water liquid gold- prepper report

WATER: LIQUID GOLD IN A SURVIVAL

SITUATION

A REPORT FROM ORGANIZED PREPPER, LLC.

http://organizedprepper.com/?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper

WATER: LIQUID GOLD IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION

2 | P a g e © 2014, Organized Prepper, LLC. All rights reserved. All trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

CONTENTS

Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Water Storage ........................................................................................................................................................... 4

Bottled Water ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Rain Barrels ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

Water Tanks .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Repurposing Plastic Bottles for Water Storage ..................................................................................................... 7

Manmade Ponds ................................................................................................................................................... 7

Swimming Pools/Hot Tubs .................................................................................................................................... 8

Purification/Filtration ................................................................................................................................................ 9

Why You Must Purify all Water ............................................................................................................................. 9

Purification and Filtration—Are They the Same? ................................................................................................. 9

Purification Tablets ............................................................................................................................................. 10

Purification Straws .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Boiling ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Homemade Charcoal Filter ................................................................................................................................. 11

Portable Filters .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Solar SteriPen ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

Household Bleach ............................................................................................................................................... 13

Hydrogen Peroxide ............................................................................................................................................. 13

Iodine .................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Hot Rock Purification .......................................................................................................................................... 14

Procuring Water ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

Finding Water ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Collecting Rainwater ........................................................................................................................................... 16

Dragging for Dew ................................................................................................................................................ 16




Natural Rock and Tree Bowls .............................................................................................................................. 17

Is Pond Water Safe? ............................................................................................................................................ 17

Solar Stills ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

Melting Snow and Ice.......................................................................................................................................... 18

Condensation ...................................................................................................................................................... 19

Drinking From Plants ........................................................................................................................................... 20

Water Warning Signs .......................................................................................................................................... 20

Is Urine Really an Option? ................................................................................................................................... 20

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................... 21

About Organized Prepper, LLC ................................................................................................................................ 21




INTRODUCTION

Water is one of the most important basic needs a person needs to survive. In fact, a person can only live 3 days

without water. Many people assume food is the most important thing in survival, but they would assume wrong.

Those who are untrained in survival ways will often make the mistake of making food a priority and end up

perishing because they were unaware of their need for water. Without water, the body cannot digest food. Water

is an absolute must and should be the first order of business when you are thrust into a survival situation.

In this report, we will discuss some of the basics about storing water, cleaning and purifying it and procuring water.

When you can no longer go to the tap and turn fill up your glass with safe drinking water, you need a backup plan.

Storing water is not something you can do overnight. It takes some time and dedication. You need to devote an

hour a week or a couple of hours a month to building up your water stores.

Cost may also be an issue. You don’t want to run out and buy 20 bottles of purification tablets. That will hit your

wallet hard. Commit to buying a bottle a week or every 2 weeks. Budgeting $20 to $40 a month to your survival

water storage is reasonable. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket so to speak, either. You need to have a minimum

of 2 ways to clean and purify your water. You should also have 2 different methods for storing water.

You will learn numerous ways to store water, clean water and even how to find water. Oddly enough, all of those

discarded water bottles, pop cans and various other containers become life-saving tools in an emergency. A

survival situation that leaves you stranded without a canteen or other water-carrying devices will have you

thanking all those litter bugs who tossed their garbage into the environment.

Although you may read this guide several times over and feel as if it is forever ingrained in your brain, all it takes is

a little stress and it will be hard to remember. It doesn’t hurt to print this guide out and include it with your water

stores or in your bug out bag for reference. In an emergency, it could be the one thing that saves your life.

WATER STORAGE

Storing water for an emergency should be a top priority. You must store enough water for every member of the

family or household. If you are counting on pets or livestock, you will also need to have water stored for them as

well. However, most animals don’t need their water purified so if you are near a source of water you won’t need to

store it for them.

Water Rule: One gallon of water for each person, per day is needed.

That covers just the minimums. If you plan on doing any cleaning, you can bump that number up to 2 gallons per

person, per day. It isn’t necessary to have potable water to take care of personal hygiene needs, but you will want

some water. You also need to think about your food supply. If you have a lot of dehydrated food, you are going to

need water to make it edible. This is going to require additional water.

You are probably doing a little mental math and have just come to the alarming conclusion you need a lot of water.

How can you possibly store that much? We are going to explore some of the ways you can make sure you have

enough water for your family to survive. While the government recommends a minimum 3-day supply, many

preppers will shoot for a minimum of 30 days. There are some folks who take water very seriously and will store up

to a year’s supply. If you are going to be sheltering in place or already have a location picked out that you will be

retreating to, consider the resources.


http://organizedprepper.com/collections/water-solutions?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper



Is there a lake or body of water nearby? If so, you can store a little less than those who are not near water. If you

are handy, you could create an irrigation trench or construct a pipe from the body of water to somewhere close to

your shelter. Keep your water stores out of sight, if possible. Water is truly liquid gold in a survival situation. People

are going to be flocking to the water. Unless you know the people and can trust them, it is best to collect your

water when there is nobody around. Nighttime is your best bet. However, be aware of animals that will also be

using the cover of darkness to take care of their own water needs.

BOTTLED WATER

Bottled water is by far the easiest and most convenient method of storing water. Bottled water needs to be stored

in an area that isn’t too hot or too cold. Basements and root cellars are ideal locations. The storage area must also

be out of direct sunlight. If the plastic heats up, it can melt or even release toxins into the water. If it freezes, the

ice could ultimately crack the plastic and when it melts, you will be left with a mess. Heat also encourages mildew

growth.

While bottled water is certainly a great way to go, it isn’t always an option for preppers who are on a budget.

