Drought Supplies topic monitored and covered by: Prepper Watch – Water
Introduction
In the face of increasingly erratic climate patterns, droughts are becoming a more frequent and severe threat worldwide. Whether caused by long periods of low rainfall, rising temperatures, or environmental mismanagement, droughts can lead to catastrophic shortages in potable water, which is essential for human survival. For preppers, understanding the threat of drought and preparing accordingly is crucial for ensuring self-sufficiency and survival in such situations. This blog outlines comprehensive strategies that preppers can adopt to prepare for prolonged dry periods, focusing specifically on water supplies.
Understanding Drought and Its Implications
A drought is a prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle that can have devastating effects on water resources. It can severely impact agriculture, drinking water supplies, and ecosystems. In regions where droughts are more frequent, preparing for such an event becomes essential.
For preppers, a drought can present several challenges:
- Decreased water availability: Long-term lack of rainfall can lead to dwindling freshwater supplies from rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
- Increased competition for resources: As water becomes scarcer, demand increases, creating competition among communities, regions, and even countries.
- Agricultural failure: Droughts can result in crop failure and the loss of livestock, leading to food shortages and economic instability.
- Health risks: Contaminated water sources, waterborne diseases, and dehydration are significant risks during droughts.
- Energy shortages: Many power plants rely on water for cooling, and a lack of water can lead to energy shortages, affecting everything from cooking to heating and cooling.
Assessing Your Water Needs
Before diving into specific preparedness strategies, it’s essential to assess your water needs. The average person requires around 1-2 gallons of water per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. However, water needs can vary based on factors like:
- Climate (warmer climates require more water)
- Activity levels (more physical activity demands more water)
- Personal health and special requirements (such as medication or infant care)
To determine your specific water requirements:
- Calculate your daily water usage for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
- Multiply this by the number of people in your household and the number of days you want to prepare for.
- Factor in additional needs for pets, livestock, or crops if you are farming.
Creating a Water Storage Plan
Water storage is the first step in preparing for a drought. The goal is to have enough water to last through the duration of the drought and the potential recovery period. When planning your storage, consider both short-term and long-term needs.
- Short-Term Water Storage:
- Bottled Water: Easy to store but expensive and impractical for long-term use. Reserve bottled water for emergencies.
- Water Barrels and Tanks: 55-gallon barrels or larger tanks can be filled with potable water for long-term storage. Be sure to rotate the water every six months to avoid bacterial contamination.
- Water Bottles and Jugs: If you have limited space, smaller water containers are easier to store and rotate but may require more frequent refills.
- Long-Term Water Storage:
- Cisterns and Large Tanks: Large rainwater harvesting systems or underground cisterns can store thousands of gallons of water for long periods.
- Water Filtration Systems: A reliable filtration system is essential to ensure that stored water remains clean and safe. Consider having both mechanical filters (e.g., Berkey filters) and chemical treatment options (e.g., iodine tablets, chlorine drops).
- Considerations for Storage:
- Water Treatment: Stored water can become contaminated over time, so it is important to treat it regularly. You can use water purifiers, bleach (unscented), or iodine to ensure the water remains safe for consumption.
- Temperature Control: Store water in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight to prevent algae growth and the degradation of plastic containers.
- Space and Accessibility: Make sure your water storage is easy to access and protected from environmental hazards like flooding or freezing temperatures.
Rainwater Harvesting: A Sustainable Solution
Rainwater harvesting is an effective strategy for drought preparation, especially in areas with seasonal rainfall. It involves collecting rainwater from rooftops and storing it for later use.
- Setting Up a Rainwater Harvesting System:
- Install gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater from your roof into a storage container or barrel.
- Use a first-flush system to filter out contaminants like dust and leaves from the initial rainwater before it enters the storage container.
- Ensure that your collection system is clean and well-maintained to avoid contamination.
- Water Filtration:
- It is essential to filter harvested rainwater before use. Use mesh screens to filter large debris and charcoal or ceramic filters for fine particulates and bacteria.
- System Size:
- The size of your rainwater system will depend on your location and water usage. A large home with multiple people may require several hundred gallons of storage capacity, while a smaller homestead may need less.
- Legal Considerations:
- Before setting up a rainwater harvesting system, check local regulations to ensure you are in compliance. Some regions have specific guidelines or restrictions on rainwater collection.
