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Using Lakes, Rivers, or Streams for Non-Potable Water: An Essential Backup for Emergency Water Storage
Natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and streams, can serve as vital backup sources for non-potable water in your emergency water storage plan. However, it’s essential to understand the risks and necessary precautions before using this water. In this post, we will explore what non-potable water is, the potential contamination risks, and how to safely find, collect, treat, and store water from these sources.
Non-Potable Water
Non-potable water is water that is not safe for drinking, personal, or culinary use. This may be because its origin is known to be contaminated or simply because the water has not been tested or treated therefore is considered unsafe. It may be used with caution for other purposes.
Assessing Quality and Contamination Risk
Before collecting and using water from any natural source, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. Pollutants may contaminate these waters due to:
- Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides)
- Industrial waste
- Urban runoff (oil, chemicals from streets)
- Biological contaminants (bacteria, parasites, viruses)
- Animal waste from wildlife
Seasonal changes, like heavy rainfall or drought, can also impact water quality. Upstream activities (such as industrial operations) and stagnant water pose further risks.
Uses of Non-Potable Water
Non-potable water can be safely used for:
- flushing toilets
- washing clothes (disinfect them afterward)
- watering plants (test for harmful chemicals and heavy metals if used on edible plants)
- cleaning non-food surfaces (wear gloves)
Non-potable water, once purified, can be used for:
- drinking
- cooking
- washing cooking utensils or surfaces
- bathing
Find Your Local Water Resources
Do you have a natural lake or stream in your area? This can greatly reduce the amount of water you need to store. If you are uncertain about what natural bodies of water may be in your area, see if this interactive map can help you find natural water resources near you. If so, you can make this part of your non-potable water plan.
It is important to note that relying solely on a natural source should be a last resort if other water storage is not available.
Legal Considerations
Before you can collect from your chosen natural source, there are water rights to consider first. In some regions, water rights may restrict or regulate usage, especially for long-term use. Be sure to research the legality of collecting water from this source. Water rights usually exist to protect the body of water and avoid its overuse.
How to Collect Water for Potable and Non-Potable Purposes
When collecting water from a natural source, use a food-grade container that has been cleaned and sanitized. Follow these guidelines for safer collection.
Collecting the water:
- River & Stream: Choose an area of moving water, as stagnant water can harbor more contaminants.
- Lake: Avoid the edges and try to collect water from a few feet away from shore. Always filter and purify the water, as the surface layer may contain pathogens.
Place your collection bottle just under the surface and fill it then securely tighten the lid.
Using Testing Kits to Identify Pathogens and Contaminants
Portable water quality testing kits can test for harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical pollutants like nitrates or heavy metals.
Using water testing kits can help you
- identify specific pathogens and contaminants present in water from natural sources
- ensure your purification methods are effective
- prevent waterborne illnesses
Make sure to purchase a testing kit that can test for a broad spectrum of contaminants naturally found in natural sources of water.
Filtration and Purification Considerations
Never drink water from natural sources without first treating it. Even clear water can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause diseases such as cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis.
Water purification is a two-step process: debris removal and pathogen removal.
Debris Removal (Filtration)
Using water from any river, lake, or stream for any purpose may require basic filtration to remove large debris and sediment. Debris removal is done through the filtration process.
- Use a cloth or mesh filter to remove larger debris like leaves and dirt.
- A 1 to 5-micron sediment filter can remove smaller particles.
Pathogen Removal (Purification)
For drinking and bathing purposes, you must purify water. Effective purification methods include:
- Boiling: Kills most bacteria and viruses.
- Chemical Treatment: Use bleach, chlorine dioxide, iodine, or calcium hypochlorite (Pool Shock) to disinfect the water.
- Micron Filters: Use a filtration system rated for cyst removal (such as NSF Standards 53 or 58) to eliminate parasites like cryptosporidium and giardia.
Learn more about water purification
Storing Non-Potable Water
- Container Selection: Use only food-grade or appropriate containers for storing non-potable water, especially if it might later be treated for drinking.
- Marking Containers: Clearly label non-potable water containers to avoid cross-contamination and confusion with potable water supplies.
- Storage Location: Store non-potable water away from direct sunlight and in cooler areas to reduce the growth of algae and bacteria.
Conclusion
Using a river, stream, or lake as a backup non-potable water source can be a valuable addition to your emergency water storage plan. However, always treat water from these sources with caution, especially if it will be used for drinking or cooking. While it’s a useful backup, this should not replace your stored potable water supplies. Planning ahead ensures that you’ll have access to water for all essential purposes, even in an emergency.