Unfortunately, it takes up a great deal of space and can be rather expensive. It helps to watch for sales at your

local grocery stores. Holiday weekends in the summer are great times to look for bottled water on sale. If you buy

in bulk, it tends to be less expensive as well. You can certainly store a few cases of bottled water and supplement

your water supply with one of the following options. In fact, if you know you are going to bug out, it is a good idea

to have at least a case of bottled water in your home. This way, you can pack a few bottles of water in each

backpack or in the back of your car for your journey. NEVER leave your home without some water to drink.

RAIN BARRELS

Why a rain barrel?

*Fact: For every 500 square feet of roof, every inch of rain equates to 300 gallons of water.

It just makes sense to have at the very minimum, one rain barrel. Unlike other preps, you can use your rain barrels

throughout the growing season to help offset your water usage by using it to water your garden or lawn. One of

the biggest hang-ups for many preppers, especially those who need to watch every penny spent, is the idea that all

the preps will go to waste if nothing catastrophic happens in their lifetime. A rain barrel can be refilled over and

over. The water collected will never go to waste.

*Please note; Utah and Washington have some laws about rain barrels. You may be required to get a permit to

use a rain barrel. Typically, this only applies to large scale operations, but if you live in an area where your rain

barrel can be easily seen, check the laws.

You can run down to Home Depot or a similar store and buy a rain barrel that is all ready to go. All you have to do

is place it under a down spout or at the end of your home’s roof. Rain barrels are just like they sound—they catch

the rain. It is a good idea to have several of these around your home. Many of the barrels you buy at the store are

rather eye-catching and come in various styles and designs. Some are designed to look like miniature houses. They

are aesthetically appealing and will certainly conform to any covenants in your neighborhood. Once full, move the

barrel to a shady place for storage if possible.




If you don’t want to spend the hundred dollars or so that a ready-made rain barrel will cost at a home

improvement store, you can make one for about $10 with very little effort.

1. Check with local restaurants, bars, grocery stores or container companies to see if you can buy food-grade

barrels. Food-grade is critical. Never buy barrels that have been used to store chemicals. Also check with

thrift stores, yard sales and Craig’s List. You can typically find these barrels for free or for just a few

dollars. Lids are a bonus, but not necessary.

2. Head to the hardware store and purchase

A spigot

Silicone

A drill (if you don’t already have one)

1 metal washer that is slightly bigger than the spigot

1 rubber washer that will fit snugly on the spigot

You can also buy a roll of window screen for a lid

Cordage or duct tape to hold the window screen on the barrel

3. Drill a hole about an inch from the bottom of your barrel. The drill bit should be slightly smaller than your

spigot. You want the fit to be snug so water doesn’t leak around the spigot.

4. Slide one of the larger metal washers over the spigot and then slide on a snug-fitting rubber washer.

5. Spread a line of silicone around the rubber washer.

6. Insert the spigot into the hole you have made in the barrel. Press it in tightly to get a good seal.

7. Add another layer of silicone on both sides of the spigot opening to prevent leakage.

8. Cut a length of screening material that will fit over the top of the barrel. If your barrel came with a lid, you

are in luck. You will need to cut a hole in the top for the downspout to pour into. Put a piece of the

screening material over the hole to act as a filter. Leaves and other debris can and will make their way

through the downspout and into your rain barrel.

9. Use rope, wire or even duct tape to secure the screen over the rain barrel. This will keep out critters and

debris.

Place your rain barrel on a couple of bricks. Ideally, you will want it about 6 inches off the ground. This allows

gravity to create a good flow and will allow you to fill buckets, pots and pans or what not. You can even run a small

sprinkler off your rain barrel. You don’t have to have a downspout for your rain barrel. You can just as easily place

the barrel at the end of the roof line and you will catch water. However, the spout gives you the best chance at

collecting as much water as possible by directing it into your barrel.

*Make sure no debris like leaves, twigs and or pine needles get into your barrel. These things can clog the spigot

and make it impossible to get the water out.

WATER TANKS




You can buy large water tanks that sit on your property. These tanks can hold anywhere from 500 to a 1000 gallons

of water. Many people choose to bury the tanks. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 for one of these

large tanks. Don’t forget to check around for used tanks. Always ask what is was used for, especially if you are

buying from a large farming operation. It isn’t uncommon for these tanks to hold fertilizers and other chemicals.

If you are burying the tank, you will need to have a hand pump or solar pump to get the water out of the tank. You

can have the tank placed on a hill with a piping system that leads to a water containment system close to your

home. This will allow you to take advantage of gravity and avoid the need for a pump. The tanks can be filled via

irrigation, rain water or even a hose from your well. It is best to fill the tank when water is plentiful.

REPURPOSING PLASTIC BOTTLES FOR WATER STORAGE

You can recycle used plastic containers to store water in. This is a cheap way to store water and is another way to

keep plastics out of our landfills. However, do NOT use old milk jugs. The plastic is thin and will break down over a

period of months. You will end up with a flooded storage space. There are really only a few plastic bottles that are

suitable for recycling as water storage containers.

2-Liter pop bottles

Juice bottle i.e. 1-gallon apple juice jugs and what not

Used water bottles

Some folks will use washed and rinsed out bleach jugs, but this can be risky. The bleach will leach into the plastic

and when filled with water the chances of the bleach leaching back into the water is very high. In an extreme

situation, you could use these old bleach containers, but the water shouldn’t be used for drinking. It would be safe

to use for cleaning dishes or surface areas. Laundry detergent bottles, vinegar bottles and other sturdy plastic

containers will work as well but should only be used to store non-potable water.

To store drinking water in old plastic bottles, you need to do a couple of things first.

1. Rinse the containers thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Fill the bottles half-full with water and about a teaspoon of regular household bleach and swish around.

3. Rinse the bottles thoroughly and allow to air dry.

4. Fill the bottles with tap water and add a drop of bleach. Let the bottle sit open on the counter for 30

minutes. Cap the bottle and write the date it was filled on the bottle. Store the bottles in a cool, dark

place.

