Water Storage – Your First Priority

Not only do we need water physically, we also need it for cooking, bathing and washing dishes. In an emergency, water is the most important thing to have on hand. As people in third world countries can attest, finding a source of fresh, clean water is a challenge. For those of us in the western world, spoiled by city water systems that pipe water in, finding water in an emergency if those water systems shut down, will be next to impossible.

Start storing water now. I’m saying it again because it’s so important. Start storing water now. Even if you never use it, the peace of mind will be well worth the minimal effort and expense.

How Much Should You Store?

What Kind of Water Do You Store?

What Should You Store It In?

Water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon, so a five gallon water storage container – weighing in at 40 pounds – is the most you will probably be able to carry. If your storage space is small, limit the size of your containers to between one and five gallons.

It is better to buy new containers rather than used ones, and obviously, if you do choose to store water in your used containers, know what those containers previously held. Be aware that containers that previously held milk, fruit juice, food items, or worse, chemicals, will retain a residual taste and smell of those items. If you store water in these used containers, it will eventually contaminate your water. The molecules in water easily pick up even the slightest molecules from other sources. New containers are always your best choice.

Avoid Metal Containers

How Long Can You Keep Water?

The Dangers of Contaminated Water

What If There Is No Clean Water?

Boil It

Boiling water is the cheapest and safest way to treat water. You must boil it for at least 10 minutes and it must reach 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. This will kill the bacteria and harmful life in the water. The boiling method is cheap, easy and relatively quick; drinkable water in ten minutes. The downside is, it won’t taste as good. Plus you might not have access to a fire. Or you might not want to waste that much fuel. Also, your water may have debris in it. Still, this is a viable way to go.

Bleach It

You can treat water from an unknown source with bleach that contains a 5.25 percent solution of sodium hypochlorite. Make sure sodium hypochlorite is the only active ingredient in the bleach you use. You don’t want soap additives or phosphates in your water. If your pretreated water is clear, add 2 drops of bleach for every quart of water. If the water is cloudy, add 4 drops for every quart of water. Make certain the bleach is thoroughly mixed and then let the mixture stand for 30 minutes.

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