Emergency Sources of Drinking Water

When the water supply to your home is interrupted by a crisis or disaster, you can melt ice cubes or drain your hot water tank to obtain drinking water.

In a crisis, it is important to follow the advice of your local health department. If such advice is different from any of the advice given here, be sure to give priority to the advice of local authorities.

When the water supply to your home is interrupted by a crisis or disaster, you can melt ice cubes or drain your hot water tank to obtain drinking water.

Well water is generally the best source of drinking water. If water from a river or lake must be used, avoid water with an odor or dark color and sources containing trash and floating materials.

Look at the water. Is it cloudy, murky, or dark? If so, let it settle for a while. Next, use clean cloths to filter it. Disinfectants work best in clear, not cloudy, water. Pour the clear water to be disinfected into clean containers of a material that does not rust and cover them tightly.

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