You will need to rotate your water stores. It is recommended you do not keep stored water for longer than a year.

Read the household bleach section in the purifying chapter to learn why this is important.

MANMADE PONDS

Manmade ponds are another way to get the most out of your water storage. A pond in the backyard can be a

beautiful addition to your landscaping during normal times and provide life-sustaining water in an emergency. The

ponds we are referring to here are the small ornamental ponds you will often see in landscaping. Larger fish ponds




that cover a large space are tricky and most of the time, there are county restrictions that prohibit these large

manmade ponds.

Making your own pond can be done a couple of different ways. You can buy a kit at a hardware store and be done

with it in no time. Expect to pay $100 to $500 for a small pond complete with the plastic shell and a pump to keep

the water moving. This is important for your pond. You do not want stagnant water that will become a main

attraction for mosquitoes.

You can also make your own pond with a little elbow grease and hard work.

1. Choose an area on your property to dig your pond. Keep in mind; we are only dealing with the small

ornamental ponds.

2. Dig a hole about 2 to 3 feet deep.

3. Line the hole with a sturdy black plastic. You can find plastic rolls at any hardware store. Leave a minimum

of 6 inches overlap along the top edge. Do not stretch the plastic tight. It should be loose enough it will

not tear under the weight of the water. Add a layer of dirt over the plastic around the top edge to hold it

in place.

4. Stack rocks on top of the layer of dirt around the edge of the pond for added weight on the plastic.

5. Install a filtration system or a pump to keep the water moving. These can often be found at pet stores, but

tend to be less expensive at hardware stores. You will need a pump or filter that is large enough for your

pond size. Keep in mind; the filtration system is simply keeping the water moving, preventing it from

being stagnant. It is not cleaning the water for you to drink directly out of the pond.

Depending on the area where you live, your pond will likely need to be filled from time to time. This water will

need to be purified before drinking. It is simply a reservoir for you to store water.

Dogs who see your pond as their personal playground will end up tearing the plastic along the bottom. If

you have animals or wildlife that frequent your yard, it is a good idea to put a fence around your pond.

This is true for families with small children as well.

Plastic will deteriorate over time. You can expect to get about 3 to 5 years out of your plastic before it

breaks down and your pond seeps into the ground.

Old plastic water tanks or fiberglass tanks that are no longer useful can be cut in half and used as a bowl

for your pond. These will last for years.

Those giant satellite dishes from the 80s that tend to fill up landfills and junkyards could also be fashioned

into a shallow pond. You could probably pick one of these up for free!

Old bathtubs are another option. You can find these in junkyards, landfills and occasionally at second-

hand stores for just a few dollars.

SWIMMING POOLS/HOT TUBS

For those who have large swimming pools in their backyards, you are fortunate to have a giant water reservoir

within steps of your home. Hot tubs are also excellent for storing a large amount of water. Despite the chlorine

treatment and the pool filtering system, you will still need to purify this water before you drink it.




PURIFICATION/FILTRATION

Part of your water storage plan must include a way to purify the water. Filtering is also something we have become

accustomed to and tends to make water taste a little better, while making it safe to drink. In this section, we are

going to talk about the differences between purifying water and simply filtering it and the different ways to go

about each of those tasks. This is probably the most crucial information any prepper can have. It could just save

your life one day.

WHY YOU MUST PURIFY ALL WATER

The rule of thumb in any situation is this:

All water is unsafe to drink.

No matter how crystal clear water may look, it should always be considered dirty and unsafe to drink. Drinking

water that is not purified can result in a variety of different health issues. Some may be deadly. The most common

side effects of drinking dirty water are vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms could be caused by bacteria or a

deadly parasite that gets into the gut. When water is scarce, you cannot afford to get dehydrated. Both of those

situations will lead to dehydration.

If you are in an absolutely desperate situation, most experts agree that you can drink a little water from a spring at

the point where it bubbles up from rocks or even rain water. Any other body of water has likely been

contaminated with animal or even human fecal matter. As you probably know, fecal matter often contains E. coli,

which is extremely dangerous and can cause kidney failure and ultimately, death.

PURIFICATION AND FILTRATION—ARE THEY THE SAME?

Purifying and filtration are definitely not the same.

Purification of water removes the things you can’t see like viruses, chemicals and biological contaminants. The

process of purifying water usually involves a chemical cleansing like using bleach or iodine.

Filtration is the process that removes the things you can see from the water like debris via a charcoal filter or

another obvious filter. There are still some hidden particles in the water that cannot be removed with chemical

treatments. Filtration tends to make water taste better. Filtration systems can remove harmful bacteria. Boiling is

yet another way to filter the water. Your best bet is this;

Purification + Filtration=Healthy, clean and safe drinking water.

Some unpleasant particles that could be in water you collect include;

Fecal matter

Giardia lamblia

Cryptosporidium parvum

Bacteria (salmonella and E.coli)

Viruses




You can’t see these things, but they are likely present in most bodies of water. They can make you incredibly ill.

You wouldn’t grab a cup of slimy green water to drink because you can see that it is filthy. But, that clear, blue

mountain stream is just as dirty, you just can’t see it. One mistake people commonly make is they drink water from

a stream or creek and feel just fine. The next day, they still feel good and they may drink a little more assuming the

water is safe. What they don’t realize is that it takes several days for these buggers to wreak havoc on your

digestive track. Just because the water didn’t cause immediate vomiting doesn’t mean it isn’t dirty. It is also

important to realize is all it takes is a little water to make you sick. You don’t have to drink a full cup to ingest the

bacteria and other pathogens lurking in the water.

The following table explains just how small these harmful contaminants are and why they are invisible to the

naked eye. This chart will also help you understand how to choose the right filter. We will talk about filters a little

later in this section.

