Hidden Water Sources in Your Home
If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the
water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use
water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).
Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You’ll need to shut it off to
stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water
or sewage lines.
To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in
your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain
water from the lowest faucet in the house.
To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open
the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water
intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity
when the tank is empty.