Just read that Portland Oregon is under a boil water alert after E. coli was detected in their water supplies.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A citywide boil notice was issued for Portland after E. coli was detected in the water supply.

The Portland Water Bureau said Friday that residents should boil all tap water used for drinking, food preparation, tooth brushing and ice for at least one minute. Ice or any beverages prepared with un-boiled tap water on or after Tuesday should be dumped.

The notice, which also covers several suburban cities, affects about 670,000 people. It will remain in effect until tests show the water system is clean. That could be Saturday.

Takeaway for everyone on this latest incident is:

Always have stored water on hand.

Do not depend on grocery stores to store water for you.

Don't depend on websites to always handle the page requests when looking for info.

I try to change my stored water out the first of hurricane season each year...1 June... coming up pretty shortly

My solution is slightly different. I have a fish tank and the water used needs to sit around for a bit before being used in the aquarium. I store water in 5 gallon food grade buckets. Every week, I rotate water into the aquarium.

Currently, I store 55 gallons. I am considering doubling the stored water. I have yet to decide how much I need. The FEMA 1 gallon/person/day was insufficient during Hurricane Sandy. The 1 gallon is the absolute minimum.

Conway Yee