Giardia lamblia 8 to 12 microns

Cryptosporidium parvum 4 to 6 microns

Bacteria (salmonella - E.coli 0.2 to 4 microns

Viruses 0.004 to 0.1 microns

PURIFICATION TABLETS

Purification tablets are one of the most common ways of purifying water in a survival situation for those who have

planned ahead. The tablets are relatively inexpensive and are made by a number of different manufacturers. They

are easy to use and very effective. The tablets can be sold in bottles or blister packs and take up very little space in

your food and water preps or in a bug out bag.

There are 2 main types of tablets; those that are chlorine dioxide and those that are iodine. Both tablets work the

same and purify the water. The iodine tablets do tend to leave a bit of an off taste to the water, but it won’t hurt

you. Experts tend to lean towards the chlorine dioxide tablets simply because prolonged use of iodine tablets can

have some unwanted side effects and it can be harmful to pregnant women and young children.

We tend to be used to a trace of chlorine in our drinking water and although you may smell it after using one of

the tablets, it is safe to drink and will not cause any ill effects. Keep in mind, once you open a bottle of purification

tablets, they will need to be used within a year. Exposure to air and sunlight will cause the chlorine and/or iodine

to break down and become ineffective. Follow the directions on the packaging for purifying your water. Some

manufacturers will recommend a different number of tablets be used to clean the water. There is also a wait time

you need to adhere to in order to make sure the tablets have completely dissolved and killed off the harmful stuff

in the water. Don’t get in a rush and try to drink the water before the allotted time.

PURIFICATION STRAWS

Purification straws are sold under a variety of names like SteriStraw and Lifestraw. They are miniature filtration

systems. Stick the straw in the water you are going to drink and suck. As the water makes its way through the

straw, it is filtered. The size is not that of a typical straw you would find in a soft drink. It is basically a small pipe,

about 12 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. The filtration system is wrapped inside the plastic pipe. Different

brands will vary in size and weight. The majority of these straw filters weighs just a few ounces and can easily be

carried on a belt or in a bug out bag.


http://organizedprepper.com/collections/chemicals-treatment?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper



It is incredibly important you read the fine print before you buy one of these straws. Some bacteria and viruses are

incredibly tiny. You need a filtration system that is effective enough to filter 0.2 microns (refer to chart above). The

labeling should include phrases like “filters 99.9% of known bacteria” or something along those lines.

Purification straws are incredibly handy when you are on the move. Sometimes it isn’t always easy to collect and

carry water from shallow creeks or streams, but with the filtration straws, you can simply stick one end into the

water and get a cool, clean drink without waiting for a tablet to dissolve or worrying about procuring the water.

Depending on the brand of straw you buy, you can filter anywhere from 20 gallons to 100,000 gallons of water

with just one filter. Another added benefit to storing a few of these filtering straws is the fact there is no shelf life

on them. Unlike most purification treatment methods that expire or will weaken after exposed to the air, filtering

straws will not become ineffective when exposed to air or sunlight.

BOILING

Bringing water to the boiling point is about one of the only sure ways of sterilizing your water. It is simple, cheap

and effective. The water doesn’t have to boil for five minutes or even a minute. It simply needs to reach a

temperature of about 212 degrees. At the first sign of boiling, the water is considered safe to drink. There are

plenty of blogs and experts who advise you to boil the water for 5 minutes or even 30 minutes. This is a waste of

time, fuel and energy. The second the water reaches the boiling point, the harmful bacteria are killed. Boiling it any

longer is just wasting good water by allowing it to evaporate. Another common misconception is you need to boil

the water longer if you are in higher elevations. This is not the case either. The boiling point in the mountains is the

same as the boiling point at sea level.

If you have pulled the water from a pond, river or other source that may have some debris in it, you can run the

water through a piece of material like a bandana, before the boiling process. This will remove the debris and make

it look and taste more palatable.

Water that is still cloudy after boiling should be ran through a filter to remove any additional chemical

contaminants. You can use the following;

Coffee filters

Cheesecloth

Paper Towels (solid white are best)

Cotton cloth like a t-shirt or athletic sock

Please note the above filters are not 100 percent effective at removing chemical contaminants. These filters are

more to get rid of some of the small floating debris that tends to plague most bodies of water. Boiling water

cannot get rid of chemical contaminants. If you know or suspect the water has chemicals in it (cloudiness is usually

a good indicator) you should run it through a filter.

HOMEMADE CHARCOAL FILTER

If you are in dire need of water, you can make your own filter out of charcoal, sand and gravel. Keep in mind; filters

do not purify the water. There is still a risk of viruses or bacteria contaminants being present in the water. The

following is a makeshift water filter you can make from a few things that are likely to be in your environment.

When things are tough, this homemade filter will do until you can boil your water.




1. Find a used water bottle or pop bottle.

2. Remove the lid and cut off the bottom inch of the bottle.

3. Holding the bottle upside down, with the cut side up, add a layer of charcoal. This can be from an old

campfire or a tree that has been struck by lightning.

4. Add a layer of sand on top of the charcoal.

5. Add a layer of gravel or small rocks on top of the sand.

6. For additional filtering, add a layer of greens, like dandelions (that have not been treated with weed killer)

on top of the rocks.

7. If the water is filled with debris, place a corner of your shirt or a bandana across the top (which would

have been the bottom).

8. Place another cup or pail under the bottom of the bottle and pour the water slowly through your filter.

The first water to run through the filter will likely be dark due to the charcoal. It will run clear after a few passes

through the filter. The charcoal in the filter will trap the majority of the bacteria in the water.

You can also make a filter that is solely charcoal. Fill the bottle at least ½ to ¾ full of cool charcoal you have found.

