Why You Need a Water Stash: It’s Not Just for the Zombies! 

Eish, in a country like South Africa, where water scarcity and infrastructure challenges are as common as a braai on a Saturday, being prepared for emergencies isn’t just a lekker idea – it’s a flippen necessity! 

Disruptions to your water supply can happen faster than you can say “load shedding”. Whether it’s droughts drier than the Karoo, floods that make your street look like the Vaal River, or other unforeseen events, having a stash of water at home is as important as keeping a spare tyre in your bakkie. 

In this article, we’ll explore why you need to store water, help you figure out how much your household needs (it’s not rocket science, I promise), and guide you through the best storage options and practices to keep your water safe and ready when you need it most. So, let’s dive in, shall we? 

Why Store Water? Because Murphy’s Law is Real! 

South Africa’s water supply is about as reliable as a Joburg traffic light during load shedding. Here’s why you need to be prepared: 

1. Infrastructure breakdowns: Our aging water pipes and pumps are like that old Citi Golf you had in varsity – they’re bound to break down sooner or later. And let’s not even start on load shedding! 

2. Natural disasters: From droughts that make the Kalahari look lush to floods that would make Noah nervous, Mother Nature can throw a serious spanner in the works of our water supply. 

3. Water restrictions: During times of scarcity, municipalities might impose water restrictions faster than you can say “Day Zero”. Remember Cape Town in 2018? Yoh! 

By storing water at home, you can ensure that your family has a backup supply to meet your basic needs during emergencies. It’s like having a secret stash of biltong – you hope you won’t need it, but you’re damn glad it’s there when you do! 

Calculating Your Household’s Needs: Maths Time (Don’t Worry, It’s Easy!) 

To figure out how much water you should store, consider the following: 

• The average person needs at least 2 litres of drinking water per day. That’s about the size of a big Coke bottle. 

• For cooking, hygiene, and sanitation, the World Health Organization recommends 20 litres per person per day. That’s like ten of those 2-litre cooldrink bottles. 

• Aim to store at least a two-week supply of water for your household. Because in SA, things can go pear-shaped for longer than we’d like to admit. 

So, let’s do some quick maths. For a family of four, you’d need to store at least 1,120 litres of water (4 people x 20 litres x 14 days) for a two-week emergency supply. That’s about the size of a small swimming pool! 

Types of Water Storage Containers: Choose Your Weapon 

When choosing containers for your emergency water storage, consider these options: 

1. Food-grade plastic containers: Look for containers made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). They’re safer than using that old paraffin tin you found in the garage! 

2. Collapsible containers: These space-saving containers are ideal for smaller homes or apartments. They’re like those fancy camping chairs – they fold up nice and small when you’re not using them. 

3. Water tanks: For larger quantities, consider investing in 1000 litre water tanks made of food-grade plastic.  

Make sure your containers have tight-fitting lids and spigots for easy dispensing. You don’t want to be playing Bucket Challenge every time you need a drink! 

Safe Water Storage Practices: Keep It Clean, Boet 

To keep your stored water safe and ready for use: 

• Store containers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Treat it like you would treat your favourite case of beer – keep it cool and out of the sun! 

• Clean and sanitize containers before filling them with tap water. Use a bit of bleach and water, rinse well, and you’re good to go. 

• Label containers with the date of storage and rotate them every six months to ensure freshness. It’s like rotating your braai meat – first in, first out! 

Beyond Storage: Emergency Purification (When Things Get Really Kak) 

If your stored water runs out during an extended emergency, you may need to purify water from alternative sources. Some purification methods include: 

1. Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill bacteria and viruses. It’s like making rooibos, but without the tea bag. 

2. Chlorination: Use unscented household bleach to purify water. Follow the instructions carefully – you’re not cleaning the bathroom here! 

3. Water purification tablets: These tablets release chlorine or iodine to kill harmful microorganisms. They’re like Disprin for your water, but don’t try to cure your hangover with them! 

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and dosage guidelines when using any water purification method.  

Conclusion: Be Prepared, Not Scared 

In South Africa, emergency water storage is not just a nice-to-have – it’s as essential as knowing how to light a braai fire in the wind. By understanding your family’s water needs, investing in suitable storage containers, and following safe storage practices, you can ensure that you have a reliable water supply during emergencies. 

Remember, water is not just a convenience – it’s a necessity for survival. So take action today to safeguard your family’s access to this precious resource. After all, being prepared is like having a good alibi – it’s always better to have one and not need it, than to need one and not have it! 

Now go forth and store water like a pro, my china. Your future self (and your thirsty family) will thank you!