Long Term Water Storage
How should I store water?
To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you are ready to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by” date.
Preparing your own containers of water
It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers to use for storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container with water.
If you choose to use your own storage containers, chose two liter plastic soft drink bottles-not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot adequately be removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps. Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non scented liquid household chlorine bleach to 1 quart of water. Swish the sanitation solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After the bottle is sanitized, rinse out the bottle with clean water.
Filling water containers
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or non chlorine treated source, add 2 drops of non scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place the date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store containers in a cool, dark place and replace the water every six months if not commercially prepared.
Examples of Water Storage Containers
- Good: FDA approved plastic drums and Mylar bags. These containers don’t allow gases, vapors, odors, or light.
- Poor: Polyethylene plastics (milk, juice or bleach containers). These pick up odors and vapor and they are biodegradable and leak.
- Poor: Glass jars. These are breakable.
- Other: Water beds, toilet tanks, inside pipes, water heater. Always purify if in doubt.
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
-Benjamin Franklin
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