The water should seep through the charcoal. It needs to run slowly through the charcoal to ensure it is being

thoroughly cleaned. If it runs through too fast, start over and make sure to pack the charcoal in the bottle.

PORTABLE FILTERS

There are plenty of portable filters you can store in your vehicle, bug out bag or shelter. Again, it is important to

buy a filter that removes at least 99 percent of bacteria from the water. There are numerous brands to choose

from, although the more expensive brands are not always better. However, the majority of the more expensive

brands do tend to provide better filtering or will filter more gallons of water before becoming ineffective.

Some portable filter options you have include water bottles with filters built in. These bottles can be clipped to a

backpack or stuck in the pouch. It is a water containment system and filtration system all in one. The filter inserts

into the water bottle. When you drink from the spout, the water is pulled through the filter. You will want to have

spare filter cartridges on hand if you are going to use this method.

Pump style water filters are an option as well and are great for sheltering in place situations. Most of these

systems will filter water at about a liter per minute. The filter should be cleaned after each use. Most of the

filtering systems are good for about 2000 liters before the filter will need to be replaced. You don’t have to worry

about keeping track of the amount of water you have run through the filter. An indicator beacon will let you know

when it is time for a fresh one.

Gravity filters are great when you are on the move. The systems typically consist of 2 bags. The “dirty” bag can be

used to scoop water. It will then hang from a tree or branch and drip water through a filtering system to a lower


http://organizedprepper.com/collections/all/water-filters-purifiers?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper



bag. The lower bag holds the clean water and can be carried around. The filtering life of these bags is not as long as

one of the straws or pump filters, but they are effective.

SOLAR STERIPEN

This is a unique way to purify water. The pen produces UV light that kills off 99.9 percent of protozoa, bacteria and

viruses that may be lingering in water. The solar version comes with a solar charger that will charge the pen for

use. The SteriPen purifies a liter of water in about 90 seconds. That is pretty quick and it really does work. Of

course, this is solely a purifier and not a filtering mechanism. It does get rid of one of the most common plagues

that is found in water, giardia lamblia. The mechanism will indicate when the water is purified. If the light flashes

red, the water was not purified. If you can visibly see floating particles, run the water through a bandana and try

again. There are other UV filters on the market, but they all require electricity to operate. This filter is unique

because it can run off solar power or electricity. The pen is lightweight and will not weigh down a pack.

HOUSEHOLD BLEACH

We mentioned bleach earlier as an additive to storing water. Then, if you remember, we talked about only storing

your water for 6 months to a year. This is because bleach breaks down over time and becomes ineffective.

However, if the bleach is fresh, you can use it to purify your water. Preppers will often keep a supply of bleach on

hand with this purpose in mind. As long as the bleach is rotated properly, you can easily store a year’s worth of

water purification. A gallon of bleach will go a long way and it is very inexpensive.

The following table is the amount of bleach you would need to clean water. After you have added the bleach, stir

the water. Allow the water and bleach solution to sit, exposed to air, for about 30 minutes. Cap the jug and add a

label with the date. When drinking water that you have stored with bleach, you will want to let it “breathe” a bit

before drinking. Remove the cap and gently swirl the water around. It may have a faint bleach smell, but it is safe

to drink.

1 quart/1 liter 5 drops

1/2 gallon/2 quarts/2 liters 10 drops

1 gallon 1/4 teaspoon

5 gallons 1 teaspoon

10 gallons 2 teaspoons

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to make water safe to drink. It oxidizes the water when added to dirty or

contaminated water. However, hydrogen peroxide or H2O2, breaks down rather fast, faster than household

bleach. That bottle of peroxide that has been in the bathroom for years is not going to be strong enough to

adequately clean your drinking water. Peroxide must be stored in a dark bottle and exposure to light and air must

be kept to a minimum. Expiration dates really do matter in this case.

It is not one of the favorite methods of cleaning water, but it will do in a pinch. You will need a lot of peroxide to

get the job done. It takes approximately 1/8 of a cup of peroxide per every gallon of water. If peroxide is all you

have, you can use it, but if you are planning ahead, you are better served by storing other water purification

agents.


http://organizedprepper.com/collections/steripen?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper



IODINE

Iodine is inexpensive and can serve multiple purposes in a survival situation, including water purification. You will

want to purchase a bottle that is at least 2 percent iodine and 47 percent alcohol. For every liter of water, you will

need 5 to 10 drops of iodine depending on the condition of the water. If it is especially murky or cloudy, you will

want to add the full 10 drops. If you are purifying a gallon of water, you will need to add 30 drops of iodine.

After adding the iodine, swirl the water and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This gives the iodine time to purify the

water. Do not drink it before the 30 minutes is up. Swirl the water again and it is safe to drink. As was mentioned

earlier, iodine can be dangerous when regularly ingested in high doses. If you can find another alternative to

cleaning your water, it is best to do so.

HOT ROCK PURIFICATION

If you don’t have a pot or can for boiling water in over a fire, you can bring the heat to the water via hot rocks. Hot

rocks will heat the water enough to bring it to a boil and thus ultimately purify the water. This will take several

rocks and you will need a container that is large enough to hold the rocks without the water spilling over. This

method can take some time, but it does work.

1. Gather 6 to 10 small to medium sized stones. The stones should be smaller than your fist and not porous.

The number of rocks you need will depend on the amount of water you are attempting to boil. If the rocks

are muddy, rinse them off before the firing process.

2. Make a fire and place the stones around the edges of the fire. Rocks that are directly in a roaring fire can

actually explode and become dangerous missiles. You will need long sticks or tongs to grab the rocks out

of the fire so consider placement of the rocks carefully.

3. After the rocks have been heated by the fire, add 1 to 2 rocks at a time to the water. The rocks will cool

quickly and you will need to continue to add hot rocks to the water. As the water heats, the rocks will not

cool as fast. Replace the cool rocks already in the water with the fresh hot rocks coming out of the fire.

