Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
important information on winter survival tips plus how to drain your pipes and winterize your
plumbing fixtures to avoid damage from freezing.
Sanitation Notes
The luxury of hot and cold running water, and flush toilets, is one of those things that most
people take for granted until they have to do without them for a while. When water resources
are tight, there is an old saying that may be quite appropriate, “When it's brown, flush it down,
but when its yellow, let it mellow.” Many people do not realize it, but even when the water sys-
tem is shut off, you can still flush a toilet by pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl. If
you have a nearby pond or creek, the bucket flush may be a valid option.
If you do not have any water for flushing, or the sewage system won't drain anymore (after
a few hours with no electric power to drive sewage pumps, the sewers in many locations will
stop draining), the use of a 5-gallon bucket, or a backyard trench, will be a whole lot more ap-
pealing than overloading your bathroom fixtures. In a group situation, putting up some kind of
privacy shield will be well worthwhile, and will help avoid other issues such as constipation on
the part of people who are too embarrassed to “do their business” in front of others. Try to dig a
trench a couple of feet deep, so you can fill it in when it reaches a little less than a foot from the
top. A handful of lime or fireplace ashes sprinkled on top of the poop will help keep the flies
and odor down. When the sewage system goes down, all that uncovered poop in a metro area
can quickly lead to a serious health and sanitation issue.
When toilet paper runs out, the classic standbys have been Sears catalogs, phone books,
leaves, moss, and corn cobs. When those run out, plan B includes the bucket of water with a
wash rag, and remember to keep your left hand under the table! From experience, I can tell you
that snow does a good job too, but it sure is cold.
