When addressing issues of either Emergency Preparedness or Sustainable Living, the first step always begins with Water. No matter where you choose to live, laying advance plans for maintaining a clean drinking water supply is of primary importance. Your home will generally contain up to 50 gallons of stored water for ready access in the hot water heater, an important point to be aware of in emergency situations. But should you encounter a water stoppage lasting more than a 2 or 3 days this will be wholly insufficient.
So from the standpoint of Emergency Preparations, the first consideration is drinking water. In fact, in a rather popular if unofficial list of the "100 Items to Disappear First in a Panic", water purifiers comes in at #2, so that's a good place to start.
Berkey Light Water Purifier
There are certainly many methods and devices for turning less-than-potable water into clean, safe drinking water, but the best all-around useful system for the average household that I've found is the Berkey Light passive water purifier.
The Berkey Light tabletop water purifier can produce totally pure water even when starting with raw water from lakes, rivers or stagnant ponds. It will remove both pathogenic bacteria and cysts, as well as chemicals to below detectable level, and reduce heavy metals like lead, mercury, aluminum, chromium and copper by more than 85%. How effective is it? Here's a quote from the company's product description:
"[The following] is an explanation of the difference between "Purification" and "Pathogenic removal": To claim Pathogenic bacterial "removal" one must demonstrate: 99.99% reduction. To claim "purification" one must demonstrate: 99.99999% reduction. The Berkey LightTM has demonstrated: >99.9999999% reduction....We then tested the system under this extreme contamination level and absolutely no pathogens were able to make it through the purification elements. We then had the laboratory incubate the water and nothing grew. We then had them view the effluent (filtered water) under an electron microscope and not even in-viable (dead) microbes were detectable. Nothing was present but pure H2O."
[UPDATE 2/16/07:] The Berkey Light as listed through Amazon.com promises to come with 2 extra Black Berkey Filter Elements, however if you purchase the item through the "New & Used" link that promotional may not apply! Just keep in mind that different sellers may include different numbers of filters in their sales....which is important since replacement elements run just under $50 each. Each element filters about 2,000 gallons, and lasts about 1 year.
Convenient Features: Base raises the spigot off the countertop so you can fill a glass without pulling the Berkey Light to the counter edge. Transparent design lets you see when refilling is needed. The Berkey Light is not plastic--it's made of Lexan, which is the same material bullet-proof glass is made from. 2 1/2 gallon capacity.
Made in the USA.
When considering Water from the standpoint of Sustainable Living, the following resources should prove invaluable:
Cottage Water SystemsThis is the classic beginners guide to getting, moving and using water in the country. You'll find this book listed in almost every "simple living" resource. How to choose a pump, install a water system, test and purify water, maintain a septic system, build an outhouse, get water in winter, deal with greywater, and more. 143pp.
Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically ChallengedWhether you live in the country, suburbs or city, this is one of the best books on rainwater collection. Presented in layperson's terms with plenty of illustrations. A practical guide covering storage tanks, siting, collection and purification, plumbing, freeze-proofing, and wiring. 108pp.
Create an Oasis with Greywater Another classic in the field, by author Art Ludwig. What do you do with the water after you're done with it? Create an Oasis with Greywater describes 20 systems from simple to complex, with plenty of photos and drawings. 49 pp.
See also Art Ludwig's companion books Branched Drain Greywater Systems and The Builder's Greywater Guide.
Water Storage For those who want a more comprehensive introduction to this crucial subject, this is the definitive work on water storage, by Art Ludwig. What you need to know to design, build and maintain water tanks and ponds, and sustainably manage groundwater storage. An invaluable reference not only for individual water systems but multi-user systems as well, it even includes chapters on fire protection and disaster preparedness. Explained in simple language, this has helped many people to avoid countless mistakes.
