Drinking Water and Conservation

How much do you really know about the water you drink every day? Where does it come from? Is it safe to drink? Is a home water treatment system necessary? How can drinking water be protected? The following publication by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension will begin to answer these questions and serves as an introductory reference on drinking water protection, quality and treatment.

About 80 percent of Nebraska’s population relies on groundwater for household water. The remaining 20 percent obtains water from surface water. Nebraska’s groundwater comes from natural underground layers of sand and gravel that contain water. Efficient water use is especially important during periods of drought, when groundwater levels can decline. Water use in the home varies, and the average amount of water used per person per day has declined in recent years. This reduction is primarily due to the use of newer water-saving fixtures and appliances.

Taking time now to store an emergency water supply can prepare you for all types of disasters. The stored supply will enable you to provide for your entire family and possibly others if your water supply is disrupted. Effective methods of preparing water for storage include disinfecting with chlorine and storing at room temperature, disinfecting with chlorine and freezing, or canning.