What’s the best way to store water for long term?

Storing water for the long term is crucial for emergency preparedness and ensuring a reliable supply. The best methods involve using clean, food-grade containers, proper storage locations, and regular rotation to maintain water quality.

The Best Way to Store Water for Long Term: A Comprehensive Guide

Having a readily available supply of safe drinking water is a cornerstone of any emergency preparedness plan. Whether facing natural disasters, utility outages, or simply wanting to be self-sufficient, knowing the best way to store water for long term is essential. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods, ensuring your water remains potable and accessible when you need it most.

Why is Long-Term Water Storage Important?

Life is unpredictable. Unexpected events can disrupt normal water service for days, weeks, or even longer. These events can include:

• Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires can all contaminate or shut down municipal water systems.
• Power Outages: Many water treatment and pumping stations rely on electricity. A prolonged outage can halt water delivery.
• Contamination Events: Accidental spills or deliberate acts can render local water sources unsafe to drink.
• Personal Preparedness: Some individuals choose to store water for off-grid living or to supplement their supply during droughts.

Choosing the Right Water Storage Containers

The container you choose is paramount to maintaining water purity. Not all containers are created equal, and using the wrong type can lead to contamination or container failure.

Food-Grade Plastic Containers

For most people, food-grade plastic containers are the most accessible and practical option. Look for containers specifically labeled for water storage.

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This is a common and safe plastic for water storage. It’s durable and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals.
• Polycarbonate: While also used, some concerns exist about BPA leaching from older polycarbonate containers. Opt for BPA-free if possible.
• Avoid: Never use containers that previously held milk, juice, or chemicals, as residues can be difficult to remove and can contaminate your stored water.

Other Container Options

While plastic is common, other materials can be used:

• Glass: Glass is inert and safe but is heavy and breakable, making it less ideal for large-scale storage.
• Stainless Steel: Durable and safe, stainless steel drums are excellent for long-term storage but are more expensive.
• Water Bricks: These are specifically designed, stackable containers that are efficient for space.

How to Prepare Water for Storage

Simply filling a container and leaving it isn’t enough. Proper preparation ensures the water stays safe to drink.

1. Use Clean Water: Start with the cleanest water source available. Municipal tap water is generally the best choice because it’s already treated. If using well water, ensure it’s tested and safe.
2. Sanitize Containers: Wash containers thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse them completely.
3. Add a Preservative (Optional but Recommended): To extend the shelf life and kill any potential bacteria, you can add a small amount of bleach. Use plain, unscented household bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite).
   • For every gallon of water, add 2 drops of bleach.
   • For every liter of water, add 1 drop of bleach.
   • Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes. The water should have a faint chlorine smell. If not, add another drop and wait another 15 minutes.
4. Seal Tightly: Tightly seal the containers to prevent evaporation and contamination.

Best Practices for Long-Term Water Storage

Where and how you store your water significantly impacts its longevity and safety.

Ideal Storage Locations

The goal is to keep water cool, dark, and stable.

• Cool Temperatures: Store water in a location with a consistent temperature, ideally between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C). Avoid extreme heat or freezing.
• Darkness: Sunlight can degrade plastic containers and promote algae growth. A dark closet, basement, or garage (if temperature-controlled) is ideal.
• Away from Chemicals: Never store water near gasoline, pesticides, cleaning supplies, or other chemicals that could leach through the container or cause a fire hazard.
• Accessible but Safe: Store containers where they are accessible in an emergency but are protected from accidental damage.

How Much Water Should You Store?

A general recommendation is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day. This gallon should cover both drinking and basic sanitation needs. For a family of four, this means 28 gallons for one week.

Rotating Your Stored Water Supply

Even with proper preparation, water doesn’t last forever. It’s crucial to rotate your supply to ensure you always have fresh water.

• Frequency: Aim to replace your stored water every 6 to 12 months.
• Process: When it’s time to rotate, use the older water for non-drinking purposes like watering plants or flushing toilets. Then, refill the containers following the preparation steps outlined above.
• Check Containers: During rotation, inspect containers for any signs of damage, leaks, or degradation.

Water Purification Methods for Stored Water

If you’re unsure about the purity of your stored water or if it’s been stored for longer than recommended, purification is key.

Common Purification Methods

• Boiling: This is the most reliable method to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. At higher altitudes (above 6,500 feet), boil for three minutes.
• Chemical Treatment: Use water purification tablets or liquid bleach (as described above) according to product instructions.
• Filtration: High-quality water filters can remove sediment and many microorganisms. However, they may not remove all viruses.

Long-Term Water Storage: A Comparison of Container Types

| Water Bricks | Space-