Water Prep 1

Badge Summary

The Water Preparation Merit Badge - Greenie Level is designed to introduce individuals to the fundamentals of water preparedness for short-term emergencies. This badge focuses on ensuring that a family has access to an adequate supply of safe drinking water for 7 days during an unexpected event or crisis.

By earning this badge, you will learn how to:

  • Calculate your family's water needs for a 21-day period
  • Store water safely for emergency use
  • Identify potential water sources in and around your home
  • Understand and apply basic water filter and purification methods
  • Recognize the importance of water conservation in emergency situations

This badge serves as a crucial first step in ensuring your family's water security during short-term emergencies and lays the groundwork for more advanced water preparedness skills.

Water 1 Badge
Preparation Category
Water
Level
Greenie
Merit Badge Counselor
djbliss2000
Changed
5 months 2 weeks ago
Requirements
  1. Calculate the amount of water your family needs for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene for 21 days. Explain your calculations to your counselor.
  2. Demonstrate proper techniques for storing water for emergency use. Store at least a 3-day supply of water for your family using appropriate containers.
  3. Identify three potential sources of water in and around your home that could be used in an emergency (e.g., hot water heater, toilet tank, rainwater). Explain the pros and cons of each source.
  4. Learn and demonstrate three different methods of water purification: a. Boiling b. Chemical treatment (using unscented household bleach or water purification tablets) c. Filtration (using a commercial water filter or improvised filter)
  5. Create a simple water filtration system using household materials (e.g., sand, gravel, cloth, and a container). Test your filter with muddy water and discuss its effectiveness with your counselor.
  6. Research and explain the potential dangers of drinking untreated water in an emergency situation.
  7. Demonstrate how to properly clean and sanitize water storage containers before use.
  8. Develop a water conservation plan for your family to use during a water shortage emergency. Include at least five specific conservation measures.
  9. Assemble a basic water emergency kit that includes:
    1. Water containers
    2. Water purification method (tablets, bleach, or filter)
    3. Instructions for purifying water
  10. Discuss with your counselor the importance of including electrolyte replacement options in your emergency water supply. Add an appropriate electrolyte replacement option to your emergency kit.
Counselor Recommendations

Product Recommendations

  1. Water Storage Containers:
    • WaterBrick - 3.5 Gallon Stackable Container
    • Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
    • Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Barrel
  2. Water Filters:
  3. Water Purification Tablets:
    • Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets
    • Aquamira Water Purifier Tablets
  4. Electrolyte Replacement:
    • Pedialyte Powder Packs
    • Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Knowledge Resources

  1. Books:
    • "The Prepper's Water Survival Guide" by Daisy Luther
    • "The Survival Medicine Handbook" by Joseph Alton MD and Amy Alton ARNP
  2. Online Resources:
  3. Video Series:
    • "Water Purification for Survival" by The Prepared

Additional Resources

  1. Water Testing Kit:
    • First Alert WT1 Drinking Water Test Kit
  2. Portable Water Container with Spigot:
    • Igloo 5-Gallon Heavy-Duty Beverage Cooler
  3. Collapsible Water Containers:
    • Aqua-Tainer Collapsible Water Container (5 Gallon)
  4. Water Preserver Concentrate:
    • Purogene Water Treatment & Preserver

Comments and Recommendations1