Frontier Properties

Water is the MOST critical survival resource. A human can survive weeks without food but only days without water. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Stockpiling Water
   • Minimum Requirement: Store at least one gallon per person per day for at least two weeks.
   • Storage Options: Use food-grade containers, sealed bottles, or large water barrels (55-gallon drums work well).
   • Rotation Matters: Store in a cool, dark place and rotate every six months to prevent stagnation.
2. Purification Methods
   • Boiling: The simplest and most reliable method—bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
   • Filtration Systems: Portable filters (e.g., LifeStraw, Berkey) remove bacteria and protozoa.
   • Chemical Treatment: Household bleach (unscented) can disinfect water—use 8 drops per gallon and let sit for 30 minutes.
   • UV Light Sterilization: Devices like SteriPEN use ultraviolet light to kill pathogens.
3. Alternative Water Sources
   • Rainwater Collection: Use food-safe barrels to collect and filter rainwater.
   • Lakes, Rivers, and Streams: Always filter and purify before consumption.
   • Well Water: If using a private well, ensure it has a manual pump backup in case of power outages.
4. Water for Hygiene & Sanitation
   • Non-Potable Water: Store extra for bathing, cleaning, and toilet flushing.
   • Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Reduce water usage for personal hygiene.
   • Portable Toilets & Waste Disposal: Plan for sanitation when plumbing fails—composting toilets or lined buckets work in emergencies.
5. Long-Term Water Solutions
   • Desalination (If Near the Ocean): Some portable devices remove salt and make seawater drinkable.
   • Solar Still: Uses evaporation to purify water—slow but effective.
   • Community Water Plans: If living in a drought-prone area, consider neighborhood-level water storage solutions.
6. Backup Water Supplies
   • Bottled Water: Keep extra cases in case your primary supply is compromised.
   • Water Bladders: Bathtub bladders (e.g., WaterBOB) store emergency water quickly.
   • Hidden Sources: Water heater tanks and toilet tanks (not the bowl) hold emergency water.
7. Know Your Weak Spots
   • Filtration Knowledge? A water filter is useless if you don’t know how to maintain it.
   • Backup Plans? What happens if your main water source is contaminated?
   • Mental Preparedness? Panic leads to dehydration—know your plan and act quickly.

Final Note: In many short-term disasters or temporary service interruptions, water supply remains intact. Water infrastructure is typically one of the last services to fail in a crisis. However, in large-scale or long-term emergencies, access to clean water can become a major concern. While it’s unlikely that most people will ever face a total loss of water access, preparing for worst-case scenarios ensures peace of mind and maximum readiness.