Fact Sheet
Do you know where to find emergency water sources around your home? Following a disaster, access to your regular source of clean drinking water may not be possible, and you may need to find alternate water sources that are safe to drink. Fortunately, you can tap into other sources of water found in and around your home in the event of an emergency.
Alternate Drinking Water Sources Around Your Home
Following a disaster, access to your regular source of clean drinking water may not be possible. In the event of an emergency, you can tap into other sources of water found in and around your home.
Bottled Water
- Safest, reliable source
- Keep in a cool, dark place
- Replace every year
Water Heater
- Stores 30-50 gallons
- Part of drinking water system
- Shut off gas and electricity to tank before using
Water Containers
- Stores 5 gallons
- Keep in a cool, dark place
- Replace at 6 months
Water Pipes
- Provides a few gallons
- Drain pipes by using lowest faucet in home
- Shut off water main before using
Ice Cubes
- Make with clean water
- Boil ice cubes first if unsure
- Use bottled water to make new ice cubes if unsure
Canned Food
- Fruit & vegetable juices
- Good source of nutrients
- Doubles as food source