4. To purify the water, the water must reach 212 degrees. You probably won’t have a thermometer handy so

you will need to look for boiling. As soon as the water boils, remove the rocks and allow the water to cool.

It is now ready for you to drink.

*If you do not have a container that can withstand the hot rocks being placed directly against the material, line the

bottom with leaves to prevent the rocks melting the material.

PROCURING WATER

If you don’t have hundreds of gallons of water at your disposal when the world goes sideways, you are going to

need to be able to procure water to keep you and your family alive. We have already talked about the amount of

water each person needs to survive on a daily basis—1 gallon. That can be a lot of water to pack back to a shelter if

you are not prepared. And that is if you have a body of water to pull from. This section will explain how to find

water and how to collect it from sources that are a little different than the usual lake or well.


http://organizedprepper.com/search?type=product&q=Iodine&utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper



If you have your own well and you plan on sheltering in place, you should have a hand pump on standby. This will

allow you to keep getting water from your well. It is an ideal situation and means you will not have to store as

much water, freeing up your space for other things. However, depending on the catastrophic event that has left

you in a survival situation, your well water may not be safe to drink without purifying and filtering it first.

FINDING WATER

Sometimes the problems isn’t getting the water, it is finding it. If you are in a location that does not have a body of

water immediately visible, you are going to have to look for the water. This can be difficult if you don’t know what

you are looking for. One of the easiest ways to find water is to get to the highest point possible in the terrain and

take a look at the surrounding area. Climb a tree or a hill and complete a 360 degree turn to find water. If you

don’t immediately see the water, look for patches of green. Vegetation is always a sign of water.

Carefully consider long treks. If you see water in the distance, it is best to move your camp or shelter closer to the

water. You cannot afford to make a long hike to get water. This will waste precious calories and in warm weather

leave you needing more water than you can carry.

Each of these methods for finding water will depend greatly on the environment you are in. It is best to have a

good idea about how to find water in all situations because you just never know when you will find yourself

fighting for survival.

FOLLOWING THE TREES

There are several species of trees that thrive near water. In fact, they will only grow in areas where there is plenty

of water available. Take the time to learn how to identify these trees now so that you can use them as beacons for

water in a survival situation. While you are up in that tree we mentioned earlier, look for these trees and you will

have a water supply.

River maple

Cottonwood

River birch

Willow

Cypress

Sycamore

The sycamore tree is extremely easy to see and identify. It may stand out in a stand of trees due to its sheer height

and the white bark. Willows are large and easily identifiable by their weeping branches that tend to hang over a

body of water.

If you don’t immediately see a river or lake, but have positively identified the trees, don’t fret. It means the water

is just below the surface. A little digging and you will find water. It likely means the trees are in a run-off zone and

you can actually follow the direction further down the terrain to find where the water has pooled.

DIGGING

Digging for water should be a last resort in a survival situation unless you have one of the above mentioned

scenarios. Digging for water takes a great deal of energy and will waste precious calories, something that may be in




short supply when you are fighting to survive. Unless you have the right tools to dig and you know it isn’t too far

down, you should avoid digging for water. If it is your only hope, dig a small hole until you find the water. Look for

muddy ground. This is a sure sign the water isn’t too far down. You may need to prospect a bit and dig several

small holes before you find water. If you have a long hollow tube, like bamboo, you can use it to test an area for

the presence of water. If you are in a desert situation, this is the ideal method.

Speaking of desert terrain, cacti hold water. If you come across a cactus, slice it open and you will likely find water.

Never drink water from a cactus that is milky colored. It is poisonous.

FOLLOWING THE ANIMALS

Animals will use their instincts to find water. Pay close attention to any animal tracks. If you see a trend heading in

one direction, follow the tracks. You will likely be led directly to water. Not all animals will be happy to see you, so

use caution. Things like bears, wild boar and various reptiles will be near the water.

Insects will also stick close to water. Look for hordes of mosquitoes or flies. Listen for the sound of mosquitoes,

frogs, crickets and other animals. Birds are another sign of water. Look to the sky and in trees for birds. All living

creatures need water and will instinctively know where to find it. Bees will fly in a straight line from their hive to

water.

HEAD DOWNHILL

That old saying about everything rolls downhill is very true, especially in the case of water. If you are on a hill or

mountainside, just keep heading down. You will run into water eventually. It is important you keep your ears open

and listen for the sounds of running water as well as the animal sounds mentioned above. Sometimes, you can

smell signs of water. Thicker vegetation that is not exposed to a lot of light and lies near water will have a bit of a

rotten, mildew smell. Use all of your senses to find water.

COLLECTING RAINWATER

You can still collect rainwater, even if you do not have a rain barrel or a pond. Ideally, you will want to direct the

rainwater into whatever vessel you are using. A basketball cut in half, pots, and old pools are all great for catching

rainwater. You need a vessel that has a large opening if you do not have a gutter of some type.

If you are sheltering in place, you can use the rain gutters on your home. If you are without a roof or rain gutters,

use large squares of plastic or large leaves as funnels. This will help you capture as much rain water as possible.

And although rainwater is believed to be generally safe enough to drink without any kind of purification or

filtering, it is always best to be safe than sorry. This is especially true if the vessel you have used to catch the water

has been found in the wild.

DRAGGING FOR DEW

If you are in an area with tall grass or other foliage, you can collect the dew from the vegetation first thing in the

morning. This is done by tying cloth like a t-shirt or other rag around your ankles. Walk through the grass. The cloth

will become saturated with the dew you are essentially wiping off the plants. Remove the cloths and wring them


http://organizedprepper.com/collections/shovel?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper



out over a cup, bowl or whatever container you have. This can get you enough water to stay alive until you can find

a larger source.

