It’s time to finalize our water preps list. So far we’ve a) determined what we’re preparing for, b) determined our water needs, and c) learned about how to get clean water. Now we’ll put those together into our Organized Prepper Water Checklist.
You’ll need to take the scenarios you’re concerned about and use them as a guideline along with what you know about your needs and use that to build your checklist. For example sake, let’s say your primary concern is an EMP (natural one) sometime in the next few years and you’re planning to remain at your current location. Your list may look something like this:
Priority
Need
Acquisition Timeframe (Goal)
1
Storage for 2 weeks of Potable Water
Immediate
2
Learn (& Practice) how to make clear water
1 month
4
Storage for 1 month of Potable Water
2-3 months
5
Storage for 1 month non-Potable Water
2-3 months
6
Portable Water Filtration Device
3-4 months
7
Portable Water Purification Device
5-6 months
8
Storage for 3 months of Potable Water
6 months
9
Storage for 3 months of non-Potable Water
6 months
10
Install Rain Catchment System
9 months
11
Home base Water Distillation System (with power source)
12 months
12
Learn how to drill a water well
12 months
Again this is just an example and rather high level. When it comes to setting the timeframes you have to consider several factors:
- How urgent is the need? (can you go a month or longer without it, or will you die in days)
- What are the chances I’ll need it? (based on your scenarios)
- What is your budget?
I think the last one is important to remember. Prepping should not be about racking up mountains of debt trying to buy everything you need.
Other things about the list above:
- At this point you want to be specific. Don’t say Portable Water Filtration Device – Say Katadyn Pocket Filter or whatever item you’re talking about. If you don’t know, then put “determine which filter” as a task on the list somewhere before you need it.
- I think it’s easier to color code the list for items versus skills. Skills take longer to acquire (usually) and in the long run are probably more important, so make sure you prioritize them appropriately.
- Don’t forget, this isn’t just you. If you put a skill on the list, put it for each person who needs it. There may be different timeframes for each person. For example, you may say you and your spouse need a skill in the next month, but your oldest daughter needs it in 6 months and the younger kids in 2 years.
I know this seems like a lot of work, but the whole point of it is to be an Ogranized Prepper so you know exactly where you stand and what you still need to do. Most importantly you won’t forget things this way and you won’t waste resources (money and time) on things you don’t need.
To help you with building on your water prep list here are some items you should consider (don’t forget to include the skills on how to use it):
Potable Water
Non-Potable Water
Portable Water Storage (like WaterBricks)
Portable Water Filters (like Katadyn Pocket)
Portable Water Purifiers (like SteriPEN)
Home based Water Filters
Home based Water Purifiers
Home Water Distillation Systems
Large Water Barrels
Water Bob (emergency water storage)
Replacement Filters
Iodine
Bleach
MicroPur Tablets
“Pool Shock”
Well Digging Equipment
Well hand pumps
Solar powered Pumps
Water Well repair equipment
Canteens or other personal water carry options
Buckets
Eyedroppers
Funnels
Shower Bags
Irrigation Equipment
Lastly, don't forget you need more than one. You have to have a plan for what you will do if (when) a piece of equipement breaks.
