In emergency situations where access to clean drinking water is limited or unavailable, people may consider drinking water from unconventional sources to survive. One such source that may come to mind is a pool. In this article, we will explore the viability of drinking pool water in emergencies for survival purposes.
Significance of Hydrating During Emergency Situations
During emergencies, access to safe drinking water becomes crucial for survival. Insufficient hydration can give rise to grave health complications, and under dire circumstances, it may even culminate in fatality. Therefore, exploring all possible water sources, including pool water, becomes essential when traditional sources are compromised.
Risks and Considerations of Drinking Pool Water
Pool water is not meant for drinking and can contain a range of contaminants and chemicals. Drinking untreated pool water poses several risks, including gastrointestinal problems, skin irritation, respiratory issues, and the potential for long-term health effects. It is important to consider these risks and weigh them against the urgency of the situation before resorting to drinking pool water.
Treating Pool Water for Safe Consumption
In the absence of alternative water sources, it is feasible to treat pool water to enhance its safety for drinking purposes.The following steps can be taken:
- Filtration: Filtering the pool water using a fine mesh cloth, coffee filters, or commercial water filters can help remove larger particles and debris.
- Disinfection: To eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, pool water can undergo disinfection through different methods like boiling, chlorination, or the usage of water purification tablets. However, it’s important to note that pool chemicals may still be present and may require additional treatment steps.
- Chemical Neutralization: To reduce the impact of pool chemicals, adding a small amount of powdered activated carbon or allowing the treated water to stand for some time can help neutralize the residual chemicals.
Alternative Sources of Water in Emergencies
While drinking pool water may be an option in dire circumstances, it’s important to explore alternative water sources first. Some alternative sources to consider during emergencies include:
- Stored Water: Prioritize drinking water from stored supplies, such as bottled water, if available.
- Natural Sources:It is advisable to search for nearby natural water sources like rivers, streams, or lakes as alternatives for obtaining water. However, exercise caution and ensure the water is not contaminated.
- Rainwater: Collecting rainwater in clean containers or using improvised rainwater catchment systems can provide a relatively safer water source.
- Water from Plumbing: If safe to do so, you can use water from the plumbing system. Let the tap run for a few minutes to clear out any stagnant water.
Risks and Considerations of Drinking Pool Water
Pool water may contain various contaminants that can be harmful when consumed. Some potential contaminants include:
- Bacteria and viruses from human or animal waste
- Chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, and other disinfectants
- Residual cleaning agents and personal care products
- Organic matter, debris, and insects
Health Risks Associated with Drinking Pool Water
Drinking untreated pool water can pose several health risks. Some of the possible outcomes include:
- Gastrointestinal problems: Consuming pool water that is contaminated can result in stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Skin irritation: The chemicals present in pool water may cause skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions.
- Respiratory Problems: Breathing in chlorine gas or other disinfectant byproducts found in swimming pool water can lead to respiratory system irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties.
- Long-term health effects: Extended contact with specific contaminants and chemicals present in pool water can potentially have a cumulative impact on health. However, this is typically more applicable to chronic and continuous exposure rather than isolated emergency situations.
Treating Pool Water for Safe Consumption
If there are no alternative sources of water, it is feasible to purify pool water to enhance its safety for drinking. The following steps can be taken:
Filtration
- Filtering the pool water using a fine mesh cloth, coffee filters, or commercial water filters can help remove larger particles, debris, and insects.
- This initial filtration step helps improve the clarity of the water and reduces some potential contaminants.
Disinfection
- To kill harmful bacteria and viruses in pool water, disinfection is crucial. Several methods can be employed:
- Boiling: Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to ensure the destruction of most microorganisms.
- Chlorination: Use unscented liquid chlorine bleach to disinfect the water. Add the appropriate amount based on the volume of water and follow guidelines provided by reputable sources.
- Water purification tablets: These tablets contain chemicals that can disinfect water. Follow the instructions on the product label for proper usage.
