By Rebecca Gold Rubin
September is National Preparedness Month — a time when individuals, families, and communities across the country are encouraged to take steps to be ready for emergencies. For us here in the Monterey Bay area, that means preparing for wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, and power outages — all of which can affect our access to clean, reliable water.
But personal preparedness starts at home — and one of the most essential (and often overlooked) parts of your emergency supply kit is water.
Why Water Matters Most in an Emergency
Clean drinking water is critical during any emergency. It’s not just for drinking — you’ll need it for cooking, cleaning, and basic hygiene.
And unlike some supplies that can be found on short notice, water may be unavailable or unsafe during a disaster. Power outages can impact water treatment facilities and pump stations, while natural disasters can break or contaminate water lines.
That’s why having a personal water supply is not only smart — it could be lifesaving.
How Much Water Should You Store?
FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a minimum of three days. That covers drinking and basic sanitation.
Here’s what that might look like:
- 1 person = 3 gallons
- 2 people = 6 gallons
- 4 people = 12 gallons
- Plus extra for pets, infants, and individuals with medical needs.
And if you have the space, it’s wise to store a full two-week supply, especially in earthquake-prone areas like ours.
Water Storage Tips
Storing emergency water doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help:
- Use clean, food-grade containers (labeled for water storage).
- Store water in a cool, dark place, away from chemicals or direct sunlight.
- Label containers with the date you filled them and replace every 6 months.
- Consider commercially bottled water for convenience and longer shelf life.
- Avoid containers that have previously held milk or juice — residue can encourage bacteria growth.
What If You Run Out?
If an emergency catches you off guard and you run low on clean water, it may become necessary to treat suspicious water.
Here is how to do that according to the www.ready.gov/water website:
- Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool, then improve taste by pouring it between clean containers.
How Soquel Creek Water District Prepares
Preparedness is at the heart of our mission. Soquel Creek Water District maintains an Emergency Response Plan, trains our staff, and coordinates with local and regional emergency partners.
We have:
- Backup generators to maintain water delivery during power outages
- Plans to protect water quality during natural disasters
- Remote monitoring systems to detect system issues early
- Participation in mutual aid networks to support neighboring agencies We also continuously evaluate risks to ensure your water remains safe and reliable.
Five Things You Can Do This September
1) Build or update your emergency water supply.
2) Learn how to shut off your home’s water valve in case of a leak or contamination.
3) Sign up for local emergency alerts, like CodeRED in Santa Cruz County.
4) Create a family communication plan — who to call, where to meet, how to reconnect.
5) Talk to your neighbors. A connected neighborhood is a safer one.
Community-wide Planning for Resilience Preparedness also happens on a community-wide scale.
The District is part of the Santa Cruz County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), led by the County’s Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience (OR3) in partnership with cities, special districts, and others. This plan identifies strategies to reduce risks from wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and coastal storms, and keeps the District eligible for federal hazard mitigation funding.
Since December 2024, the County’s consultant, Dynamic Planning and Science, has coordinated public outreach and workshops. District staff have helped shape the countywide plan and the District’s annex plan, which prioritizes wildfire and earthquakes, followed by floods, slope failure, drought, and coastal hazards. A public draft is expected in September 2025, with final review by state and federal agencies to follow.
A Resilient Community Starts with You
Emergencies don’t make appointments — but your preparation can make all the difference. By setting aside water, updating your emergency plans, and staying informed, you’re helping build a stronger, safer community for everyone.
So, let’s all take a moment this September to get ready, stay safe, and be water-wise — because resilience begins with each of us.
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For more tips and resources, visit www.ready.gov