Water Supply

Water is more essential than food. The body can survive weeks without eating, but only a few days without water — particularly during physical exertion or in heat. The BBK recommends at least 2 litres of drinking water per person per day, plus additional water for hygiene and cooking.

For a 10-day supply for a family of four, that means at least 80 litres of pure drinking water plus reserve. That sounds like a lot, but is manageable with a combination of jerricans, bottles, and purification supplies. The most important rule: always store water cool, dark, and in food-grade containers.

Water Storage

• Water Jerry Can (20 L)Essential

  Water jerricans made from food-grade HDPE (20 litres) are the most efficient form of water stockpiling. They are sturdy, opaque (prevents algae growth), and can be safely stacked. Fill jerricans with fresh tap water and change the contents every six months. Label each jerrican with the fill month. Store them cool and dark, away from chemical substances like cleaning agents or petrol, as HDPE can absorb trace quantities.

• Bottled Water (2 L × 20)Essential

  Drinking water in PET bottles (2 litres) is the simplest entry point into water stockpiling. Commercial mineral water bottles have long expiry dates and are ready to drink immediately. Buy new bottles regularly and use older ones first (FIFO principle). Store them lying down in a cool, dark cellar or pantry. Twenty 2-litre bottles give you 40 litres — just under 10 days of drinking water for two people.

• Collapsible Water Tank (100 L)Recommended

  A collapsible water tank (100 litres) is ideal for a rapid, situational water supply — for example when a shortage is announced. Fill it with tap water and place it in the bathtub or on a load-bearing floor. Collapsible tanks made from PVC or polyester take up almost no space when folded and can be set up and filled within minutes. Ensure the material is food-safe certified and clean the tank thoroughly after each use.

• Bucket with Lid (10 L)Recommended

  A sturdy bucket with lid (10 litres) is an underestimated but essential tool for water management. It serves for scooping from rainwater barrels, natural sources, or a swimming pool, and for transporting water between the purification station and the point of use. Food-grade HDPE buckets are best suited. The lid prevents contamination during transport. Keep two or three on hand — buckets are also useful for hygiene purposes, as toilet alternatives, and for much more.

Water Purification

• Water Purification TabletsEssential

  Water purification tablets enable the chemical disinfection of water from questionable sources. Tablets based on sodium hypochlorite (e.g., Micropur Forte) reliably kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. One tablet typically treats one litre of water. Read the dosing instructions carefully — too much chlorine makes water undrinkable. Tablets have a shelf life of 3-5 years and fit in any pocket. They are the cheapest and lightest way to purify water.

• Water Filter (LifeStraw or similar)Essential

  A water filter such as the LifeStraw or Sawyer Squeeze physically filters bacteria and protozoa out of water — without chemicals, without waiting time. It filters up to 1,000 litres of water before it needs replacing. Membrane filters like the LifeStraw require no batteries and can be drunk from directly out of sources, puddles, or containers. Combine filters with purification tablets for complete protection against viruses as well. Store the filter dry and frost-free to prevent membrane damage.

• Hand Pump for Water FilterRecommended

  A hand pump for water filters allows you to filter larger quantities of water than is possible by direct drinking or simple gravity flow. For supplying multiple people or filling cooking pots, a pump is essential. Choose a pump compatible with your existing filter (many manufacturers offer pump kits). Clean the pump after each use and dry it completely to prevent mould in the tubing.