Water - Source of Life
Comprehensive guide to securing water access
Why is water the most important?
A human can survive about 3 weeks without food, but only 3-4 days without water. In extreme conditions (heat, physical exertion) this time reduces to just 24 hours. Therefore, securing access to clean drinking water is the absolute priority in every crisis preparation plan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 2 liters of water per person per day for drinking. Add to this needs for personal hygiene (about 20-50 liters), meal preparation, and other activities. In practice, for comfortable functioning, plan for about 100 liters of water per person per day.
Key rule
A good starting point is having a water supply for at least 14 days for each family member. That's a minimum of 28 liters of drinking water per person, plus additional resources for hygiene.
Detailed Guides
Water Storage
How to properly store water, container selection and optimal storage conditions
Water Purification
Methods of treating drinking water: boiling, filtration, chemical disinfection and UV
Emergency Water Sources
Where to find water in a crisis: rivers, lakes, natural springs
Rainwater Collection
Rainwater collection systems: construction, installation and maintenance
Wells and Groundwater
Access to groundwater, well construction and hand pumps
Water Quality Testing
Methods for checking water safety and cleanliness
Long-term Planning
Strategy for securing water for longer periods
Waterborne Diseases
Prevention and recognition of waterborne diseases
Water Conservation
Strategies for minimizing water use in crisis
Quick Facts About Water
Water content in human body
Daily minimum for drinking
Maximum time without water
Daily consumption per person
Scientific Sources
All information in this guide is based on guidelines from recognized scientific and health organizations. Below you will find links to original sources:
WHO - Drinking Water
Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia - Kluczowe fakty o wodzie pitnej
EPA - Emergency Disinfection
Amerykańska Agencja Ochrony Środowiska - Awaryjna dezynfekcja wody
CDC - Making Water Safe
Centrum Kontroli i Prewencji Chorób - Bezpieczna woda
Ready.gov - Water
FEMA - Przygotowanie awaryjnych zapasów wody