by J. A. Tiscareno

August 18, 2024

In the face of natural disasters, power outages, or any situation that disrupts our access to clean water, the importance of having a reliable emergency water supply cannot be overstated. Water is essential for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and hygiene. When infrastructure fails, knowing how to secure safe water becomes crucial. This guide delves into the importance of emergency water storage and how the Sagan Life AquaPod Kit can be an invaluable bathtub water bag in your preparedness plan.

The Importance of Emergency Water Storage

Water is a fundamental human need. The average person requires about one gallon of water per day for drinking and basic hygiene. During an emergency, water sources can become contaminated, or access to tap water might be cut off entirely. Preparing for such situations involves storing an adequate amount of water to sustain you and your family for at least a few days.

Emergency preparedness organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This amount should cover drinking, cooking, and limited personal hygiene needs. However, for longer-term emergencies, or if you have a larger family, you may need to store more.

Why Bathtubs Make Great Water Storage Containers

One of the best ways to store a large quantity of water quickly is by using your bathtub. Most bathtubs can hold between 40 to 100 gallons of water, making them a practical choice for emergency water storage using a bathtub water bladder. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Sanitation: Your bathtub is used regularly for bathing, which means it could harbor soap scum, bacteria, and other contaminants. Simply filling your tub with water during an emergency may not ensure safe drinking water.

Contamination Risk: Without proper sealing, water stored in a bathtub is at risk of contamination from dust, debris, and household chemicals.

This is where the Sagan Life AquaPod Kit, an emergency water storage bladder comes into play.

Introducing the Sagan Life AquaPod Kit

The Sagan Life AquaPod Kit is a unique emergency water storage solution that allows you to store up to 65 gallons of water safely in your tub turning it into a water purifier for bathtub. It consists of a large, heavy-duty, food-grade plastic liner that fits inside your bathtub, creating a barrier between the water and the tub’s surface. The kit also includes a siphon pump, making it easy to dispense the stored water as needed.

Key Features of the AquaPod Kit

1. Food-Grade Materials: The AquaPod Kit is made from FDA-compliant, BPA-free materials, ensuring that the water you store remains safe for drinking.
2. Large Capacity: With the ability to store up to 65 gallons of water, the AquaPod Kit provides ample water for a family of four for up to two weeks.
3. Easy to Use: The kit is designed for easy setup, allowing you to quickly prepare your bathtub for water storage in an emergency. The included siphon pump makes it simple to access the water without contaminating it.
4. Compact Storage: When not in use, the AquaPod Kit can be folded and stored compactly, making it an ideal addition to your emergency preparedness supplies.
5. Journey™ Filter from Sagan Life’s XStream Straw: The powerful Journey™ water filter can purify up to 250 gallons of contaminated water from any non-saltwater source. When processing the contaminated water, it will remove 99.9999% bacteria, such as E.coli; 99.99% of protozoan, such as cryptosporidium and giardia; and 99.99% of viruses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the AquaPod Kit

1. Preparation

Before disaster strikes, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the AquaPod Kit and prepare your bathtub:

Clean Your Tub: Start by thoroughly cleaning your bathtub with a disinfectant. Rinse it well to remove any chemical residues that could contaminate the water.

Inspect the Kit: Unpack the AquaPod Kit and inspect the liner for any damages. Make sure the siphon pump is in working order.

Have Supplies Ready: Keep the AquaPod Kit in an easily accessible location along with other emergency supplies like water purification tablets, a first aid kit, and non-perishable food items.

2. Installation

When you anticipate a situation where you’ll need emergency water (e.g., a hurricane, flood, or other imminent disaster), it’s time to install the AquaPod Kit:

Unfold the Liner: Spread the liner out inside your clean bathtub, making sure it fits snugly against the sides.

Secure the Liner: Some models of the AquaPod Kit come with adhesive strips to help secure the liner in place. If yours does, apply these as instructed.

Fill with Water: Use the bathtub faucet to fill the liner with water. Fill it to about two inches below the top of the tub to prevent overflow.

3. Dispensing Water

Once the water is stored, you can access it using the siphon pump included in the kit:

Insert the Pump: Place the siphon pump into the water through the opening in the liner.

Dispense Water: Squeeze the pump to start the flow of water. Direct the water into a clean container for use.

Close Securely: After dispensing, make sure the liner is sealed to prevent contamination.

Maintaining Your Emergency Water Supply

The water stored in your AquaPod Kit can remain potable for up to 8 weeks, depending on storage conditions. However, it’s important to monitor the water quality periodically:

Keep the Area Clean: Ensure the surrounding area is free from chemicals, dirt, or anything that could potentially contaminate the water.

Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect the liner for any leaks or damages that could compromise your water supply.

Rotate Your Water: If the water has been stored for an extended period (over four months), consider replacing it to ensure its freshness.

Beyond the AquaPod Kit: Additional Water Purification Methods

While the AquaPod Kit is an excellent solution for storing a large quantity of water, having additional water purification methods on hand is wise. These can be used if your stored water runs out or if you need to purify water from other sources:

Water Purification Tablets: These are lightweight, compact, and easy to use. Simply drop the tablet into a container of water, wait the recommended time, and it’s safe to drink.

Portable Water Filters: Devices like the Sagan Life RapidFlo Survival Water Filter can purify water from lakes, rivers, and other outdoor sources, removing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

Boiling Water: If you have access to a heat source, boiling water is one of the most effective methods of purification. Boil for at least one minute to kill harmful pathogens.

Integrating the AquaPod Kit into Your Emergency Preparedness Plan

Emergency preparedness is about more than just having the right tools; it’s about being ready to act when the time comes. Here are some tips to integrate the AquaPod Kit into your overall emergency plan:

1. Know When to Use It: The AquaPod Kit is most useful in situations where you have advance warning, such as hurricanes or severe storms. Monitor weather alerts and news reports to know when to set it up.
2. Practice Installation: Familiarize yourself with the AquaPod Kit before an emergency happens. Practice installing it so you can do so quickly and efficiently under stress.
3. Educate Your Household: Make sure everyone in your household knows where the AquaPod Kit is stored and how to use it. Assign roles so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
4. Store Additional Supplies: Consider storing other water purification tools, emergency food rations, flashlights, and batteries near your AquaPod Kit for quick access.
5. Regularly Update Your Plan: Review and update your emergency plan annually or whenever there’s a significant change in your household (e.g., new family members, pets, etc.).

Conclusion

In times of crisis, the last thing you want to worry about is where your next glass of water will come from. The Sagan Life AquaPod Kit offers a reliable, easy-to-use solution for emergency water storage, making it an essential part of any preparedness plan. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that you and your family have access to clean, safe water when it matters most.

References

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “Water: How Much Do You Need?”
   https://www.ready.gov/water.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Emergency Water Storage and Filtration.
   “https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/emergency-water-storage.html.
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water.”
   https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water.
4. American Red Cross. “Disaster Preparedness Plan.”
   https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html.