 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The Loma Prieta earthquake which struck the Bay Area on October 17, 1989, stretched local resources to the limit as San Jose Water Company tried to maintain and restore water service to the residents in hard-hit Los Gatos. The events following the earthquake serve as a reminder that water service may be interrupted following any significant disaster. You should be prepared for such disasters and take steps now to assure that an emergency supply of drinking water will be available if it is needed. The Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health Services offers the following guidelines:
Store water in plastic containers, preferably heavy opaque plastic with tight fitting screw-on caps. Use within one year or replace. The Health Department recommends a two week supply for every family member.
The water stored in water heater tanks is a good temporary source of supply. Water heater drain taps should be turned on once a month to drain rust and sediment. Be sure to turn off the gas or electricity before draining the water heater. Securely strap the water heater to a wall to prevent water loss as well as possible broken gas lines to the heater.
 If there is any doubt about the quality of available water, it should be purified before use. Boil vigorously for 1 minute or use (unscented) liquid household bleach (sodium hypochlorite 5.25%) as a disinfectant. Please see attached water purification chart for details. After adding bleach, mix thoroughly and let water stand for 30 minutes before using.
If water is cloudy or contains suspended particles, strain through a coffee filter or several layers of clean cloth to remove debris before attempting disinfection.
|
|
|
|
|
