Water purification
Knowing the principles of how to Find, Store and Make clean water is of utmost importance in an emergency. Clean water and sanitation are crucial after a disaster to prevent deadly outbreaks of waterborne diseases (like cholera, thphoid, E.coli) caused by contaminated water sources and broken infrastructure. Immediate survival is threatened by dehydration, infection and illness.
The law of provident living
When it comes to surviving the journey of life, and confronting whatever obstacles appear in your path, there are 4 hierarchical principles. This is simply called
THE LAW OF PROVIDENT LIVING
1)SPIRITUAL - Your personal understanding and testimony of who you are and the bigger picture of Eternal life and God's plan for all of us is the very core of what sets apart a survivor and contributor in tough times. Your spiritual health, meaning your relationship with GOD should be your #1 priority. With this base, you can receive divine instruction for your personal situation, warnings and recall needed information in the moment of need, beyond anything the world or internet could provide.
2) ATTITUDE - Your outlook on little things in life will cultivate habits that will affect how you respond in difficult times. Practice and habit now will pay dividends. A positive resilient attitude is crucial in disasters, helping you stay calm and able to focus on your ability to act and problem solve. Your attitude will transform overwhelming situations into manageable tasks.
3) KNOWLEDGE - This is more than just the acquiring of information, but is also the experience of applying it. Knowledge = Information + Experience. If you have knowledge, than you will know what you need, how to get it, and how to use it. The best equipment in the world is no good if you do not know how to use it properly or have experience or practice doing it.
4) STUFF - Acquiring the equipment needed is still vital, but will not save you if you do not have the 3 prior principles in place. STUFF WILL NOT SAVE YOU. Some stuff (like a parachute) is just not available after an emergency begins (Falling out of a plane). Simple, cost effective acquisition of the vital equipment now, is wise, preparing for a time when it will not be available.
"I urge you to take steps to be temporally prepared. But I am even more concerned about your spiritual and emotional preparation."
President Russel M. Nelson
Embrace The Future With Faith
October 2020 General Conference
Don't die of dysentry
Water is essential for Survival, but contaminated water is very deadly
Understanding the Laws and Principles of water purification gives us the knowledge to problem solve and adapt the need to make clean water regardless of the variables involved in any scenario.
We have been blessed to live in a society with endless clean water that is always accessible. Since we do not have experience dealing with water borne pathogens, when clean water becomes scarce and accessible water is contaminated, disease and sickness will become very prevalent and deadly, especially in scenarios with limited medical and sanitation resources.
While surface water may be fine now, during emergency conditions, such as after a natural disaster, you should plan for being able to deal with the worst water situations.
.jpg)
you will need to be able to address all 4 of these types of pathogens to have safe water
Different and multi-step techniques are needed to address each Pathogen
you and your family need to have multiple plans for water in an emergency
-
PLAN A
-
PLAN B
-
PLAN C
-
PLAN D
Plan A) Water Storage
Plan B) Boil
Plan C) long-term filtration
Plan D) Renewable Filters
You don't know the scenario or duration of the next emergency your family may need to face.
It may be a simple city-issued boil order for a few days,
It may be fixing the plumbing for a few days
BUT
when clean water becomes unavailable, you need to be able to know where to get water and make it safe for your family.
In many scenarios, such as a natural disaster, you simply do not know how long you will need to be able to take care of your family. You will need to have multiple ways to provide necessities such as water.
Why can't I just boil?
Boiling is a great plan...
As long as you have FUEL
Boiling is a great plan! As long as you have fuel. Boiling will render the water safe of all Pathogens (though it will not improve taste or texture).
BUT...
Few people realize how much fuel it will take to boil water long term, and it is difficult for most people to store adequate amounts of fuel. Plus, in many scenarios, precious fuel will need to be reserved for cooking. Emergency fuel can also be very dangerous to use indoors without proper knowledge or equipment.
If this is a minor, short term emergency - YES boil water. But have other plans that don't rely on fuel.
During a disaster, all surface water is contaminated and dangerous to consume
-
Rivers
-
Streams
-
lakes
-
Ponds
-
Irrigation
-
Rainfall
Consider an Earthquake scenario, Plumbing (both clean water and waste water) are easily damaged and take considerable cost, time and man-power to repair. Damaged systems, even more localized ones, can quickly contaminate surface water.
There are numerous realistic scenarios that could contaminate Springville's water for considerable time.
-
Earthquake
-
Hazardous waste spill from Rail-lines
-
Spring floods
-
Sewage breakdown
Families should be prepared to have safe water for short to extended (at least 2 weeks) amounts of time
There are 5 basic treatments to make water safe to consume
-
HEAT
-
FILTRATION
-
CHEMICALS
-
ABSORPTION
-
UV RADIATION
FOR VERY CONTAMINATED WATER IN A GRID-DOWN WORLD, YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO USE 3 OR MORE OF THESE METHODS IN A SERIES TO UNSURE SAFE WATER.
The effectivity matrix above shows what treatment methods work on which dangerous pathogens. Aside from boiling, there is no one solution that can kill the bacteria, protozoa and viruses present in contaminated water.
This is why it is important to have a treatment system that uses various methods.
It is of equal importance to have the basic knowledge of how to neutralize these pathogens with the materials you may have at hand.
Lets Dive Deeper
Double-Click on each of the links below for further information
Water Storage
You have abundant clean water NOW! what are some easy, simple, cheap steps ANYONE can take today to store water as a buffer against stress or tragedy.
Commercial Filters - pitfalls
More expensive isn't better. There are lots of products available on the market. Lets look at some basic truths and principles of water filtration so that you can make your own decisions on what might be practical for your situation.
