Allow people to drink according to their needs. Many people need even more than the
average of one-half gallon,per day. The individual amount needed depends on age,
physical activity, physical condition, and time of year.
Never ration water unless ordered to do so by authorities. Drink the amount you need
today and try to find more for tomorrow. Under no circumstances should a person drink
less than one quart (four cups) of water each day. You can minimize the amount of
water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.
Drink water that you know is not contaminated first. If necessary, suspicious water,
such as cloudy water from regular faucets or water from streams or ponds, can be used
after it has been treated. If water treatment is not possible, put off drinking
suspicious water as long as possible, but do not become dehydrated.
If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the
water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use
water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).
To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in
your home at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain
water from the lowest faucet in the home.
To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and
open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the
water intake valve at the tank and turning on the hot water faucet. Refill the tank
before turning the gas or electricity back on. If the gas is turned off, a
professional will
be needed to turn it back on.
Radiators
Hot water boilers (home heating system)
Water beds (fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water
unsafe to use)
Water from the toilet bowl or flush tank
Swimming pools and spas (chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated for safe
drinking but can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and related uses)