Civic Communications Specialist
833 Boonville
Springfield, MO 65802
417-862-9284
burtond@missouri.edu
March 19, 2008
Getting Clean Water in an Emergency
Most people could live a long time without food as long as they had some water according to Terry Egan, nutrition specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
"The body's most important need is for water," said Egan.
After a natural disaster, nutrition specialists recommend that homeowners consider all water from wells, cisterns and other delivery systems in the disaster area as unsafe until tested.
EMERGENCY SOURCE
According to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension, most homes today have a reserve supply of water built into them. The hot water heater or water pressure tank would supply many gallons of emergency water.
First, turn off the electric or gas supply to the heater. Turn off the gas at the intake valve or turn off the electric at the circuit breaker for the water heater, or unplug the unit. A person can obtain water by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
"In the event of any major disaster affecting area water, you can prevent contaminated water from entering your house by closing the main water valve," said Schultheis.
To use the water still in the pipes, turn on the faucet that is located at the highest point in your house. This lets air into the system. Now, draw water as needed from the faucet that is located in the lowest point in the house.
If the main water valve is closed, be sure that gas to heat water is turned off to prevent overheating.
TREATING WATER
"When a safe supply of water is not available, or if, due to the disaster, your usual supply becomes unsafe for drinking, you must treat the water before it can be used for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth," said Egan.
There are two ways of treating water: boiling or adding bleach. If the supply has been made unsafe because of untreated surface water (floods, streams or lakes), boiling is the better treatment.
"If the water looks cloudy, it should be filtered before treating. You may use coffee filters, towels (paper or cotton), cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel. Use several layers for best results. You can also use filters designed for camping and backpacking," said Egan.
For more information or publications on disaster related topics dealing with issues important to the home, family or farm, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center nearest you or visit this website: http://extension.missouri.edu.
Source: Terry Egan (417) 866-3039
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