Chemical Neutralization
- Pool water may still contain residual chemicals even after filtration and disinfection. To reduce the impact of these chemicals, consider the following steps:
- Adding a small amount of powdered activated carbon can help absorb and neutralize certain chemicals.
- Allowing the treated water to stand for some time can also aid in the reduction of residual chemicals.
Alternative Sources of Water in Emergencies
While drinking pool water may be an option in dire circumstances, it’s important to explore alternative water sources first. Some alternative sources to consider during emergencies include:
Stored Water
- Prioritize drinking water from stored supplies, such as bottled water or water stored in clean containers.
- Ensure that stored water is rotated regularly and is within its expiration date.
Natural Water Sources
- If available and uncontaminated, natural sources like rivers, streams, or lakes can provide water for consumption.
- However, it’s essential to assess the water for potential contamination and use proper filtration and disinfection methods if necessary.
Rainwater Collection
- Collecting rainwater in clean containers or using improvised rainwater catchment systems can provide a relatively safer water source.
- Ensure that the collection surfaces and storage containers are clean to minimize contamination.
Plumbing Water
- If safe to do so, you can use water from the plumbing system during emergencies.
- Before using plumbing water, let the tap run for a few minutes to clear out any stagnant water that may have accumulated.
Making Pool Water Safe to Drink
Pool water is prone to containing bacteria, viruses, algae, debris, as well as substances like chlorine or bromine. Ingesting these elements can result in gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and adverse long-term health consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to treat pool water before consuming it to minimize the associated risks.
Filtration: Removing Impurities
Using a Fine Mesh Cloth or Coffee Filters
The first step in making pool water safe to drink is to filter out larger particles, debris, and insects. You can achieve this by using a fine mesh cloth or coffee filters. Simply pour the pool water through the cloth or filter, allowing it to capture the impurities and provide cleaner water.
Commercial Water Filters
Commercial water filters designed for outdoor or emergency use can also be effective in removing impurities from pool water. These filters are specially crafted to effectively eliminate bacteria, protozoa, and other hazardous impurities. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage and filtration capacity.
Disinfection: Killing Harmful Microorganisms
To eliminate harmful microorganisms present in pool water, disinfection is essential. There are multiple techniques you can employ to accomplish this, and one of them is boiling.
Boiling
Boiling is a reliable and straightforward method to disinfect water. Heat the pool water until it reaches a vigorous boil and maintain it for a minimum of one minute. Boiling kills most microorganisms, making the water safer to drink. Allow the water to cool before consumption.
Chlorination with Liquid Bleach
Another effective method is using unscented liquid chlorine bleach to disinfect the pool water. Add the appropriate amount of bleach based on the volume of water and follow reputable guidelines for dosage.
After thoroughly blending the water, it holds great significance to allow it to rest undisturbed for a minimum duration of 30 minutes before indulging in its consumption. This allows the chlorine to effectively kill microorganisms.
Water Purification Tablets
Water purification tablets containing chemicals like chlorine dioxide or iodine can also be used for disinfection. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the correct dosage and waiting time. These tablets are convenient and effective for treating small volumes of pool water.
Reducing Harmful Chemicals
Even after filtration and disinfection, pool water may still contain residual chemicals that can affect taste and safety. To reduce these chemicals, consider the following methods:
Activated Carbon
Adding a small amount of powdered activated carbon to the treated pool water can help absorb and neutralize certain chemicals. Stir the water well to ensure proper mixing. Let the water stand for a short period to allow the activated carbon to work before consuming it.
Allowing the Water to Stand
Simply allowing the treated pool water to stand for a few hours can also aid in the reduction of residual chemicals. This allows some volatile chemicals to evaporate, resulting in improved taste and potentially lower chemical concentrations.
Conclusion
During critical circumstances when there is a scarcity or absence of clean drinking water, resorting to consuming pool water may be a final option for ensuring survival. However, it’s crucial to understand the risks and take appropriate measures to treat the water before consumption.
In situations where viable options are accessible, it is advisable to investigate alternative sources of water, giving preference to those that offer greater safety and availability. For more articles please visit here
