In an emergency, having access to long-term water storage is vital. Freezes and deterioration of city pipes can cause supply disruption for days.
For drinking and sanitation needs, the CDC suggests storing at least one gallon per person daily. That works out to 14 gallons for families.
Bottled Water
Bottled water should be stored for extended periods in clean, sanitized containers. These should be food-grade plastic or glass bottles with tight fitting lids that have been thoroughly washed in hot or boiling water for at least 30 seconds before cooling and being left to air-dry or rinsed with safe water. Label the containers “drinking water” along with when purchased or bottled.
To extend the shelf life of bottled water, store it in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Ideally, this should be done in an enclosed closet or pantry as some bottled water may develop an unpleasant odor or taste when left out in direct sunlight.
Refilling water should be done every six months to keep it free from bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that can lead to long-term health issues. Drinking contaminated water poses a serious health risk – especially during times of emergency.
Bulk storage can be achieved with a 55 gallon drum. These are commonly found at most grocery stores in blue, natural- or white colors and usually made of food-grade HDPE resin that blocks UV light. They can be stacked high in a room and easily accessed for dispensing when necessary.
Other water storage options include 5-gallon plastic jugs and commercial water dispensers, both of which can be found at most grocery stores in various colors and sizes. They’re easy to use, store, and dispense from a faucet.
Another alternative is to purchase pre-packaged bottled water and store it at home or a bug out location. This can be an ideal solution for those with limited space or cash to spare.
One potential danger with bottled water is its potential exposure to hazardous contaminants, such as phthalates. Unfortunately, these chemicals are prevalent in many bottled waters and can leach into the liquid during transport or storage in hot or warm temperatures.
Though bottled water is generally regulated by the FDA and meets food safety standards, it isn’t treated the same way tap water is. This makes bottled water more vulnerable to being contaminated with hazardous contaminants than tap water; these could include chemicals, pesticides and toxins not found in tap water.
Food Grade Plastic Bottles
When storing water for long term, make sure the container is food grade. This will guarantee your liquid is safe to consume and any bacteria or other contaminants cannot grow.
Food-grade containers must meet stringent purity, manufacturing process and safety criteria set out by the FDA and other regulating agencies. Several types of plastic are utilized in their production – all adhering to stringent purity requirements set forth by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
HDPE (high density polyethylene) is a popular material for food-grade bottles due to its strength and durability. This strong material can be used in many applications such as milk, juice, syrup, ketchup, vinegar and other liquid foods.
Other common food-grade plastics include LDPE and PET. These materials are employed in making smaller soft drink and peanut butter bottles, as well as larger reusable storage containers.
Both materials are non-toxic and capable of withstanding microwave heat. However, if you’re storing water in a plastic container, be mindful not to overheat it.
Furthermore, you should be mindful that plastics can leach chemicals into your food over time. Therefore, opt for a container made from food-grade plastic and free from BPA (bisphenol A).
As a general guideline, use a reusable water bottle with a screw-on lid. This will help prevent air leaking out of the lid and keep your drinking water clean.
If you don’t have access to reusable bottles, commercially bottled water can also be purchased and stored at home. These are usually found at emergency supply stores and will ensure your drinking water remains safe for up to five years.
Another way to store water for long term is by using a large food-grade barrel. These are easy to seal and will shield your stored liquid from external elements for an extended period of time.
If you’re on a tight budget, try visiting your local emergency supply store for smaller 5-gallon bottles. These containers can store small amounts of water and also be used for sanitizing equipment.
Water Tanks
If you store water for long-term use, it’s essential to guarantee its purity. Contaminated water poses a serious health hazard and could result in dehydration during an emergency situation.
If your water supply has become polluted, it’s essential to disinfect it before you use it for drinking or cooking. All that is required is a teaspoon of non-scented liquid chlorine bleach mixed with one quart of water.
Chlorine will quickly kill any bacteria or pathogens present in water, while also inhibiting them from growing and flourishing over time. This ensures your water is safe to drink, cook with, or bathe in.
Storage of large amounts of water for household needs and safety is essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend storing at least 1 gallon per person each day.
Water can be stored in a variety of tanks, depending on your requirements. The most popular type is cylindrical-shaped and durable against rusting. You may purchase these tanks made out of stainless steel or galvanized steel – both ideal choices for long-term water storage needs.
Rectangular water tanks are another type of storage system. These tend to be more durable than cylindrical tanks since they don’t roll, keeping your liquid inside the container.
These can be an economical solution for communities unable to fund large pumps or fuel to keep the system running. Water in these tanks is stored on a concrete pad, then gravity helps push it through pipes.
Roof top water towers and atmospheric tanks are two types of water tanks available. No matter which one you opt for, make sure it’s secure and situated away from any buildings or sources of potential contamination.
Atmospheric tank systems feature a rubber membrane that separates the air-filled chamber from the water supply. When drawing water from the tank, this membrane compresses air and forces it out under pressure. Typically, atmospheric tanks range in capacity from 500 to 5,000 gallons and are mounted on concrete pads.
Water Filters
Water is an invaluable asset to have on hand in case of natural disasters or other situations where there isn’t access to clean drinking water. Without it, you will be unable to stay hydrated and may suffer from dehydration.
Ideally, you should have at least a month’s worth of stored water on hand in case your home or supply sources are interrupted. The ideal place to store filtered water is in an airtight container in your refrigerator; this is the most efficient and convenient way to store large amounts of filtered water.
You can purchase a reusable plastic bottle and fill it with filtered water to take on hikes or other outdoor activities. Doing this helps avoid contributing to the billions of plastic bottles ending up in landfills, polluting our waterways.
When selecting a water filter, it is essential to pick one which reduces the contaminants you are concerned about. These may include chlorine, bacteria byproducts and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) such as herbicides and pesticides.
Granulated or powdered carbon filters are usually effective at eliminating most common contaminants from water. They come in various forms such as pitchers and faucet-mounted systems to suit any need.
These filters are an excellent option for those who do not want to install a full-on water filtration system under their sink, or simply prefer not to. These filters can filter large amounts of water at less cost than under-sink models.
Some filters are even designed to be portable, allowing you to filter while on-the-go. These are great choices for backpacking or other outdoor activities where space is at a premium.
When storing water for extended use, use BPA-free heavy duty containers specifically designed for this purpose. These containers are sturdy, leakproof, and easy to secure or cover.
Additionally, avoid storing filtered water in hot temperatures since this can promote algae and other toxins growth. Ideally, your stored water should be kept in a cool, dark place and tested regularly to confirm it remains safe for consumption.
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