Resources & Projects

Preparing For Emergencies

Helping You Get Ready For Emergencies

FloodEmergency & Disaster Preparedness Links

Would you know what to do in the event of an emergency or disaster? The following external links may help you get ready for the unexpected:

Emergency Water Sources

During times of emergency, water service, like any utility may be unavailable. TVWD’s primary focus will be the restoration of the system, and the return of service. You may need to get by for several days on your own, until help arrives, or the system is restored. A person can survive a couple of weeks without food, but only three days without water. If you keep commercially bottled water as an emergency supply, be aware of the expiration date and rotate accordingly. If you choose to bottle your own, we recommend that you use a food grade container designed for water storage, and change the water every six months.

Other sources of water in the case of an emergency include:

Emergency Indoor Water Sources

  • Ice cubes, as long as they were frozen with untainted water.
  • Hot water heater — To drain water from the tank, first turn off gas or electricity to the tank. Second, open the valve at the top of the tank or turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. Third, put a clean container under the tap at the bottom of the hot water heater and fill as needed.
  • Juices, sodas and other drinks you already have in your house.
  • Canned fruits and vegetables packed in water.

Emergency Outdoor Water Sources

If you need to find water outside your home, you can use these sources after they are disinfected:

  • Rainwater
  • Streams, rivers & other moving bodies of water
  • Ponds and lakes
  • Natural Springs

Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. You should NEVER drink floodwater. 

Be sure to disinfect the water found outdoors by:

  • Boiling water for at least 5 minutes
  • Using bleach: use 8 drops of UNSCENTED household bleach per 1 gallon of water if the water is clear. If the water is cloudy, use 16 drops of bleach per gallon. Mix well and let sit for 30 minutes.
  • Use water purification tablets according to the instructions on the bottle.
  • Disinfected water can be used for one week if stored in a clean, closed container.