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Household water reserves: stock, hidden reserves, rain barrel and collecting rainwater

Which water reserves can I rely on when the tap water fails?

A drinking-water stock, water from the water heater and pipes, a rain barrel and improvised rainwater collection compared. Quantities are deliberately not given; recommended stock levels come from the authorities and may change. How to treat unsafe water is covered in the "Water" world.

Starting situation
Legend
Select methods to compare side by sideMethodDrinkable without treatmentAvailable without preparationPredictable amountFew hazards in useLittle maintenance
Simple water storage at homeYesNoYesYesPartly
Emergency water from the water heater and pipesPartlyPartlyPartlyNoYes
Using rainwater for garden and householdNoNoDependsPartlyPartly
Collecting rainwaterNoPartlyDependsPartlyYes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Simple water storage at home

Effort:
Low; rotate regularly
Needs:
Bought sealed water or clean food-grade containers, space, date and rotation schedule
  • Drinkable without treatmentYes

    With an undamaged container and known age; otherwise treat before drinking.

  • Available without preparationNo
  • Predictable amountYes
  • Few hazards in useYes

    Never use containers that held fuel or chemicals.

  • Little maintenancePartly

    Keep an eye on rotation and best-before dates.

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Emergency water from the water heater and pipes

Effort:
Moderate; know the installation
Needs:
Access to the water heater and drain valve, energy supply switched off, clean vessels
  • Drinkable without treatmentPartly

    Only as clean as the water before the failure; sediment possible. Heating-system water is never drinking water.

  • Available without preparationPartly

    No stock needed, but you have to know your own installation.

  • Predictable amountPartly

    Limited; tankless heaters have no tank.

  • Few hazards in useNo

    Scalding risk; drain only with power or gas off and switch on again only when completely full.

  • Little maintenanceYes
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Using rainwater for garden and household

Effort:
Low once set up
Needs:
Covered rain barrel at the downpipe, child-safe lid, frost protection
  • Drinkable without treatmentNo

    Utility water for toilet, cleaning and garden; for drinking treat it like surface water.

  • Available without preparationNo
  • Predictable amountDepends

    Depends on rain.

  • Few hazards in usePartly

    Open barrels are a drowning hazard for small children – lid firm and child-safe.

  • Little maintenancePartly

    Cover, mosquito screening, frost protection.

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Collecting rainwater

Effort:
Low to moderate
Needs:
Tarp or clean surface, clean food-grade containers, rain
  • Drinkable without treatmentNo

    Disinfect before drinking – the collecting surface and containers contaminate the water.

  • Available without preparationPartly

    Quickly set up with existing material – if it rains.

  • Predictable amountDepends
  • Few hazards in usePartly

    Do not use surfaces or containers that may release chemicals.

  • Little maintenanceYes
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