Water in the first 72 hours

Start with the water you already have. Keep drinking water separate from water used for cleaning. Use clean, covered containers and label the date and intended use.

First actions

1. Find bottled water and clean containers.
2. Set aside water for drinking and essential food preparation first.
3. Use the cleanest known source available; do not assume floodwater, decorative water, or water from a damaged system is safe.
4. Follow local public-health directions when they are available.

Before using uncertain water

Remove visible sediment with clean cloth or a filter. Treatment choices depend on the contamination and local guidance. Boiling or chemical disinfection may not make water contaminated with fuel, chemicals, or salt safe. When in doubt, find another source.

Keep a record

Write down container location, approximate amount, and any treatment used. This keeps a group from using drinking water for nonessential tasks by accident.

Scope: This is a decision guide, not a substitute for local public-health instructions or water-testing advice.