Why Store Water
Natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes may pollute
or disrupt water supplies. Water is more
essential in sustaining life than food so it is wise to store at least a
two-week supply. The recommended
quantity for this time period is 14 gallons per person. To protect the quality of the water it must
be pure to start with, and stored in containers that will protect both flavor
and purity.
Pre-Storage
Treatment
Water for storage should be treated to prevent build up of
bacteria and/or algae. This can be
accomplished by adding:
·
Household
bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite)
8
drops per gallon or 2 teaspoon per 5 gallons.
Let
stand for 30 minutes before use.
·
Storage
Containers
Good water storage
containers will be airtight, resistant to breakage, heavy enough to hold the
water, and have a lining that won't rust or affect the flavor of the
water. The following containers meet
these criteria:
·
Clear
Plastic Pop or Juice Bottles These containers are made of food grade plastic. Clean and sanitize the bottles prior to use.
·
Water
Beds A double water bed holds
about 200 gallons of water. Do not use
for drinking or cooking. This water
contains an algicide, but can be used for washing or sanitation.
·
Water
Heater It is important to close
the inlet valve immediately after the water supply is disrupted.
·
Heavy
Plastic or Fiberglass Drums
Heavy plastic or fiberglass drums.
These containers must be food grade, and be cleaned and sanitized prior
to use.
·
Mylar
Bags in a Box These normally
hold 4-5 gallons and have the advantage of stacking well.
·
Bleach
Bottles Bleach bottles are not
good for storing water for drinking or cooking, but are good for storing water
for other uses.
Notes
Store water
containers away from light. It is best
to store water in areas where leakage, should it occur, will not cause
damage. Stored water will taste better
if it is aerated prior to drinking. To
aerate water, pour it back and forth between two containers for several
minutes. This will help to add air back
into the water and dissipate chlorine.
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