8 Unconventional Sources of Water in an Urban Environment
In the world of prepping, finding clean water during a crisis is a top priority. Water is essential for survival, and in a city or urban environment, knowing where to find water in unconventional places can mean the difference between life and death. When SHTF, you must get creative and resourceful. Here are some ideas of how to find water during a crisis.
1. Hot Water Heater Tanks:
Most homes and commercial buildings have hot water heater tanks at the back or side of the premises. These tanks can hold anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of potable water. To access the water, turn off any gas or electricity supply to the tank, then attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank to collect the water. If you don't have time or a hose, with some models of water tanks you can activate the pressure release valve to receive some of the water content (be careful of the first gush of water from the tank, as this is likely to contain rust and/or contaminants). Be sure to purify before drinking.
2. Toilet Cisterns:
Toilet cisterns contain clean water suitable for drinking in most cases. However, it's essential to differentiate between the cistern and the bowl. Water in the bowl is generally not safe for consumption as it may contain contaminants. To access water from the cistern, simply lift the lid and use a container to extract the water. You can also disconnect the fill-valve hose from underneath the cistern if you have a container to drain it into.
3. Freezers:
Following an emergency involving the failure of the power grid, ice cube trays from any freezer can provide a small but valuable source of water. Melted ice cubes can be collected and purified for drinking. In a crisis, every drop counts, so don't overlook this source. Also, any chest freezer will provide a significant amount of treatable water as long as it has not first been contaminated by spoiled food.
4. Garden Hoses:
Many people leave garden hoses lying in their yards and these always contain varying quantities of residual tap water. Once all available water has been sourced from the hose, a length of hose can be cut off to assist with extracting water from some of the other sources listed here.
5. Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Fountains:
While it might seem unconventional, swimming pools, hot tubs, and decorative fountains can be a source of water in a crisis. Keep in mind that this water may not be chemically treated or safe to drink as is, so it must be filtered and purified.
6. Air Conditioning Units:
Central air conditioning units often produce condensate, which is collected and drained away. With the right equipment and precautions, you can access this water source. Be cautious about contaminants in the drainage system, and purify the water before consumption.
7. Vehicle Reservoirs:
While this source should be a last resort due to potential contamination, the radiator in a vehicle can hold a small amount of water. If you're in dire need and have no other options, you can drain the radiator and filter the water, but it should be purified thoroughly. In addition, the windscreen wiper reservoir may contain some drinkable water if no cleaning or detergent products have been added by the owner.
8. Rainwater Harvesting:
Urban environments offer plenty of surfaces for rainwater to collect. With some creative thinking and DIY rainwater collection systems, you can harvest rainwater from rooftops, balconies, gutters, downpipes or any surface where rainwater runs off.
Remember that in a crisis, water quality is critical. Always use purification methods such as boiling, filtering, or using water purification tablets to ensure the water is safe to drink. Prepping requires resourcefulness, adaptability, and a deep understanding of your environment. When SHTF, knowing where to find water in unexpected places can be a game-changer for your survival.
Let me know if you can think of any other uncommon sources of water for when SHTF.