Rainwater gathering or harvesting

First thing during an emergency, you will need to gather water and the easiest way to do it is to gather rain water. If you are a millennial or older, chances are you have large buckets lying around in case of a water shortage. Collecting rain water is a great source of clean water. All that is left is to boil the water and you have clean drinking water. Of course, there are other uses for rain water, for example to wash the dishes or even a cold shower.

Rainwater is a relatively clean and absolutely free source of water. When there is a water cut, you probably won’t be the only one doing it.

Rainwater is better for plants and gardens because it is does not contain chlorine. Probably the only drawback is that you have to take really cold showers.

Boiling water

This is a no-brainer. As Malaysians, we basically grew up with just boiling tap water. Though with technology, we now have the electric kettle which basically boils your water before hand and well, just needs electricity to use, including the pumping of water.

During an emergency, for example, our frequent water cuts and blackouts and sometimes god forbid, both together, as primitive as it sounds, a non-electric kettle for emergency’s is the best bet.

Boiling is the best method to kill disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

You can improve the flat taste of boiled water by pouring it from one container to another and then allowing it to stand for a few hours; OR by adding a pinch of salt for each liter of boiled water.

Bleaching water

This method is very rare as we commonly use bleach to clean floors and toilets but it is possible to make safe drinking water with the help of bleach, though the mixture amount is very specific and best used only during emergencies.

Always use bleach that is unscented. When the water is clear, the amount needed is about 2 drops bleach for every liter of water. Mix it well then let it sit for 30mins before drinking.

However, if the water is cloudy, double the amount of bleach and the water should have a slight chlorine odor.

Hope this gives you a simple insight on how to produce clean water during emergencies. I do hope that this does not happen but a little extra information does no harm.