🚨 Critical: After 3 days without water, performance drops drastically.
After 5-7 days survival is endangered. Water has absolute priority!
1. Calculate Minimum Supply
| People | 3 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 Liters | 42 Liters | 90 Liters |
| 2 | 18 Liters | 84 Liters | 180 Liters |
| 4 | 36 Liters | 168 Liters | 360 Liters |
Note: This is the survival minimum (drinking + hygiene). For comfort (showering, washing) you need 20-50 liters per person/day.
2. Store Water
- Drink crates: 1.5L bottles are ideal (stackable, easy to transport)
- Water canisters: 10L or 20L (garden market, camping store)
- Rain barrel: At least 200L, covered, dark storage
- Bathtub: Fill it before blackout (approx. 150-200L)
- Water heater: 80-150L additional (boil before drinking!)
3. Water Shelf Life
| Storage Type | Shelf Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchased water (sealed) | 2-5 years | Dark, cool (<15°C) |
| Self-filled | 6-12 months | Boil + chlorine/silver ions |
| Rainwater | Unlimited | But: Filter + boil needed |
| Tap water (bottled) | 6 months | Screw cap, not plastic bottles |
4. Drinking Water from Unknown Sources
Always filter + disinfect!
4.1 Filter (removes particles)
- Coffee filter/cloths: Coarse particles (mud, leaves)
- Commercial water filter: Microorganisms (0.1-5 micrometers)
- Ceramic candle filter: Bacteria (0.2 micrometers) - very reliable!
- Improvised filters: Layers of charcoal (campfire!), sand, gravel, cotton/cloth
4.2 Disinfect (kills germs)
| Method | Duration | Amount (per liter) | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling | 1-3 minutes | - | 99.9% (best method!) |
| Chlorine tablets | 30 minutes | 1 tab/20L | 99% |
| Bleach (4%) | 30-60 min | 2 drops/L | 99% |
| Iodine (2% solution) | 30 min | 5 drops/L | 99% |
| UV light (sun) | 6 hours | - | 90-95% |
| Silver ions (colloidal silver) | 2-4 hours | 1-2 drops/L | 85-95% |
⚠️ Important: Combine filter + disinfection!
Filtering alone removes no viruses. Boiling alone removes no chemicals.
5. Alternative Water Sources in House
- Toilet tank: 5-10L (upper flush, not lower!)
- Water heater: 80-150L (turn off before removal!)
- Heating water: Only for hygiene (contains chemicals!)
- Washing machine: Remaining water in hose and drum
- Plant saucers: Emergency only
6. Checklist: Water Supply
- ☐ 3 liters drinking water/person/day (minimum)
- ☐ Water filter (ceramic/candle filter recommended)
- ☐ Disinfectant (chlorine tabs, bleach, or cooking option)
- ☐ Rain barrel/water barrel (min. 200L)
- ☐ Drinking water hose (never used for garden/heating!)
- ☐ Water canisters (10-20L, stackable)
- ☐ Silver foil/aluminum foil (protect water from light)