Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Storing the Water When storing water from your home, clearly mark the containers as “drinking water” and label each container with the date you stored it. To maintain the quality of the stored water, replace it with fresh water every six months. Choose a storage location with a cool temperature, ideally between 50°F and 70°F, and keep the containers away from direct sunlight. It is also important to store water containers in an area separate from toxic substances like gasoline or pesticides to avoid contamination. Using the Water When removing water from your storage container, it is crucial to maintain the cleanliness of the water. Always use a clean scoop or device each time you take water out to prevent contamination. Avoid touching the water or the inside of the container with your hands, and never scoop water out using your hands directly. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the stored water remains safe to drink. The EPA regulates drinking water quality in public water systems. Water utilities are required to test for and address many germs and chemicals in drinking water. Furthermore, water utilities are required to tell customers about testing for contaminants and whether they found unsafe chemicals or germs in the water. Private well owners are responsible for testing their own water. Water from your home’s tap water heater tank. This refers to the tank that connects to the water from your faucets and showerheads. (This differs from the tank that supplies hot water to radiators in older homes. In these homes, use the tap water heater tank, not the home heating system tank.) Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated. Water from your home’s toilet tank (not from the bowl) can be used if it is clear and has not been chemically treated with toilet cleaners such as those that change the water color. However, it is recommended that the water be treated before consumption. Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables. • Water from swimming pools and spas can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and related uses, but not for drinking. Outside the Home Water sources outside the home can be made safe if there is no existing chemical or radiological contamination. Possible sources of water that could be made safe by treatment include: Rainwater Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water In an emergency, you can identify alternative sources of water in your home. Inside the Home
Ponds and lakes Natural springs
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