Long-Term Water Storage: Methods and Best Practices

Introduction to Water Storage

Water is the most critical resource for human survival. While we can survive weeks without food, we can only last a few days without water. In emergency situations where municipal water systems fail or become contaminated, having a properly maintained water storage system can mean the difference between life and death. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about storing water for emergency preparedness, from determining how much to store to maintaining your supply for years to come.

1How Much Water Should You Store?

The standard recommendation from emergency preparedness experts and agencies like FEMA and the Red Cross is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day. This allocation covers both drinking needs (about half a gallon) and sanitation requirements (the other half). For a family of four, this means storing at least 28 gallons for a one-week emergency supply.

Factors That May Increase Your Water Needs:

→Climate: Hot environments increase water requirements significantly
→Physical Activity: Higher activity levels during an emergency increase water needs
→Medical Conditions: Certain health issues may require additional water
→Nursing Mothers: Need additional water for milk production
→Children: May need more water per pound of body weight than adults

Recommended Storage Amounts:

→Minimum: 3-day supply (3 gallons per person)
→Basic Preparedness: 2-week supply (14 gallons per person)
→Advanced Preparedness: 1-month supply or more (30+ gallons per person)
→Don't Forget: Additional water for pets (roughly 1 quart per day for a medium-sized dog)

2Choosing the Right Water Storage Containers

The containers you choose for water storage can significantly impact the safety and longevity of your supply. Not all containers are created equal, and using the wrong type can lead to contamination or leaching of harmful chemicals.

Recommended Container Types:

→Food-Grade Plastic Containers: Look for HDPE plastic with recycling symbol #2
→Commercial Water Bottles: Unopened, factory-sealed bottles
→Water Bricks: Stackable containers designed specifically for water storage
→55-Gallon Drums: Food-grade plastic drums for larger storage needs
→Water Storage Tanks: 100+ gallon options for serious preparedness

Containers to Avoid:

→Milk Jugs: Difficult to clean completely and degrade quickly
→Juice Containers: Sugar residue can promote bacterial growth
→Non-Food-Grade Plastics: May leach harmful chemicals into water
→Containers That Held Toxic Materials: Can never be safely repurposed
→Cardboard Containers: Break down when wet and cannot be sanitized

3Water Treatment for Long-Term Storage

Municipal tap water in the United States is typically treated with chlorine or chloramine to kill pathogens, but these treatments dissipate over time. For long-term storage, additional treatment may be necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms.

Treatment Methods for Storage:

→Chlorine Bleach: Use unscented, regular household bleach with 5.25-6% sodium hypochlorite. Add 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) per gallon of water.
→Water Preserver Concentrate: Commercial product specifically designed for long-term water storage. One bottle treats up to 55 gallons and keeps water safe for up to 5 years.
→Calcium Hypochlorite: Often sold as "pool shock." More concentrated than bleach and has a longer shelf life in dry form.
→Commercially Bottled Water: Already treated and ready for storage.

Important Treatment Notes:

→Never use scented bleach, color-safe bleach, or bleach with added cleaners.
→After adding bleach, shake or stir the container and let stand for 30 minutes before use.
→If the water doesn't have a slight chlorine odor after treatment, repeat the dosage and let stand for another 15 minutes.
→Water that has been properly treated and stored should be rotated every 6-12 months unless commercial water preservatives are used.

4Proper Storage Conditions

Where and how you store your water is just as important as the container and treatment method you choose. Improper storage conditions can lead to contamination, algae growth, or damage to containers.

Optimal Storage Conditions:

→Temperature: Store water in a cool location, ideally between 50-70°F (10-21°C). Avoid areas that freeze or exceed 80°F (27°C).
→Light Exposure: Keep water away from direct sunlight, which can promote algae growth and degrade plastic containers over time.
→Location: Store containers off the ground on pallets or shelving to prevent moisture damage and make leak detection easier.
→Accessibility: Ensure water storage is accessible in an emergency but secure from potential contamination.
→Ventilation: Store in areas with some air circulation to prevent mustiness.
→Away from Chemicals: Never store water near gasoline, pesticides, or other chemicals that could potentially contaminate it through fumes or spills.

5Maintenance and Rotation

Water storage isn't a "set it and forget it" preparedness measure. Regular maintenance and rotation are essential to ensure your water remains safe to drink when you need it most.

Maintenance Schedule:

→Commercially Bottled Water: Check expiration dates and rotate according to manufacturer recommendations, typically 1-2 years.
→Self-Bottled Municipal Water: Replace every 6 months unless treated with commercial water preservatives.
→Water Treated with Preservatives: Follow product instructions, typically allowing for 2-5 years of storage.
→Container Inspection: Check containers quarterly for leaks, cracks, or other damage.
→Water Quality Check: Before rotating, check for cloudiness, odor, or floating particles that might indicate contamination.

6Alternative Water Sources

In addition to your primary water storage, it's wise to be familiar with alternative water sources in and around your home that could be accessed in an emergency.

Hidden Water Sources in Your Home:

→Water Heater: Contains 30-80 gallons of potable water. Turn off the power/gas before draining.
→Toilet Tanks: The upper tank (not bowl) contains clean water if no chemical cleaners are used.
→Water Pipes: After shutting off the main water valve, open the highest faucet to let air in, then drain from the lowest point.
→Ice Cubes: Melt for drinking water.
→Canned Vegetables: Liquid from canned vegetables can be consumed.

External Water Sources:

→Rainwater: Can be collected from roofs and other clean surfaces.
→Natural Springs: If you know of any in your area.
→Streams, Rivers, and Lakes: Require thorough purification before use.
→Swimming Pools: Can be used for hygiene and cleaning, and with proper filtration, for drinking.
→Wells: May require a manual pump if power is out.

Important Safety Note:

All alternative water sources should be properly treated before consumption. Methods include boiling for at least one minute (three minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet), using water purification tablets, or filtering through a quality water filter with a pore size of 0.2 microns or smaller.

Conclusion

Water storage is one of the most fundamental aspects of emergency preparedness. By following the guidelines in this article, you can ensure that you and your family have access to safe drinking water during emergencies ranging from short-term power outages to more significant disasters.

Remember that water storage is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance and rotation. By properly selecting containers, treating water appropriately, storing it in optimal conditions, and maintaining a regular rotation schedule, you can have confidence that this most essential resource will be available when you need it most.

Start small if necessary—even a three-day supply is better than nothing—but work toward building a comprehensive water storage system that meets your family's specific needs and circumstances. Your future self may one day be extremely grateful for the preparation you undertake today.