Water is critical to our survival: we can go days, even weeks without food, but we must have water to live.
Did you know…..?
- Water is the only substance found on earth in three forms: solid, liquid and gas.
- A person can live more than a month without food, but only about a week, depending on conditions, without water.
- 66% of the human body is water; 75% of the human brain is water.
- 75% of a chicken, 80% of a pineapple, and 95% of a tomato is water.
- A person must consume 2.5 quarts of water per day from all sources (drinking, eating) to maintain health.
- It is possible for people today to drink water that was part of the dinosaur era.
- 62,600 gallons of water are needed to produce one ton of steel; 1,500 gallons to process one barrel of beer; and 9.3 gallons to process one can of fruit or vegetables.
- On average, 50-70% of household water is used outdoors (watering lawns, washing cars).
- The average American uses over 100 gallons of water per day; the average residence uses over 100,000 gallons during a year.
SOURCE: United States Environmental Protection Agency
OUR WATER SUPPLY
Water is so abundant in our modern culture that we often take it for granted. We expect to see water gushing from taps whenever we turn them on. However, many circumstances, ranging from repair work on a water main to an earthquake or other disaster, can interrupt water service or contaminate the water supply. At times like these, our local water company and your city government will provide information and instructions on water safety until the crisis is over.
- You can help by preparing yourself and your family and knowing what you can do to make sure that your drinking water needs are met.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation).
- Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household. Rotate your supply at least every 6 months.
- Store an extra bottle if you have a pet so that all in your household are taken care of.
- Carry drinking water in the trunk of your car: you never know when you'll get thirsty!
Contaminated water may be purified by the following methods:
>Boiling: Boil vigorously for 7-10 minutes.
>Bleach: Add 10-20 drop of household bleach per gallon of water; mix well and let stand for 30 minutes. (NOTE: Do NOT use scented bleach, colorsafe bleaches, bleaches with added cleaners, or pool chlorine!)
>Tablets: Use commercial purification tablets and follow package instructions.
Also, learn how to remove the water from your hot water heater and in other water supplies in your home or office. The ice cubes in your freezer and liquids in canned fruits and vegetables are additional sources of water so necessary to our survival.