10 Essential Water Strategies for Power Outages: Ensuring Access When the Pressure Drops

When the power goes out and you lose access to water due to a lack of pressure, it's crucial to have strategies in place to ensure you still have enough water for cooking, bathing, washing dishes, and drinking. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Store Water in Advance

• How to Prepare: Keep a stockpile of bottled water or large water containers filled and stored in a cool, dark place. Aim for at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene, and store enough for at least three days.
• Recommended Products:
  • WaterBrick Stackable Water Storage Containers: Durable and stackable, these containers are great for storing water in small spaces.
  • Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer: A large, 7-gallon water container with an easy-pour spout.

2. Rainwater Harvesting

• How to Prepare: Install a rainwater collection system with a barrel connected to your gutters to capture and store rainwater. This water can be used for non-potable purposes like washing dishes, bathing, and flushing toilets.
• Recommended Products:
  • Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel: A sturdy and decorative rain barrel that can be easily attached to your gutter system.
  • Oatey Mystic Rainwater Collection System: A simple diverter kit for collecting rainwater from downspouts.

3. Water Filtration and Purification

• How to Prepare: Have water filtration systems or purification tablets on hand to make collected rainwater or other non-potable water sources safe for drinking.
• Recommended Products:
  • Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System: A compact and reliable water filter for removing bacteria and protozoa.
  • Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets: Easy-to-use tablets that disinfect water in 30 minutes.

4. Water Storage in Your Home

• How to Prepare: Fill up bathtubs, sinks, and any large containers with water as soon as you anticipate a power outage. This can provide water for washing and flushing toilets.
• Recommended Products:
  • WaterBOB Emergency Drinking Water Storage: A bathtub water bag that can hold up to 100 gallons of water.

5. Portable Water Tanks

• How to Prepare: Consider investing in a large, portable water tank that can be filled and transported in case of emergency.
• Recommended Products:
  • Norwesco Vertical Water Storage Tank: Available in various sizes, these tanks are suitable for storing large amounts of water.

6. Use of Pool Water for Non-Potable Needs

• How to Prepare: If you have a swimming pool, the water can be used for flushing toilets, washing, and cleaning. However, it should not be consumed unless properly treated and filtered.
• Recommended Products:
  • Pool Test Kits: To monitor the chemical levels in pool water if you plan to use it for emergency purposes.

7. Emergency Water Heater Drainage

• How to Prepare: Water heaters hold several gallons of water that can be drained and used in an emergency. Learn how to safely drain your water heater in case you need to access this water.
• Recommended Products:
  • Camco Water Heater Drain Valve: A handy tool for easy drainage.

8. Water Collection from Natural Sources

• How to Prepare: Identify nearby natural water sources such as rivers, lakes, or streams. Ensure you have the means to filter and purify this water before use.
• Recommended Products:
  • LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: A portable filter ideal for drinking directly from natural water sources.

9. Hand Pump for Well Water

• How to Prepare: If you have a well, install a manual hand pump that can draw water without electricity.
• Recommended Products:
  • Bison Stainless Steel Shallow Well Hand Pump: A durable and reliable option for accessing well water during a power outage.

10. Use of Solar-Powered Water Pumps

• How to Prepare: Solar-powered water pumps can be used to draw water from wells or other sources when electricity is unavailable.
• Recommended Products:
  • Sunnydaze Solar Water Pump: An eco-friendly option for pumping water using solar energy.

By preparing in advance with these strategies and products, you can ensure that you have access to water for essential needs even when the power is out.