Water Purification and Filtration Methods
During a drought, access to clean water may be limited, and the water that is available might be contaminated. Having reliable purification and filtration methods is critical for survival.
- Portable Water Filters:
- Pump Filters: These are compact and effective for filtering large volumes of water. Popular brands like LifeStraw and MSR make filters that remove bacteria, protozoa, and even some viruses.
- Gravity Filters: These filters are ideal for filtering large quantities of water without requiring a lot of effort. They work by using gravity to push water through a filter.
- Straw Filters: Compact and easy to carry, these filters allow individuals to drink directly from water sources in the wild.
- Chemical Treatments:
- Chlorine and Iodine Tablets: Effective for killing bacteria and viruses. However, they may leave an unpleasant taste, which can be mitigated by using an activated carbon filter.
- Bleach: In an emergency, plain, unscented bleach can be used to disinfect water. The general guideline is 8 drops per gallon of water, followed by a 30-minute wait.
- Boiling Water:
- Boiling water for 3-5 minutes is one of the simplest and most effective methods for purifying water. It kills pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. However, it requires a reliable heat source, which might not always be available.
- UV Sterilization:
- Solar Disinfection (SODIS): In a pinch, sunlight can be used to disinfect water by placing it in clear plastic bottles and leaving them in the sun for six hours or more.
Alternate Water Sources
In a drought, traditional water sources like rivers, lakes, and wells may run dry or become contaminated. As a prepper, it’s important to know about alternative water sources that may still be accessible.
- Deep Wells and Boreholes:
- Having a well can provide a stable water supply, even in the face of surface water shortages. You should invest in hand pumps or solar-powered pumps as backup power sources to ensure access to water during grid outages.
- Desalination:
- Desalination involves removing salt and other minerals from seawater to produce freshwater. While costly and energy-intensive, desalination is an option for those living near the ocean. Small-scale desalination systems are available for personal use.
- Water From Humidity:
- Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs): These devices capture moisture from the air and condense it into drinkable water. They work best in areas with high humidity and can be a reliable source of water if you have the right equipment.
- Water From Plants:
- Certain plants, such as cacti, can provide moisture in extreme conditions. Knowing how to extract water from these sources can be a life-saving skill during a drought.
Maintaining Water Conservation Practices
Water conservation is critical during droughts to extend the life of your stored water and reduce overall demand.
- Low-Flow Fixtures:
- Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water usage in your home.
- Greywater Recycling:
- Collect and reuse greywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines) for tasks such as watering plants or flushing toilets.
- Water-Efficient Gardening:
- Implement xeriscaping or drought-tolerant gardening techniques to reduce the need for irrigation. Collect rainwater for garden use and mulch plants to retain moisture.
- Minimize Water Wastage:
- Adopt habits that limit water wastage, such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or using a bucket to catch water while waiting for the shower to warm up.
Preparing for Water Conflicts
In a drought, access to water may become a source of tension and conflict, especially in densely populated areas. It’s essential to be prepared for such scenarios.
- Bartering and Trade:
- Water will become a valuable commodity during a drought. Having water reserves can allow you to barter for other essentials, such as food, fuel, or medical supplies.
- Self-Defense Measures:
- Be prepared to defend your water supply if necessary. Having a security plan in place, including defense strategies and knowing how to protect your property, can be vital during times of crisis.
Community and Mutual Aid Networks
Droughts may impact entire communities, requiring collective action for survival. As a prepper, connecting with like-minded individuals through mutual aid groups can provide support when resources are scarce.
- Community Water Storage:
- Some communities build collective water storage systems, such as cisterns or large tanks, which can be used in times of crisis. Working together ensures that the water supply can be distributed equitably.
- Cooperative Water Sharing:
- Having an organized system for water sharing within your prepper group can ensure that everyone has access to water during a drought, even if supplies are limited.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for water threats such as droughts requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. By storing sufficient water, implementing water-saving strategies, and having purification and filtration systems in place, preppers can ensure they are ready to withstand periods of drought.
In addition, being aware of alternative water sources, maintaining community networks, and staying informed about regional climate changes are crucial to long-term survival. By preparing effectively, preppers can safeguard their water supply and secure their future during challenging times.