Strategies for Enduring a Week Without Access to Running Water
Published on September 20, 2020
In today's world, it's crucial to find ways to conserve water and ensure safe hydration, especially during outdoor activities or in emergency situations. Two effective tools for achieving this are rain barrels and portable water filters.
Rain barrels, such as the Great American Rain Barrel with a capacity of 60 gallons, and other similar products, offer an excellent way to conserve water and reduce environmental impact. By collecting rainwater from rooftops via gutters, these barrels allow you to use this captured water for outdoor needs like gardening and landscaping, thereby reducing your municipal water consumption and lowering your water bill.
The benefits of using rain barrels extend beyond water conservation. By capturing rainwater, they help reduce stormwater runoff that carries pollutants into local waterways, thus protecting ecosystems and reducing urban flooding. Rain barrels are also relatively easy to install and maintain, making them an accessible conservation tool for homeowners. Many local conservation districts offer workshops and sales events to help residents build and maintain rain barrels effectively.
When using rain barrels, it's essential to follow best practices to ensure their effectiveness. Proper installation involves using food-grade plastic barrels with spigots, hole saws, and screens to prevent debris and mosquitoes from entering the barrel. Seal connections carefully to avoid leaks, and incorporate an overflow valve or tubing to divert excess water safely during heavy rains. Avoid using rain barrel water for drinking or cooking without proper treatment, and clean barrels and screens regularly to prevent algae growth and mosquito breeding.
For situations where clean drinking water is needed from uncertain sources, portable water filters like the LifeSaver Jerrycan or Cube are invaluable. These filters can remove bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making water from these sources safe to drink, crucial for outdoor activities, emergencies, and disaster preparedness. Devices like the LifeSaver Jerrycan or Cube are designed for ease of transport and use in remote locations, providing clean water on demand.
Using portable filters reduces reliance on bottled water, minimizing plastic waste. When using portable filters, it's essential to follow manufacturer instructions, pre-filter if needed, regularly clean and replace filter cartridges, and store filters in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent contamination and damage.
In conclusion, rain barrels like those from Great American Rain Barrel offer an effective way to conserve water and reduce environmental impact, especially for irrigation, if installed and maintained correctly. Portable water filters like the LifeSaver Jerrycan/Cube provide essential clean drinking water in various contexts, emphasizing safety and mobility. Combining these tools supports both outdoor water conservation and safe hydration needs.
Written by Nicole Faires.
[1] Rain Barrel Fact Sheet. (n.d.). University of California Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://cecentralcoast.ucanr.edu/files/270566.pdf [2] Rain Barrels. (n.d.). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/rain-barrels [3] Water-Saving Tips for the Home and Garden. (2019, August 26). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/water-saving-tips-home-and-garden [4] Stormwater Management. (n.d.). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/stormwater-management [5] Plants That Love Rainwater. (n.d.). University of California Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/urbanhort/files/286474.pdf
In the realm of home-and-garden, incorporating rain barrels into your outdoor-living space can promote sustainable-living by reducing water consumption and environmental impact. For instances when pure water is vital, portable water filters are ideal for ensuring safe hydration during outdoor activities or emergency situations.
