Local food and beverage processors often have primary and secondary filtration and purification systems that allow them to guarantee the quality of their potable water for secondary use. Though they often pack and ship the food or liquids in individual containers, it is possible to bulk ship these using approved shippers such as milk truckers who daily ship and sterilize their rigs.

Mayors, EMA and local public service institutions can work together to create a volunteer water-relay system that provides bulk shipment of water to hospitals, evacuation centers, schools and other central systems in the event municipal water systems fail.

Bottled water is an important element of preparedness, but large quantities of potable water will need to be available, particularly to health institutions, in order to meet the surge demand during a crisis or breakdown of municipal systems.