This has been on my mind for years...

[ColterDurham]

So everyone at the local, state, fed level talk about a 72-hour kit—and have done so since before WWII. FEMA (and most others) also recommends 1.5 gallons of water per person, per day. For a family of 4 that's around 150lb of water just for three days. There certainly is a disconnect between what is required and what is commercially available. To me, water is the trickiest thing (and the first thing to fly off the shelves). Being mobile WITH your water is a serious problem that I've dedicated the last year of my life trying to solve. I would love your thoughts on how best to be able to carry more fresh water. Thanks

[Rick]

I don't know what Utah's laws are regarding collecting rainwater. And most of my water preps are not designed to be mobile. We have more lakes, ponds and rivers around here than you can shake a canteen at. That said, my water storage at home includes my hot water heater (50 gal). 5 Gallon water cans, two 100 gallon Water Bobs, two 50 gallon rain collection barrels, one 60 gallon trash can and several 2.5 gallon containers. Of course the stand alone cans can be tossed in the truck if necessary.

[BENESSE]

If you're bugging out on foot, you better figure out how to collect & purify water along the way to your ultimate destination. There's only so much you can realistically carry.

[1stimestar]

I'm staying right here at home with my 55 gallons of water, which I can guarantee we are able to use less then 1.5 gallons a day per individual.
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[Ken]

I'll carry about 10 gallons, along with my filters, purifiers, desalinator, and a bucket.

[DSJohnson]

I am on a "bug in" plan not a bug out plan. Having said that I keep about 5 gallons of fresh water in both of my vehicles all the time. I have and use Sawyers water filter systems and use Camelbak bladders and nalgene water bottles in our back packs. If all you are going to do is build a "72" hour kit, not use your kit for camping or be in the woods I recommend you keep some two liter soda bottles handy. Not too heavy and most adults can "manage" a couple of them them in a duffel, pack or suit case. I would tell you to buy some type of filter and use it to be as independent as possible but I do NOT recommend buying a water filter and just cramming it in your kit. You really should learn how they work and how to clean them.

[DSJohnson]

Never really thought much about the whole desalinator issue......hmmmmm...more reading...more thinking...
Ken, Do you live close to a body of salt water or why do you feel the need for desalination?

[Ken]

Ken, Do you live close to a body of salt water or why do you feel the need for desalination?

I'm looking out of my window at the moonlight reflecting off the river as I type this. I'm about 45' above sea level and a couple of hundred feet from the water. The river opens up to a bay about a mile down, and that bay opens to the Atlantic about 12 miles from here.

[Rick]

And then there's the whole margarita thing.

[DSJohnson]

Duh...um I had not actually checked your profile...okay makes lots more sense now. jeeze

[DSJohnson]

I still miss being close to the ocean alot, even after 35 years.

[Ken]

Duh...um I had not actually checked your profile...okay makes lots more sense now. jeeze

I still miss being close to the ocean alot, even after 35 years.

My neck of the woods....

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[DSJohnson]

Now you are just being mean. :-) I understand life is all about choices. Looks like an amazing area. I have actually been to New Bedford a couple of times. We drove up that way a couple of times while we were at New London.

[Ken]

Come on back! It's a great place to visit. Can't say the same about living here.....

[DSJohnson]

Actually that is kind of the plan. My redhead and I are planning on making a road trip up that way in the fall of 14 if things last. Some "unfinished business" for us in Vermont and an old friend in Baltic that we have promised to come see..

[ColterDurham]

I don't know what Utah's laws are regarding collecting rainwater. And most of my water preps are not designed to be mobile. We have more lakes, ponds and rivers around here than you can shake a canteen at. That said, my water storage at home includes my hot water heater (50 gal). 5 Gallon water cans, two 100 gallon Water Bobs, two 50 gallon rain collection barrels, one 60 gallon trash can and several 2.5 gallon containers. Of course the stand alone cans can be tossed in the truck if necessary.

Thanks. They JUST changed the rainwater collection laws to allow collection at any residence. It would be interesting to see what communities would be especially vulnerable to water shortage due to their location and distance from natural water sources. Plus, I'm in earthquake country. Earthquakes do a number on water resources (spillage, contamination, etc)

[ColterDurham]

Thanks for the replies. Yes. Water continues to be a great challenge.

[Rick]

Is your preference to leave or stay put (assuming you have the option) if something happens?

[dolfan]

Where did you get the barrel at and if i can ask how much? thanks

[Rick]

Dolfan - I picked up two at a farm store. More and more places are selling them for collecting rain water but that's where I got mine. Wal Mart has even started selling them.