Survival guides · Water & Food

Collect Rainwater

WHEN TO USE THISRain is one of the cleanest sources you'll get. A 10×10 ft tarp catches 60+ gallons from an inch of rain.

1. Set up a catch

   • A tarp, plastic sheet, split-open trash bag or clean rain jacket.
   • Angle it so water runs to one low point.
   • Weigh down the edges against wind.
   • Gutters: unhook the downspout into your container. Skip roofs with lead flashing or treated wood.

2. Catch it

   • A clean bucket, pot or any watertight container at the low point.
   • Let the first few minutes run off — they wash the surface clean.

3. Filter and treat

   • Pour through a cloth to catch bugs and grit.
   • Boil 1 minute, or bleach: 6 drops of 8.25% or 8 drops of 6% per gallon.
   Why

   Rain itself is clean. The surface it runs off usually isn't.

Sources: CDC Rainwater Collection Guidelines · FEMA Emergency Water Sources

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.