Prep extra water

Fill up the bathtub and/or buckets with extra non-drinking water, just in case. Don’t drink it!

Make sure you only drink water that’s safe! Drinking unsafe water can lead to gastric illnesses that could result in life-threatening dehydration.

Pay attention to the authorities! They will let you know if water from the tap needs to be boiled before drinking.

How to purify water for drinking:

• Boil water for five minutes to kill bacteria, viruses, protozoa. (Doesn’t eliminate chemicals.)
• Iodine or chlorine bleach: kills bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa. (Doesn’t eliminate chemicals and is not effective against all protozoa.)
• Filters: High quality filters can remove bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants.

Did you lose running water?

• Designate an outdoor pit for #2’s instead of wasting water on flushing your toilet. Review proper outdoor toilet etiquette with your family and ensure you are not digging your holes near any water sources. A chamber pot may be preferable, and can be emptied into your pit later. Be sure to cover anything you leave behind with soil and keep pets away.
• You can also fill a bucket or another vessel with kitty litter or saw dust, and use that to poop in. But be sure to line it with a garbage bag first (if possible), so you can easily dispose of it when it’s too full.

If you’re using an untrustworthy water source like a river, lake, rain barrel, or running water that authorities have advised you not to consume, the best course of action is to use all three methods (boil, treat, filter).

Sanitation matters

Washing hands with soap and water is always the best option. If you can’t, be sure to use hand sanitizer or 70% isopropyl alcohol to wash up after defecating.

Fecal contamination complications (e.g. dysentery) become a danger whenever running water is unavailable.

Preppers win out

• Always keep bleach & 70% isopropyl alcohol around
• Store extra water if at all possible. Your future self will thank you!
• Consider stocking up on black plastic bags and twist ties in case you lose running water to store your poop. Yuck!
• Kitty litter or sawdust and a bucket is another good option.