You can also use a bandana to wipe the dew off the vegetation if there isn’t enough for you to walk through. Wring

the bandana out into the cup for purification. In extreme cases, you can wring the water directly into your mouth.

NATURAL ROCK AND TREE BOWLS

In nature, you can often find natural rock bowls. These natural bowls will often hold pools of water. This is an

excellent source of water and you can often find these under rock outcroppings and near dried river beds. A layer

of rocks in a dried river be will also act as a barrier from the sun and there will typically be some water in the

ground in that one area. You will need to dig a little. Be careful when turning over rocks just in case a scorpion,

poisonous spider or a snake has decided to take up residence.

A trail of ants leading to a hole in a tree is another indicator of a water pool. Bees will also hover around a tree that

is holding water. It is best to use a length of hose to siphon the water out of the tree. If that isn’t an option, you

can stick a cloth into the hole to soak up the water and then ring it out. Hollow stumps are another excellent place

to look for pools of water.

IS POND WATER SAFE?

Despite the putrid smell and the nasty scum floating on the top, pond water is safe to drink AFTER you have

purified it. You will want to filter and purify it first. Pond water will have plenty of floating debris. If you don’t have

a filtration system, pour the water through a t-shirt or other material before boiling it or treating it with a

purification tablet. Pond water isn’t going to be your first choice, but if it is all you can find, you can make it work.

Try to collect water from a spot in the pond that has some movement or a rocky bed.

Sometimes, simply boiling pond water will not rid it of that icky smell. If your purification involves boiling the pond

water, drop a bit of charcoal from your campfire into the pot with your pond water. You will want to let the water

and charcoal simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. The charcoal will help rid the water of the smell and somewhat

pungent taste that accompanies pond water.

SOLAR STILLS

If you are in a desert environment and are in need of water, a solar still may be one of your only options for

procuring water. It will not get you a lot of water, but it can keep you going as you search for a steady supply.

There are a couple of different ways to make a solar still. The following is one of the most common and least

complicated. One bonus to the solar still is the fact you will not need to purify the water you collect. It will have

already been processed by the sun and is considered safe to drink.

What you will need:

2 large rocks or other heavy objects

A can, bowl, pot or other water catching device

A sheet of plastic

Small pebble

Shovel or knife to dig with




1. Dig a hole no wider than the sheet of plastic. It should be about 2-3 inches smaller in diameter than your

piece of plastic. The hole will need to be deep enough for you container to be completely submerged with

an additional 3 to 4 inches from the top of your container to the surface of your hole.

2. Place the container in the middle of the hole.

3. Spread your plastic over the hole and secure it in place with the rocks. It is crucial the plastic completely

seals the hole. If you need to add more rocks to hold the plastic in place, do so. You can also use dirt or

logs to hold the plastic in place.

4. Place a small rock on top of the plastic over the center of your can or bowl. The plastic should not be

touching the lip of the container. You just want to create a downward slope directly over the container.

This will allow the condensation to run into your bowl.

*Add vegetation like green leaves, cactus leaves or damp rags into the hole. This will create additional

condensation. In desperate situations, survivalists will urinate in the hole before placing their bowl in it. The water

in the urine will become condensation and is actually safe to drink.

*Hot temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night are a prime condition for using a solar still.

MAKING SALTWATER SAFE TO DRINK

If you are stranded on an island in the ocean or are along a coastline and cannot find a fresh water supply, you can

use the saltwater from the ocean to survive. Of course, everybody knows drinking saltwater can be deadly, but you

can make it safe via distillation. The solar still can also be used to make saltwater safe to drink.

If you need to turn saltwater into drinking water, gather 2 containers--one small one and one larger one.

Fill the large container with water from the ocean. Place the small container inside the larger one and then

continue on with steps 3 and 4.

The water that evaporates from the saltwater will be trapped inside the plastic and drip into the smaller container.

The water in the smaller container will be safe to drink.

*If you cannot find 2 containers, you can fill the hole with the saltwater and then anchor your only container by

placing a rock in the bottom of it. This will hold it down while the sun heats the saltwater.

MELTING SNOW AND ICE

If you are in a winter situation and there is snow or ice around, you can collect it in pots, water bottles and other

containers. You were probably taught to never eat yellow snow when you were a kid. That applies in this situation

as well—never collect yellow snow! All snow and ice will need to be purified after it has melted. Although some

people feel snow is safe to drink without purification, you just never know what else has walked through that snow

or fallen into the snow.




*NEVER eat snow if it is cold outside. This puts you at an increased risk of hypothermia by dropping your core

body temperature. It can also dehydrate you because your body must expend more energy to melt the snow.

You will need to collect a great deal of snow in order to get enough water to drink. If you have a fire going, place

your container of snow or ice near the fire to allow it to melt quicker. If you don’t have a fire, wrap the container in

a blanket or leaves to start the melting process. Water bottles can be put into socks and carried to melt the snow.

You can also put the snow in the direct sunlight.

You can fill a garbage bag with snow and hang it from a branch to allow the sun to melt the water. You can also do

this with a pillowcase. You will want to put a pot below the pillowcase to catch the melting water. If temperatures

are extremely cold out, you will need to have a fire going to help melt the snow. Make sure you put the hanging

garbage bag or pillow case near the fire and not directly over it.

If you have a reflective survival blanket that you do not need for a short time, you can spread it out and put snow

on top to melt. Ideally, you will want to fashion a bowl out of your blanket to keep the water from spilling out. If

there is a lot of snow on the ground, you can make a crater in the snow and put the blanket inside.

You can expect to get about an inch of water from 10 inches of snow. If you are using a deep pot and fill it to the

top with snow, you can expect a tenth of it to remain after the melting process. Fluffy, dry snow may produce even

less water.

