Water Storage

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.  It is wise to have an emergency storage of at least 14 gallons per person.  To protect the quality of the water, it must be pure to start with, treated to prevent microbial growth, and stored in food grade containers that will protect both flavor and purity.

Pre-Stored Treatments

To prevent buildup of bacteria and/or algae, use these treatment guidelines:

• Household Bleach (5% Sodium Hypochlorite)
  8 drops per gallon or half teaspoon per gallon if the water is clear.
  16 drops per gallon or one teaspoon per gallon if the water is cloudy.
  Let stand 30 minutes before use.
• Iodine (2% Solution)
  12 drops per gallon if water is clear.
  24 drops per gallon if water is cloudy.

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.
• Chemical - In addition to the ones listed in the pre-stored treatment paragraph above, other good treatment chemicals may be acquired from most outdoor supply stores, such as REI, Columbia, or Bass Pro.  One example is purification tablets.
• Boiling - Boil water for 3-5 minutes, depending on the elevation (the higher the elevation, the longer the water should boil).
• 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, advance preparation will be necessary.

Storage Containers

Good water storage containers are air-tight, resistant to breakage, heavy enough to hold water and have a lining that won't rust or affect the flavor of the water.  The following containers are commonly used:

• Plastic Juice or Soda Bottles - clear plastic containers made of PET Plastic.  Used containers should be thoroughly cleaned.
• Heavy Plastic Buckets or Drums - should be food grade.
• Water Heater - 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.  For non-food usage only, such as clothes washing and general cleaning.
• Bleach Bottles - also for non-food usage only.
  Water storage containers should be protected from light and heat.  They should be stored in areas where potential leakage would not cause damage to the home.

For more information about how to pick a water filter, go to http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/water-filter-howto.html.