The Offline Shelf

Best books on water storage, harvesting and purification

You can go weeks without food but only days without water. These books cover storing it, catching rain, reusing greywater, and running a rural water supply.

8 books, beginner-friendly first.

  1. Cover of Prepper's Water Survival Guide

    Prepper's Water Survival Guide

    Daisy Luther · 2015

    A short, focused guide to finding, storing, and purifying water in an emergency. Good for a first water plan.

    beginner
  2. The Water-Wise Home

    Laura Allen · 2015

    A homeowner's guide to rainwater catchment, greywater, and cutting water use. Clear and well illustrated.

    beginner
  3. Cover of Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Plumbing

    Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Plumbing

    Editors of Cool Springs Press, Chris Peterson · 2023

    Photo guide to home plumbing repairs and installs.

    intermediate
  4. Cover of Create an Oasis with Greywater

    Create an Oasis with Greywater

    Art Ludwig · 2000

    How to reuse household greywater safely for irrigation. Useful when water is scarce or rationed.

    intermediate
  5. Cover of The Home Water Supply

    The Home Water Supply

    Stu Campbell · 1983

    An older Storey guide to wells, springs, pumps, and plumbing for rural homes. The basics of water systems haven't changed much.

    intermediate
  6. Cover of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond

    Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond

    Brad Lancaster · 2012

    Shows how to read your land and capture rain with earthworks and tanks. Volume 1 is the place to start.

    intermediate
  7. Cover of Water Storage

    Water Storage

    Art Ludwig · 2007

    Covers tanks, cisterns, and ponds: sizing, materials, and keeping stored water safe. Practical for anyone planning more than a few jugs.

    intermediate
  8. Cover of The Resilient Farm and Homestead

    The Resilient Farm and Homestead

    Ben Falk · 2013

    Ben Falk's detailed account of designing a resilient Vermont homestead, from water systems to food forests.

    advanced

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