How long can you live without water?

While it is true that the human body can survive without food for approximately 1-2 months (though this can vary depending on factors such as individual health, activity levels, and environmental conditions), the timeframe for survival without water is much shorter. On average, a person can only survive for about 3 days without water.

Water is essential for many physiological processes in the body, including regulating body temperature, maintaining organ function, and transporting nutrients. Dehydration, or a lack of sufficient water in the body, can lead to severe health complications and even death.

Is rain water harvesting the solution?

In emergency situations, such as during a disaster or when municipal water supply is disrupted, it is crucial to have access to clean, uncontaminated water. Rainwater harvesting can be a potential source of water in such situations, as rainwater is generally considered to be relatively pure. However, it is important to ensure that proper collection and storage methods are followed to prevent contamination.

It is always recommended to have an emergency supply of water on hand, along with a plan for accessing safe water sources in case of emergencies. This may include storing bottled water, having water purification methods or equipment available, and knowing how to collect and store rainwater safely if feasible in your location. It’s also important to stay informed about local water advisories and follow recommended guidelines for water usage during emergencies.

How do you actually do water harvesting?

But how do get water in case the municipal water supply does not work anymore? According to Mike Adams – the Health Ranger – the best water to use is rainwater. It is the least contaminated and you can collect it without electricity. Rainwater harvesting is the new thing! But don’t take my word for it, have a quick look at this video:

What can you do about the water itself?

Water at its source may contain bacteria. One solution is to use real silver as in silver coins as a water preservation agent.

Silver’s renowned antibacterial properties stem from its ability to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Silver ions are released into liquids and surfaces and can penetrate bacterial cells, disrupting their metabolic processes and inhibiting their survival. By binding to the bacteria’s cell membranes and obstructing nutrient uptake, silver ions ultimately lead to cell death.

In times of crisis, silver can be a valuable resource for those seeking to live off-grid and adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Pure silver can be utilized to treat water, preventing the growth of bacteria that could render it unsafe for human consumption.

Furthermore, silver can be employed to create surfaces with antibacterial properties, promoting proper hygiene and offering protection against diseases. Incorporating silver into everyday items can help ensure a cleaner environment and reduce the spread of harmful microorganisms.

Alternatives to silver coins

If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives to silver coins, there are other options to consider. Some preppers and survival enthusiasts opt for silver metal drops or colloidal silver to treat water for bacteria. This method is simple and requires only a few drops of colloidal silver in a water container. It’s important to note that colloidal silver can be expensive and must be used with caution to avoid water discoloration from using too much.

Another option is using silver wire to purify water. You can also consider using water bottles with a silver lining for water purification. Look for water bottles with interior silver lining when making a purchase. The silver lining in the bottle kills bacteria in the water, making it safe to drink.

Where do I start?

To connect with a pro in rainwater harvesting design, go to rainwaterdesigners.com. Once you have your system set up and to get your tank cleaned and ready to store that precious water, book a cleaning with Environmental Cistern Cleaning Inc.

Rainwater Collection – illegal or not?

Whether you are a serious prepper, or just want to collect some water for garden & household use, you need some sort of a rainwater collection system. If you live in Canada, you are lucky, as it is not a criminal offence to collect rainwater in Canada (at least not yet!) as per my latest Google search. The right to harvest rain is determined by the provincial government and municipal bylaw. If you need help in the design, check out our local connections on our links page under rainwater harvesting.

If you live in the United States, however, you may not be so lucky… Colorado and Utah have apparently the heaviest regulations in that regard, so check your local laws!

We came across an article that gives tips on setting up a rainwater collection system. Please read the article Prepper essentials: Tips for setting up a rainwater collection system by Zoey Sky from September 2022 to get all the details. There is also a ‘How To’ video further down on that article.

Entering a cistern is dangerous

Entering a cistern without prior knowledge and training can do more harm than good. There are hazards in the manual cleaning of a cistern, including oxygen deficiency, uncontrolled increase in liquid level, and a slippery surface. Even professionals trained to work in confined spaces are at risk of these dangers. When an accident occurs, there will be expenses from damage to property, hospitalization bills, and worse, death of personnel.

Going inside a cistern – not so cool!

To eliminate risks of safety-related accidents, we at Environmental Cistern Cleaning Inc. employ environmentally sustainable cleaning methods that do not require technicians to enter cisterns. In other companies that perform manual cistern cleaning, water is removed from the cistern before the entry of the cleaner. After that, the cleaner will scrub all the surfaces using bleach; this will be followed by water refilling. Consequently, large amounts of water are wasted in this practice. With high demand for water in many parts of the world, water wastage, especially on this scale, that process just doesn’t seem right.

No physical entry needed

Since 2013, we have been carrying out deep cleanings of cisterns efficiently without physical entry. Draining the cistern is no longer needed. Therefore, we save a lot of precious water. We also do not use bleach in cleaning, thus avoiding harmful discharge of substances to the environment.

A rainwater harvesting system

Poly cisterns or concrete cisterns?

Poly or plastic cisterns are widely used for residential water storage due simply to their affordability and ease of installation. They are generally lighter and easier to handle. They can be located underground, at ground level, or aboveground. The plumbing system for the plastic cistern is also easy to install, and different designs are readily available according to your needs. Plastic cisterns require less time for construction and need minimal maintenance. Furthermore, the strength and durability of the plastic piping reduce the risk of leaks, deformation, and breakage during catastrophic events such as earthquakes.

When is cistern cleaning needed?

Biological fouling and hard sediment build-up are the last things we want to see in water storage tanks. It’s a smart idea to clean and disinfect them on a regular basis to maintain a quality water source, whether groundwater or rainwater. Cleaning should be done at least once a year to remove sediment build-ups and sludges. However, more frequent cleaning can be performed if the water looks murky or smells unusual. If there are suspected contaminant intrusions such as entry of pests like rodents or insects or if there is a possibility flood water that may have entered, cleaning must be done. Lastly, after repair and installation of plumbing parts, you might consider cleaning and disinfecting to ensure all contaminants are removed from the system.

Environmental Cistern Cleaning Inc. at your service!

With our AquaSave plus™ technology, we can thoroughly clean cisterns with optimal water utilization. Using this sophisticated technology, we have already saved over ten million gallons of water. Our company’s green approach surpasses the traditional methods of cistern cleaning as we showcase safe, cost-effective, and reliable cleaning services. In addition, there is no contaminated wastewater generated with our cleaning method since we do not use cleaning agents. Additionally, we keep our personnel from the potential dangers of confined spaces as there is no need for them to enter the cistern. Our customer’s insurance is at no risk of liability charges. Environmental Cistern Cleaning Inc. has workmen’s compensation and full liability insurance.

For your cistern cleaning service needs, you can book directly on our website. Or give us a call – a real person will answer the phone to answer all of the questions you may have. Our services are chemical-free, worry-free, don’t waste water and are reasonably priced. Visit our website to learn more about us and become one of our satisfied customers.

Article by John@Engineering-info.com

What you can do to conserve water

Everybody should know about Home Water Conservation. We came across an article by Courtenay McNally that gives a ton of good advise on how to conserve water. There are several methods you can apply from buying new appliances to changes on how one uses water. The article talks mostly about the UK, but the principles are the same, no matter where in the world you are located.

Please go directly to her link: