Collecting rainwater is also on the menu.
I mentioned this in another thread, but if you want a cheap solution for storing water then you can buy a second-hand 52 gallon pickle containers in most states for about about $20.
They are huge, tough, plastic containers about 22 inch diameter and 40 inches high with massive screw-on lids. Clean them out with washing detergent (you'll need a rag on a stick or children to do it properly), fill 'em up with tap water and seal the lid. It doesn't matter if they sit in the sun for 20 years because you'll chlorinate that water when you need it. Also, don't bother drilling a tap into them because that only risks leakage if the seals degrade - instead just open the screw-on lid and lower a length of hose until it touches the bottle, block the end with your thumb, withdraw the hose a little so you're not siphoning silt... and water will flow.
52 gallons of water will last an adult for 100 days without rationing.
I'd recommend either considering buying some large latex basins to collect rainwater or renovate one of your down-pipes so the final length can be disconnected and redirected to a basin.
I'd advise against connecting your down-pipe directly to a water butt because the first downpour after a dry period will wash an incredible amount of dirt and birdshit and crud off your roof and into your drinking water. Some people create elaborate mechanisms to catch and redirect the first downpour, but I think the simplest solutions are always the best... and the best solution is either to buy six huge latex basins or redirect your roof down-pipe only after the first downpour.
Based on a little experimentation and the size of your family, you'll quickly figure out which solution is best for you.
Don't forget that your pool chlorine will allow you to treat river water. So a few jerry cans might be a wise investment too. Jerry cans are 5 x as heavier when full of water than you expect, so never plan to move more than one at a time.
Collecting rainwater is also on the menu.
I mentioned this in another thread, but if you want a cheap solution for storing water then you can buy a second-hand 52 gallon pickle containers in most states for about about $20.
They are huge, tough, plastic containers about 22 inch diameter and 40 inches high with massive screw-on lids. Clean them out with washing detergent, fill 'em up with tap water and seal the lid. It doesn't matter if they sit in the sun for 20 years because you'll chlorinate that water when you need it. Also, don't bother drilling a tap into them because that only risks leakage if the seals degrade - instead just open the screw-on lid and lower a length of hose until it touches the bottle, block the end with your thumb, withdraw the hose a little so you're not siphoning silt... and water will flow.
52 gallons of water will last an adult for 100 days without rationing.
I'd recommend either considering buying some large latex basins to collect rainwater or renovate one of your down-pipes so the final length can be disconnected and redirected to a basin.
I'd advise against connecting your down-pipe directly to a water butt because the first downpour after a dry period will wash an incredible amount of dirt and birdshit and crud off your roof and into your drinking water. Some people create elaborate mechanisms to catch and redirect the first downpour, but I think the simplest solutions are always the best... and the best solution is either to buy six huge latex basins or redirect your roof down-pipe only after the first downpour.
Based on a little experimentation and the size of your family, you'll quickly figure out which solution is best for you.
Don't forget that your pool chlorine will allow you to treat river water. So a few jerry cans might be a wise investment too. Jerry cans are 5 x as heavier when full of water than you expect, so never plan to move more than one at a time.