We do so much with water not to have it around. Besides assuaging thirst, water is needed for food prep, bathing, and various cleaning endeavors. But how do we get it? 

1) Well, well, well…have you considered a well?
Excuse my play on words, but have you? If not, why?
I know digging a well can be expensive. Like upwards of $10,000 expensive. But it is a solid water source completely off-grid. I’m not saying all wells will last forever because we all know that they won’t.
However, it is still a solid option.

2) Go Solar.
I have multiple reasons for this.
First, I’d love to ditch my electric bill. Part of being a homesteader is living as frugally as possible. And my electric bill obviously requires me to spend more money.
Second, I’d love to know that in the event of an emergency that my power will not go out. As long as the sun keeps shining on my home, my family and I should have power.

(You can read his third reason for going solar at the link in the final paragraph)

3) Store Your Own
This is more of a prepping option for those that are looking for a backup to their already solid water source.
But if you have a water source whether it be a river, well water, or even city water then start saving your milk jugs or other containers. However, remember that if you are pulling water straight from a river you will need to purify it.
So after you have the water jugs stored, just keep adding to them to ensure that you have enough water to withstand a small emergency.

4) Rain Water

And I’m a firm believer that we should all be doing it. My reasoning is that it helps save water on a daily basis. We actually use our rainwater to provide water to all of our animals.
However, as great of an idea as this is, it is not something that would last for permanent long-term use. But it could definitely provide water for your animals for a decent period of time.
Yet, it needs to be mentioned if you are going to try to drink rainwater yourself then you’ll need to do some research to make sure you do so safely. Some off-grid homes actually collect rain water and then install a purification system so they can use it for drinking.

When we were a kid we watched a documentary about an outdoorsman and his travels. He was also a folk singer and one memorable song had him declaring: “Cool clear water… it’s just here for the taking ….” And it always stuck with us. It also made us very thirsty!

Yet, at that young age, it never occurred to us that we would have to search anywhere other than our kitchen faucet for the answer to our dehydration dilemma!

To read more on off the grid water sources go to Morning Chores. Right now it may not seem an issue but if and when we hit a “dry spot” you may be very grateful for the water supply you have located or saved!