How To Hide Your Water
If there’s not enough water to go around, use these tricks to stay hydrated and safe.
Hello everyone, this is Rob Raskin, and this week I want to discuss a topic that is of great importance to people like me who live in Las Vegas—water. More than anything else, water is the most critical element of your survival. Without it, you’d be lucky to live more than three days.
You don’t have to be in the middle of the desert to experience drought conditions. If you depend on a pond, creek, or lake for your water, don’t take it for granted, because it could dry up or become contaminated for a number of reasons. After TEOTWAWKI you could potentially lose your water supply through natural events, by accidental means, or even though a deliberate act of sabotage.
Aside from survival, without water you are making yourself and your loved ones vulnerable to disease. Germs spread readily in unsanitary conditions, and you need water to keep things clean. You’ll also need water for your cooking needs.
Having your own stash of water where others can see it will make you vulnerable to predators who are willing to take what’s yours—or even kill for it—in order to ensure their own survival. Understanding your water storage options and how to keep your water safely hidden is your key to getting through a drought alive.
How To Hide Your Water
If you want to avoid the catastrophic consequences of losing your water to theft, you’ll have to know how to hide it while still being able to access it easily if you need to. Believe it or not, after the SHTF you will have to guard your water as closely as you do your firearms. One thing to keep in mind is you should use many different types of containers so if looters find one, they won’t find another.
This guide will teach you how to keep your water for your own needs instead of losing it to those who didn’t prepare.
A Word About Plastic Containers
For your health and safety, only food grade quality plastic containers to store your water. Beggars can’t be choosers, and if you wait until after an apocalyptic event to gather containers, you’ll have to take whatever you can find. That’s why it pays to invest in #2 HDPE BPA-free containers now, when you can make sure you have the best quality.
No matter what kind of container you use, it is recommended that you rotate your supply every six months to make sure you’re using the oldest water first. Keep your containers out of the direct sun, in the coolest possible location where they can be safely concealed.
55-Gallon Drum
When you think of stored water, most likely it is these large, blue barrels that comes to mind. It is certainly what thieves will be looking for when they’re dying of thirst. It’s easy to see why 55-gallon drums are so popular. Each one holds enough water for one person for three to four months. This is precisely why you’ll need to bury your water drums underground, using a siphon attachment to access the water when you need it.
If you live in an area where it freezes, be sure to leave plenty of room in the barrels and avoid overfilling them.
20-Gallon Water Box
These cardboard boxes contain four mylar bags, each of which can hold five gallons of water. These can be directly filled from your sink, assuming you still have running water. If you’re going to buy these 20-gallon containers, fill them while you still can.
5-Gallon Stackable Containers
If you need water containers you can stack and easily carry, these 5-gallon stackable containers are an ideal choice. This is a lighter, durable alternative that can help reduce the growth of bacteria in your water supply due to the fact they are typically built from 90 mils UN rated plastic.
Plastic Jugs
And speaking of plastic, when you’re in a bind, any plastic jug will do. In an ideal situation, you’ll only reuse jugs that originally contained water. But let’s face it, once the grid is down you may be very far from an ideal situation. In a pinch, you can also reuse milk and juice jugs. Just be aware, doing so means running the risk of increased bacterial growth that can destroy your supply.
Canned Water
For a durable option, choose canned water, which is sold in one-year and three-month supplies. This kind of water contains added minerals. This is not only healthy for you, it also creates water with increased alkalinity that contributes to a longer shelf life.
Water Bottles and Pouches
This is the ideal choice if you need something small, portable, and durable. You’ll appreciate the convenience of being able to buy them by the case.
Join me, Rob Raskin, again for the next installment of our three-part series. In Part 2, we’ll discuss what you’ll need to pack in your drought survival kit.
Bugging in? Here’s how to prepare for a drought.
Top 10 tips for drought survival, brought to you by the Modern Survivalist.