*You can speed up the process of the snow melt by adding a little of your current water supply to the pot or

container holding your snow.

CONDENSATION

You can get water from leaves and other green vegetation. It must be green! You will also need to have a pretty

good idea about what plants are poisonous. You don’t want to drink water from poison oak or poison ivy. This

method is not a permanent source of water. It should only be used in emergency and as a way to get you by until

you can find a larger water source. Condensation does not produce a lot of water. You can expect to get less than a

quarter cup or so from each setup.

The following set of instructions will explain how to use leafy greens and a bag to collect water.

1. Tie a garbage bag or other empty plastic bag around the limb of a leafy green tree or a bush. Choose limbs

that receive direct sunlight.

2. The bag should hang slightly off the limb to allow the water to pool at the bottom.

3. Leave the bag hanging overnight and throughout the day. The sun will warm the leaves and produce

condensation. The condensation will drop to the bottom of the bag.

After 12 to 24 hours, you will remove the bag and pour the water into your pot for purifying. If you are in a

desperate situation, you could drink it without going through the purifying process. If you know the plants have

been treated with chemicals, it is best to at least filter the water before ingesting.




You can also use an old 2-liter pop bottle or a water bottle to get water from vegetation. Put leaves inside the

bottle and seal it with the lid. Place the bottle in the sun and the water in the leaves will seep out and into your

container.

*Know your plants and never try to use this method with poisonous plants like poison oak or poison ivy.

DRINKING FROM PLANTS

Some plants and trees will hold fluid inside the roots, stems and trunks. Remember Tom Hanks in “Castaway?” He

drank coconuts to survive. That is accurate, but as you may also remember, he explained it is a natural laxative.

Drinking coconut milk can keep you alive until you find a source of water, but do so sparingly. Diarrhea can lead to

dehydration. Green or unripe coconuts are your best option. The liquid hasn’t quite matured to the point that it

becomes a laxative.

The following plants hold water. Make sure all water you collect gets purified before drinking. You never know

what kind of insects and what not have went swimming in the water before you found it.

Plantain

Banana trees-The water is in the base of the tree. Once you cut off the trunk, wait for a bit and the water

from the roots will seep into the hollowed out stump.

Green Bamboo

Tropical vines will also hold water- You will need to slice off one end of a vine and angle it down to allow

the water to flow out.

Palm trees-Bend one of the stalks that are flowering downward to allow the liquid to drip out. It is a

sugary substance that is sweet tasting.

WATER WARNING SIGNS

After purifying and filtering the water, look at it before you start drinking. There are some warning signs you need

to be on the lookout for. In some cases, purifying or filtering the water may not always be enough. There are some

key signs of poison that cannot be filtered or purified away.

Milky colored

Bitter taste

Sticky or gooey

If you are desperate and the only water available is from a source that is contaminated with chemicals or other

poison, you can dig a hole about 9 feet from the body of water. The water will seep into the hole. The process of

going through the dirt and gravel will help filter out the contaminants. You will still need to purify the water before

drinking. This should only be a last resort.

IS URINE REALLY AN OPTION?

You have probably seen or heard about people drinking their own urine to survive. The theory is the urine is

purified by the kidneys and therefore safe to consume. Here’s the thing, your kidneys do filter out a lot of the dirty

stuff in your urine when you are hydrated. As you become dehydrated, your kidneys are not filtering much,




because there is no intake. The urine becomes darker because the kidneys are struggling to filter it. If you were to

drink dark-colored urine when you are dehydrated, you would essentially be drinking all the nasty stuff your body

is trying to get rid of. Your kidneys would have to work harder to try and filter the dirty urine you just ingested.

There is no easy answer to this one. If you are desperate, then a little urine once or twice is considered to be safe.

However, if the urine is dark and you are already bordering on dehydration, you are risking your health. Experts

say you could add about a day, possibly two to your survival by drinking your own urine.

CONCLUSION

Water is the most important tool in survival. Simply put, without water, you will die within 3 days. There are plenty

of people who have learned the hard way that water found in the wild is not safe to drink. If you manage to survive

the horrible side effects caused by water laden with parasites and bacteria, you will be left extremely weak and will

be unable to do what you need to do to live. It is never worth the risk.

You have 3 days to find water if you haven’t stored any. Don’t put off your search for water until the third day.

Even if you do have water stored, you need to start thinking of the future. What if services are not restored within

30 days, 60 days or whatever the amount of water stores you have on hand? It is too critical to ignore. That old

saying, never put off to tomorrow what you can do today, applies in the case of storing water for survival. Take the

time today to store water and the tools necessary for cleaning water in a survival mode.

ABOUT ORGANIZED PREPPER, LLC

Organized Prepper, LLC is a family run organization based in Texas dedicated to providing information and supplies

to those who would like to be more prepared for whatever curve-balls the universe wants to throw at them.

Regardless of if you are concerned about a full blown TEOTWAWKI event or just minor power outages or even a

stalled car…we want to help you be ready. We’re here to help the “newbie prepper” get going.

At our site you’ll find two informative blogs and an ever growing list of products to help you prepare.

Getting Prepped is a blog focused primarily on how to go about prepping the “Organized” way

Always Prepping…Never Ready is a little more “free-form” blog touching on all kinds of prepper topics

We currently carry several brands of storage food, emergency kits, archery & crossbow supplies, solar kits, water

systems, and all kinds of other prepping gear. The list of products and product categories is growing all the time so

be sure to check back or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.



http://organizedprepper.com/blogs/getting-prepped?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper

http://organizedprepper.com/blogs/always-prepping-never-ready?utm_source=organizedprepper&utm_medium=whitepaper&utm_campaign=water_whitepaper

water liquid gold- prepper report

Documents

water storage

bottled water

water tanks

survival situation

organized prepper

liquid gold

purification tablets

purification straws