Why Store Water?
Natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes may pollute or disrupt water supplies. Water is more essential than food in sustaining life. It is wise to have an emergency storage of at least 14 gallons per person. The water must be pure, treated to prevent microbial growth, and stored in food-grade containers that will protect both flavor and purity.
Pre-storage Treatments
To prevent buildup of bacteria or algae, use household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite).
No additional household bleach is needed when water comes directly from a good pre-treated municipal water supply.
Add 8 drops (1/2 teaspoon) household bleach per gallon if water is clear, but not chlorinated.
Add 16 drops (1 teaspoon) of household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) per gallon if water is cloudy.
Let water stand for 30 minutes before use.
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Pre-use Treatments
If the water is not pure, use one of the following treatment methods:
| Filtration |
There are many good water filters on the market. The activated charcoal
type can also remove bad tastes. Some models also add chemicals to kill
bacteria.
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Chemical
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Good treatment chemicals can be acquired from most outdoor
supply stores.
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| Boiling |
Boil water for three to five minutes, depending on
elevation (the higher the elevation, the longer the water should be boiled). |
| Distilling |
This is the most effective method
of water purification. However, it is slow, and the equipment required is
expensive. If you plan to use this method, advanced preparation will be
necessary. |
Water Storage Containers
Good water storage containers are airtight, resistant to breakage, and heavy enough to hold water. They should have a lining that will not rust or affect the flavor of the water. The following containers are commonly used:
| Plastic Juice or Soda Bottles |
Use clear plastic containers made of PETE plastic. Used containers should
be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
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Heavy Plastic Buckets or Drums
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These should be food grade.
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| Water Heaters |
Close the inlet valve immediately after
the water supply is disrupted. |
| Water Beds |
A double water bed holds about 200 gallons
of water. This water contains an algicide. Do not drink it. Store
this water for non-food uses only, such as washing clothes and general
cleaning. |
| Bleach Bottles |
Also for non-food usage only. These bottles turn brittle over several years and are likely to leak. |
Protect water storage containers from light and heat. Algae can grow if water is stored in light. Store them in areas where leakage will not cause damage to the home.
Water can go flat with storage and can be aerated by pouring it back and forth between two containers.
