Freedom Industries frees W. Virginians from their water

[midnight rambler]

After the ban was lifted -

http://www.rense.com/1.imagesH/chemwater.jpg

It's going to be a VERY LONG time before the water distribution system there is cleared up to anywhere near usable.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/15/chemical-spill-photos-wv_n_4601746.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009

[Glass]

yes I would not be drinking water from there again. Its important to keep at least 1 week of drinkable water regardless of your situation. Obviously weeks, months is better but min a week. Then a plan to get more. A pump, hand pump. A pitcher pump (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=pitcher+pump&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&gfe_rd=cr&ei=w6PXUrzzIKuN8Qfz3YAw) with a suitable drop pipe. A pitcher pump is only good for about 25' (?). Wander around your area and identify any potential wells, pump houses, bores. They will be there, not all will be drinkable/potable. You might strike some sweet water. Who knows.

I guess if something like this happens, it eventually gets into the ground water where it could be pumped up. You'd probably want to assess the crisis day one and decide if it will go beyond your supply and act day 1 or 2 to amass supplies of water. While it's clean, assuming your not at ground zero. Everyone else will be at the supermarket looking for bottles.

In places like the bahama's water is either rainfall, import or desalination. Water tanks would be a good idea but because of hurricane, they do something else. They build aquifer under the house. It is 5000 - 10000 gallons usually. Basically a cellar filled with water. the size of a regular swimming pool.

You can put liner in there for sealing etc. Also you can get bladders upto a couple thou gallons. In all sorts of shapes to go under a house. If the house on stilts it's esay if on a concrete slab needs planning from begining.

Identify local sources of water
Grade according to competition
Have more storage capacity ready
Assess and act within 24 - 48 hours.

Ground water contamination would probably happen fairly quickly. I think I would just do it regardless.