Not bad, thanks.

HoooBoy! I think I gave the guy at HEWS a heart attack. I called them and referred then to the WaterBob website. After the guy dropped the phone, he picked it back up and I swear almost started crying. I really think they had no idea that there was another product out there like theirs.

Looking at the WaterBob it sure looks alike, I like the price better but I wonder if this HEWS costs more due to things like thickness of the bag and the accessories, ect. I told them they should check out www.equipped.org and maybe send the product in to be reviewed.

If you are referring to an actual waterbed (a bed matress of water), I believe they recommend you NOT use them for water storage because the insides of the bladders contain an anti-algae or anti-microbial compound or some other tasty chemical.

Interesting idea but I have 5, 5 gallon reliance water containers that I fill during hurricane watch/warnings. The problem with this system is what happens if you get enough damage to puncture the container? 4mil means it can get leaks eventually.

It's been a few weeks since this post. Any chance of a review?

Interesting ideas, both the HEWS and the WaterBOB (Oh, it's YOU Bob!)

I like that they both fold away flat and small when not needed, and the idea of an integrated hand pump is very practical, too.

GarlyDog is correct that neither system appears to be mobile; they both look as if they couldn't be moved out of the bathtub once full. But I think that in home preparation, you can afford redundancy that weight and size restrictions would prohibit in a BOB or PSK designed for pocket or vehicle use; in other words, keep the bottled water, and fill up one of these puppies in advance of a storm, as well.

I'm going to recommend these systems to some of my friends who live in Hurricane Alley, as a supplement to their bottled water. If all else fails, the additional fresh water can be used for bathing and flushing the toilet, but it's nice to know you've got a high-capacity bladder of potable water should you need it.

Another thought is that the bath tub is the last refuge if the wind is ripping your house appart. My understanding is that most houses in Florida do not have basements.

It might make the tub a more comfortable place if it can hold your weight or it might take up a safe hiding place.

I usually fill one or more of our tubs as a storm approaches, just for washing and flushing. I wouldn't be afraid of drinking it though if we had to. Could always boil, filter or treat it.

I use a little clear packing tape around the drain to seal it. That cleans up a lot easier than RTV or other sealant. Or lining the tub with plastic sheeting or a plastic shower curtain will seal it in a pinch.

45 gallons of water is not that expensive to store. I store a lot of 1 gallon jugs from Wal-Mart at about 60 cents a gallon, including container and packed 3 jugs per box. 2 liter soda bottles are a lot sturdier and are essentially free.

Considering the humidity and the amount of work you might have to do during cleanup, you might want to consider at least 2 or 3 gallons of water per person per day.

The HEWS now has a "Special Internet Price" of $39.95 marked down from $49.95. I guess RobertD's phone call shook 'em up a bit...

-phil