Well, since the end of the world didn't come this weekend...whew! We've got some more time!
Ok, so I've found some really cool stuff, so I'm just going to get down to business.
So, why shouldn’t we store plastic water barrels on concrete? The following statement is from preparedness lecturer, Kenneth Moravec:
“Concrete attracts fluids and ‘bleeds’. Anything that has been on or in that concrete will find its way into your plastic water barrel. This includes the lime in the concrete, any hazardous materials (i.e. gasoline, oils, kerosene, or anything a contractor used in construction), algae, etc. Usually, it is not enough to make the water toxic, but it will taint the water enough to make the taste unbearable. And no amount of pouring it from container to container will take that taste away.”
This is also the reason why we are cautioned about placing plastic food storage buckets directly onto concrete.
Using 2x4’s or plywood under barrel and buckets is an easy solution to the leaching problem.
Water stored in plastic containers should not be stored near gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances. Vapors from these substances could permeate the plastic and affect the water.
Empty, clean-disinfect, and refill large water storage containers at least once a year.
Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
I found this on :
http://gottawannaneedagettaprepared.blogspot.com/search/label/Water%20Storage
Until today, that is something that I didn't know. Also, a place of water storage that you may not be aware of is in your hot water heater.
I also found a less expensive alternative to the Berkey water filter. I received this link from my friend Glen in Indiana.
http://www.cheaperthandirt. com/CAMP352-1.html
What are your thoughts on a solar shower?
There are showers like this at Walmart. Something like $7.
We've used them and they are ok. I have two problems with them. The first is that they can be hard to click closed and shut off the water, thus you waste water. My husband had no problem. My kids and myself did. Maybe I had too much soap on my hands...who knows. The second is that they don't hold very much water.
A shower that works better for us is attached to the end of this email - we bought it from a family who makes them. They would be really easy to make....I bet if you bat your eyelashes at your husband/father/son/ local handyman, he'd make one for you...it might involve food though :). In the pictures there is a fuel priming bulb that you step on that pumps the water. If you don't need anymore water, you stop pumping. No water is wasted. You can heat the water in the sun or over your preferred heat source and walah! A shower!
If your handyman needs a closer look, he is welcome to come by and look at ours to figure out the details.
And another thing...
I found this video and wanted to share it. This Sister lived in Tonga for three years (even had a baby under third world country circumstances)
She has a lot of wisdom to share. Don't miss out!
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6255&Itemid=200049
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