Water is an invaluable survival necessity for humans and pets alike. Not only does it aid in drinking, cooking, and cleaning duties; but it can also keep you hydrated during even the harshest conditions.
To store water securely, it should be kept in a dark and cool environment. This will help prevent fungi, algae and other undesirables from growing in the liquid.
How Much Water Do I Need?
Water is essential for many human tasks, from drinking and cleaning to cooking. Without a reliable supply, dehydration and other issues may arise. When storing water long term, it’s essential to understand how much you require and which containers are ideal.
As a general guideline, individuals need one gallon of water per day. This includes half a gallon for drinking and half another for personal hygiene; however, it does not include water needed for food preparation, washing dishes or clothes, medical and first aid needs, or livestock care.
When it comes to daily water intake, several factors play a role. Weather, physical activity level, health conditions (pregnant women, children and nursing mothers need more water than other adults) and type of water required are the most significant. Generally speaking, hot weather or physically active lifestyles necessitate more fluids than sedentary ones and older people typically need less hydration than younger ones do.
Maintaining a steady supply of water in your home or preparedness kit can help ensure that you and your loved ones never face a dehydration crisis. A convenient storage solution is to purchase several cases of bottled water in food-grade plastic packaging – these bottles are clean, well-sealed, and convenient for on the go consumption.
For a longer-term solution, investing in 55 gallon polyethylene (plastic) water drums is the most reliable solution. These can be purchased from various stores at very affordable prices and provide ample storage capacity for large amounts of water for extended periods.
It is essential to regularly sanitize your water storage. You can do this by adding a small amount of household bleach to the container’s water; depending on its size, this may range from one to four teaspoons per 55 gallons of liquid.
Containers
If you need to store water for an extended period, there are various types of containers that could meet your requirements. Some are commercially available while others can be constructed at home using materials readily available at home.
When selecting containers, opt for those made of food-grade plastic. This ensures the chemicals used to manufacture the plastic don’t leach into waterways. Other plastics, such as non-food grade ones, may become toxic over time if exposed to UV light or heat exposure.
Stainless steel is an ideal long-term water storage choice due to its durability and lack of rusting. However, it should be remembered that chlorine can corrode the steel, making it unsuitable for chlorine purification methods.
When it comes to water storage containers, the best choice is one specifically designed for this purpose. Although these may be more expensive than other options, investing in such a container could prove worthwhile if you plan on keeping it for an extended period of time.
When storing water for extended use, be sure to store it in an environment that is cool and dark. Doing this helps avoid algae growth and other contaminants which could adversely affect the taste and quality of your stored water.
It is also essential to rotate your water on a regular basis, preferably every six months. Doing this prevents the storage water from becoming contaminated with minerals and other elements over time.
When it comes to long-term storage of water, glass and metal containers are the best choices. They’re easy to find in most stores and require minimal upkeep when cleaning or maintaining.
Containers that can be useful for storing water over time include plastic bottles and jugs. While these are lightweight and convenient to store, they may break or split if exposed to prolonged use.
Some people opt for stainless steel when storing their water, although this can be more costly than other options. However, stainless steel does not rust and it is resistant to UV light damage, making it a reliable storage choice.
Storage Temperatures
Water is essential to human survival – three days without it can be deadly. So whether you live in the city or out on the prairie, having a reliable supply of fresh water at home is an essential element for staying hydrated during an emergency. Whether you live close to civilization or far from it all together, storing water for long-term storage is both smart and practical; it will protect your family from unpleasant surprises.
Cool temperatures make for the ideal storage of water. Heat encourages microorganisms and other undesirable guests, making it difficult to keep your bucket of drinking water at optimal quality.
There are a few ways to keep your water cool, such as using fans and air flow around the container. You could also invest in a cooler or freezer to ensure all supplies remain at ideal temperatures.
Make the most of your investment by selecting a system that allows you easy access to and purification of your water. These could range from basic plastic bottles up to sophisticated solar-powered units with minimal upkeep requirements.
Utilizing the appropriate containers is essential for keeping your stored water secure and tasty for your family. If you need to store a large amount of liquid, stainless steel tanks with detachable hoses may be ideal; these containers can be refilled quickly, saving time from searching for an accessible drinking fountain.
Finally, make sure to rinse your water buckets and bottles before storing them to eliminate any leftover soap residue that could lead to scum buildup. Doing this will save you from a messy situation. For best results, use food grade containers made of materials which can withstand exposure to elements while withstanding heavy duty washing cycles.
Cleaning
When storing water for extended periods, it is essential to thoroughly clean the container. Doing so helps avoid bacteria and other contaminates from building up in the tank. Ideally, regular tank cleaning should be done to guarantee it remains free from dirt and contaminants.
When storing water, opt for food-grade plastic bottles with tight fitting lids. This prevents chemicals from transferring into the liquid which may be hazardous if left unchecked over an extended period.
It is essential to inspect your container for leaks or cracks, and make sure it can hold enough water for your needs. If not, you may need to purchase a replacement container for your water supply.
Furthermore, it’s essential to inspect the tank openings and fittings for loose parts that could allow contaminants to seep in and spread.
To eliminate contaminants from a tank, pressure washing is an effective option. Hold the machine at a 45 degree angle so that it can reach all walls and corners of the vessel.
You can clean the interior of a storage tank using soapy water and non-metallic bristle brush. This will eliminate any sand, algae or biofilm that has built up on its walls.
Once all water has been drained from the tank, use a brush and soapy water to scrub it clean. You may also opt for using a power washer if you want an even deeper clean of the tank.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), never store drinking water in milk carton-type jugs as these are not intended for long-term storage. These containers can become clogged with dirt and sand, leading to rust buildup.
For long-term storage of water, opt for BPA-free and UV-resistant food-grade plastic containers with tight fitting lids. This will keep your liquid free from bacteria, contaminants and other toxins.
