What Americans Fear Most During Natural Disasters: Losing Clean Water

As extreme weather events become more common, a new Aquasana survey finds that most Americans are worried about how natural disasters could impact their access to clean drinking water.

By: Rachel Carollo

From hurricanes and heat waves to wildfires and floods, 2024 was a year of non-stop extreme weather—and it’s left many of us wondering: what happens to our drinking water when disaster strikes?

To dig into this question, we at Aquasana surveyed more than 1,100 U.S. adults earlier this year. The results? A resounding 86% of Americans said they’re at least somewhat concerned about how a natural disaster could affect their access to clean drinking water.

A summer of record heat - and rising risk

We’re entering National Heat Wave Preparedness Month and bracing for an intense hurricane season. With record-breaking temperatures and growing climate unpredictability, access to clean, safe water is more important than ever—especially when staying hydrated can literally be a lifesaver.

"Increasingly intense and frequent climate events make safeguarding our drinking water vital,” said Derek Mellencamp, Aquasana’s general manager. “It’s no longer just a nice-to-have — it’s a necessity.”

The impact of a disaster every four days

In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 27 billion-dollar weather disasters, according to NOAA. That’s just shy of the record set in 2023. Add in nearly 65,000 wildfires, 1,800 tornadoes, and countless floods, droughts, and winter storms, and it’s no wonder the International Institution for Environmental Development (IIED) reported a major disaster every four days, affecting nearly 41% of the U.S. population.

Disasters can put huge stress on local water systems, leading to everything from boil notices to long-term contamination. That’s where home filtration comes in.

"The IIED reported a major disaster every four days, affecting nearly 41% of the U.S. population."

Why a home water filter matters more than ever

High temperatures, power outages, and infrastructure damage can all increase the risk of contaminants entering your water supply. Think sediment, heavy metals, chemicals, and more.

“Installing a high-quality water filter at home adds an important layer of protection,” said Mellencamp. “Especially during events like heat waves or rolling blackouts, when municipal systems may be under pressure.”

Aquasana’s drinking water filters are tested and certified to remove up to 99.99% of 90 different contaminants, including PFAS, chlorine, lead, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. For whole-home coverage, our systems also feature UV filtration that sterilizes bacteria and viruses.

Peace of mind, one glass at a time

Clean drinking water shouldn’t be a question mark — especially during a crisis. Whether you're on city water or a private well, having a reliable filter in place can give you peace of mind and help keep your family safe, no matter what nature throws your way.

Explore our full lineup of water filtration systems at aquasana.com and be prepared for whatever comes next.

WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER

Rhino® Max Flow with UV Filter

Maximum-flow whole house water filtration system reduces 97% of chlorine at 2X the flow rate. Lasts 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years.