Water Conservation

When water supplies are limited, conservation becomes as important as storage and purification. Learning to minimize water usage can extend your emergency supplies significantly. This guide covers practical techniques for reducing consumption while maintaining health and hygiene.

1. Daily Water Rationing

Effective rationing is the foundation of water conservation. Understanding minimum needs versus comfortable needs helps you allocate water wisely during emergencies.

Key Information

The human body can survive on as little as 1 liter per day in cool conditions with minimal activity, but 2-3 liters is the minimum for maintaining health. Plan for survival minimums, but aim for health maintenance levels.

Survival minimum: 1 liter/person/day (drinking only, cool weather)
Health maintenance: 2-3 liters/person/day (drinking + basic cooking)
Comfortable: 4+ liters/person/day (includes basic hygiene)
Distribute water throughout the day - small sips are absorbed better than large drinks

Use measuring cups or marked containers to track daily usage accurately

2. Greywater Reuse

Greywater - water from washing dishes, hands, and light bathing - can be reused for non-drinking purposes, effectively doubling your water efficiency.

Key Information

Never reuse greywater for drinking, cooking, or wound care. However, it can safely be used for toilet flushing, plant watering, and cleaning tasks. Collect greywater in dedicated containers and use within 24 hours.

Safe Uses for Greywater

Toilet flushing - pour directly into bowl, no tank needed
Watering non-edible plants and trees
Washing floors and outdoor surfaces
Cooling - evaporative cooling for comfort

Important Warning

Important: Never use greywater with feces, toxic chemicals, or from illness cleaning

3. Emergency Hygiene Methods

Maintaining hygiene is critical for health, but traditional methods use excessive water. Emergency hygiene techniques can reduce water usage by 80% while still preventing illness.

Key Information

Prioritize hand hygiene above all else - it's the most important factor in disease prevention. A small amount of water for hand washing is better invested than a larger amount for bathing.

Wet wipes and sanitizer can replace water for body cleaning
Sponge baths use 1/10th the water of showers
Dry shampoo extends time between hair washing
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) when water is scarce
Focus water on hands, face, and groin - highest priority areas

4. Water-Saving Habits

Small changes in daily habits can result in significant water savings. These techniques should be practiced before an emergency to become second nature.

Key Information

Track every use of water for 3 days during normal times. Most people are shocked at how much they use. This awareness makes conservation natural when needed.

Turn off water while soaping hands, brushing teeth
Use spray bottles for cleaning instead of running water
Cook with minimal water - steaming uses less than boiling
Collect and reuse cooking water for washing dishes
Use one-pot meals to reduce dish washing needs
Pre-soak dishes to reduce scrubbing water

5. Water Usage Priorities

When water is limited, knowing what to prioritize can be life-saving. Not all uses are equal - some are critical, others can be delayed or eliminated.

Key Information

When in doubt, always prioritize drinking water. A person can survive weeks without bathing but only days without drinking. Medical needs come second, then food preparation.

1 Priority 1: Drinking water (absolute minimum for survival)

2 Priority 2: Medical needs (wound care, medication mixing)

3 Priority 3: Food preparation and cooking

4 Priority 4: Hand hygiene (critical for disease prevention)

5 Priority 5: Dish washing (can use greywater)

6 Priority 6: Personal bathing (lowest priority, can use alternatives)

6. Psychology of Rationing

Water rationing is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Understanding the psychological aspects helps families cope better during extended emergencies.

Key Information

Feeling thirsty doesn't always mean you need water immediately. Learn to distinguish true thirst from habit or stress. Having a visible water reserve reduces anxiety more than strict rationing.

Keep water visible but controlled - reduces anxiety about supply
Give children responsibility for their own ration - builds coping skills
Establish water "rituals" - regular small drinks feel more satisfying
Allow small comfort uses - morale is important for long-term survival
Practice rationing during camping or drills to build familiarity

Summary

Water conservation during emergencies requires both practical techniques and mental preparation. By practicing these methods before an emergency and understanding priorities, you can extend limited water supplies while maintaining health and morale.