The Facts

Dingy gray clothing? Dandruff, psoriasis, rash or itchy skin? Dishes that never get clean?

It could be the water. Find out what's in your tap water. The Environmental Protection Agency supplies basic information on the condition of your local water supply. Check out the EPA's directory of local Water Reports.

The Dangers of Chlorinated Water.

Trihalomethanes (THMs), by-products from chlorination, appear to increase significantly in the bloodstream after showering, says a study by researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Public Health. More...

How does your water stack up?

Take a look and see how your water stacks up. We compiled this list for quick reference only, the actual water quality reports are included and go into far greater detail and should be referenced if you are looking for specific information on a substance or contaminate. Please contact us if you would like to see another city listed for comparison. Although we frequently test loacl water and find it does not match the published qualities, we have provided: Santa Barbara Water Quality Report, Goleta Water Quality Report, Montecito Water Quality Report, Ventura Water Quality Report, Oxnard Water Quality Report, Westlake Water Quality Report, Los Angeles Water Quality Report, Iliakai Water Quality Report, Honolulu Water Quality Report, Denver Water Quality Report, San Francisco Water Quality Report, and the cream of the crop New York Water Quality Report.

	TDS ppm	Hardness Grains	Lead ppb	TRIHALOMETHANES ppb	CHLORINE RESIDUAL ppm
New York	52	1.2	.6	38	.67
San Fransisco	101	3.6	11.5	62	nr
Denver	179	nr	9	27	nr
Los Angeles	193	5.62	10	16-90	.03-5.8
Westlake	302	8.07	nd	15-67.9	nr
Ventura River	548	20.82	2	32	nr
Carpinteria	628	21.88	n/a	85.1	1.09
Montecito	554-739	21-25.09	1-1.4	2.1-180	nd-2.13
Santa Barbara	536-1141	19.42-38.66	1.7	66	nr
Goleta	564-1030	15.44-33.28	nd	38-96	nr
Oxnard	1166	35.44	5.1	39.9-56	nr
Ventura Ground	1242	38.72	2	32	nr
Honolulu	nr	nr	nr	.935	nr

If you don't see the city listed, or for the most current reports check the EPA's directory of local Water Reports.

Safe drinking water is the most important item to store

Loss of safe drinking water can be deadly. Most people, with few exceptions, will start feeling the effects if they do without water for more than 36 hours. Dehydration occurs much quicker than starvation. Our bodies can tolerate the loss of food much better. With an ample water supply, starvation is delayed many days, even weeks. The city water supply is vulnerable to the effects of a large earthquake. Contaminants can get into the drinking water supply through ruptures in the pipes, the mixing up of supply sediments, the adulteration of filtering system, etc. Do not take our water for granted. Plan ahead and store a sufficient supply for your family.

How much should I store?

A good rule of thumb is: ONE GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS (MINIMUM). A three week supply of water is ideal.

Water sources

Bottleless water from the store - one and two gallon sealed containers. NOTE: The one and 2 gallon containers that you purchase in your local store are not designed for long term storage and will begin to leak after about six months.

• One and five gallon sealable containers - From camping or survival stores. Be sure to sanitize container and treat the water that you are storing. Old bleach bottles clearly marked, make good containers for water storage.
• Five gallon sealed containers from private water companies - Water companies claim their containers are good forever if still factory sealed. Store all plastic water containers on a wooden pallet or shelf. Keep water containers in a location where container failure will not destroy your other supplies. Keep all water and supplies in a cool dark place.
• DO NOT STORE ANY PLASTIC WATER CONTAINER DIRECTLY ON CONCRETE. The concrete will leech chemicals into the water, contaminating it. Concrete will also degrade the plastic bottle causing failure.

Purifying your tap water.

Any water that you make up yourself needs to be treated. If left untreated over time, it becomes contaminated with bacteria and algae.

• EIGHT DROPS OF PURE UNSCENTED LIQUID BLEACH PER GALLON OF WATER WILL REDUCE THE CONTAMINANTS IN THE WATER.
• ADD THE BLEACH WHEN YOU FIRST STORE THE WATER AWAY.
• NOTE: ROTATE YOUR WATER EVERY SIX MONTHS (this includes the one and two gallon sealed bottles purchased at the store, and the supply you made up from tap water with bleach added.)

Another source of water is the hot water heater. Every water heater has a drain valve near the bottom.

Getting the water out of your water heater

• Use extreme caution. Let the water cool.
• Turn off the cold water supply to the tank
• Turn off the gas or electric heater for the tank
• Open the drain valve at the bottom
• REMEMBER: Some sediment at the bottom of the tank may at first make water flowing out look murky. Continue to drain water until it becomes clear.

Other sources of water in your home

• Toilet Water Storage Tank: NOTE: Use the water from the storage tank - NOT THE TOILET BOWL (Don't drink the water if you use coloring or chemicals in it)
• Melted Ice Cubes are a source of water. Packed Can Goods (even syrups are mostly water)
• Water Trapped in Home Piping: Water can sometimes be removed by locating and shutting off the main water valve. Open the valve at the highest point of your property, then when you open the valve at the lowest point, gravity will force the water from the pipes.

If the purity of your water is questionable, use the following moethods to make water safe to drink

BEST
Add liquid chlorine bleach to the water. Eight drops per gallon of water. Double this dose if the water is cloudy.

GOOD
Add 2% tincture of iodine to the water. Twelve drops per gallon of water. Double this dose if the water is cloudy.

ACCEPTABLE
boil the water vigorously for ten minutes.

Do not forget to clean and sanitize your food containers before using them. Wash with soap and warm water, then fill with a 10% bleach solution. After five minutes empty the bleach solution and let dry.

Water that is dirty should first be strained through a coffee filter, cheese cloth or a paper towel to remove suspended matter.

Copyrighted 1997: Los Angeles City Fire Department
Earthquake Handbook coded by:
Bud Gundersen, LAFD Ret.
InfoNet911”

Emergency Preparedness for Your Pets

Always keep identification on your pets. Microchips are available at your local Vet's office. If you animal loses his collar and comes to a shelter both the Humane Society and the Department of Animal Regulation are equipped with scanners. All stray animals are checked for microchips.

Pet disaster supplies kit

• A 2-week supply of food and water (stored in plastic containers). Food and water bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener.
• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carrier to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Information on feeding schedule, medical condition, behavior problems, and the name and number of your Veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
• A duffel bag makes a great storage bag for your pet's supplies.

If you are aware of an impending disaster, bring your animals inside immediately. Be sure that they are wearing identification.

If you have to evacuate take your pet with you! Red Cross Shelters do not accept animals in their shelters. Now is the time to make arrangements with friends and family to temporarily house your pets. Some hotels in the area do accept animals. Find those hotels. Shelters will accept animals in times of disaster, but please do not rely on them, as they will be rescuing animals that are wandering and homeless. If you should lose your animal, be sure to contact your local shelters and post fliers with recent photographs of your pet.

As with all of our services, emergency water service is important, we offer this service for all of our customers including residential homes, businesses, retirement facilities, office. The Central Coast is known for earthquakes, fires and floods: Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Ynez, Solvang, Buellton and Los Olivos have some of the most beautiful homes, apartment buildings, and condominiums. Unfortunately, we all need to be ready for an emergency. Having the delivery service of emergency bottleless water and keeping it in a cool dark location is important. In addition to Santa Barbara county, we also offer emergency water delivery to Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Port Huneme, Somis, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, More Park, Westlake Village, Agora and most all of Ventura County. Please don't delay on setting up this type plan for your family, employees, or guests.