on Education and Advocacy: Work with others to advocate for local water policies that protect public access and prevent water privatization.
- Emergency Plans for Water Shortages
In the event that water privatization leads to significant shortages, preppers must be ready with an emergency plan. This includes knowing where to find water, how to purify it, and how to manage limited resources effectively.
Key Emergency Plan Elements:
- Water Acquisition Plans: Identify potential local water sources that could be tapped in an emergency.
- Water Conservation Rules: Establish household water conservation guidelines for all family members to follow in a crisis.
- Water Rationing Protocols: Develop a system for rationing water in the event of scarcity, prioritizing health, hygiene, and drinking water needs.
Conclusion
Water privatization represents a serious threat to public access to clean, affordable water. For preppers, it’s a concern that requires proactive measures to ensure access to water in the face of rising costs, limited availability, and corporate control. By stockpiling water, harvesting rainwater, utilizing filtration systems, and working together with communities, preppers can mitigate the impacts of water privatization and increase their chances of long-term survival.