Customer Service:
Emergency Information
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If disaster strikes, will you be Water-Ready?
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CARPINTERIA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT PRESENTS
"WATER LINES ARE LIFELINES" |
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GUIDELINES FOR STORING
AND TREATING YOUR EMERGENCY WATER SUPPLY |
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Water is
essential to life, and in our modern society,
availability of water is taken for
granted. But in disasters, the water flow we all count
on may not be there.
The Carpinteria Valley Water District, and other
agencies responsible for emergency
planning and preparedness, urge you to be waterwise in
disasters. This means taking
steps now to store water for you and your family so you
can survive several days if
the public water supply is disrupted by a natural
catastrophe. |
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How much
water do I need to store?
Store 1-2 gallons of safe water per person per day.
Store enough water to last each person at least three
(3) days. More is better. (Consider pets and the
possibility that you might have visitors present when
disaster strikes.)
Store 1-2 gallons of purchased distilled water for any
individuals with chronic health problems including
weakened immune systems.
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Why do we
need to store water for use in disasters?
In the event of a major earthquake or other disaster,
CVWD water lines could be shut down for several days.
Your family’s ability to survive depends
on an adequate supply of “safe” water for drinking and
food preparation. Water is “safe” only if it is tap
water that has been properly stored, or if it is
store bought bottled water that has been properly
stored. |
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How long
can water be stored?
Replace your stored water every six months. You can do
it when you reset your clocks to and from daylight
savings time. Label your stored water containers with
the date it was stored.
Specially sealed, airtight pouches of
water may be stored up to five years (check the label).
These may be purchased where earthquake supplies are
sold. |
How and where should I
store my emergency water supply?
Store tap water in airtight, clean, food-grade plastic containers.
(Do not store in glass or used
milk containers.) Place all containers (tap water, bottled water or
pouches) in a cool, dark,
easy-to-reach location, secure from
animals. (Examples: in the
back of closets, under beds and tables, behind a sofa)
Avoid storing the water in garages or attics where it can get too
hot. |
Should I treat my stored water before using it?
Water properly stored is safe to drink. Only treat your stored water
if:
- Labels show the water has been stored longer than six months
- The water has an unusual odor
- The container is leaking
- The seal does not appear to be airtight
- You have any concerns about the water’s safety
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If my stored water needs to be treated before using it in a
disaster, how do I do it?
Be prepared to use either of two methods to make your stored water
safe. Include in your emergency / disaster supplies a heat source
such as a camping stove (do NOT use barbecues), a clean pot,
measuring spoons or a clean medicine dropper, and a sealed bottle of
regular, unscented liquid bleach. Bleach should also be replaced
every six months.
Treatment Option #1: Boil your stored water for at least one minute,
let cool, then drink or use to prepare food. Boiling is the
preferred treatment method.
Treatment Option #2: Add a measured 1⁄4 teaspoon, or 16, drops, of
bleach to each gallon of water.
Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste
and smell is normal. |
Are there other sources of water I can use in an emergency?
Yes, for
some purposes. Water from
the water heater, toilet tank, pool or hot tub can be used with soap
for washing down surfaces, cleaning tools, and washing your body.
Your stored water is meant to keep you alive; use it only for
drinking and food preparation. If you run out of stored drinking
water, you can use the water from
your water heater for drinking after you strain it and treat it. To
strain it, pour it through a clean cloth or layers of paper towels.
Then treat this water following the directions given in the
previous answer. |
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Carpinteria Valley
Water District
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1301 Santa Ynez
Ave
Carpinteria, CA 93013 |
WATER TIP
Manage pool water to avoid frequent
draining and refilling and save up to 20,000 gallons per year. Learn
the legal, water smart way to drain your pool. |
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