The world is in the midst of a water crisis. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, nearly two billion people around the world lack access to clean water. And it’s not just developing countries that are affected – in California, for example, there is an ongoing water shortage caused by years of drought.
The reality is that we all need to be more conscious about the way we use and conserve water. One way to do this is to make sure we are storing drinking water properly. The good thing about water is that it is relatively easy to store and doesn’t go bad like other food and beverage items. However, there are still some important tips to ensure your water is fresh and safe to drink.
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Here are some tips on how to store drinking water the right way:
1. Decide How Much Water to Store
The first step is to determine how much water you need to store. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three days’ worth of water for each person in your household. An average person needs about two liters of water daily for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. So, you need at least 12 liters of water stored for a family of four.
Based on these numbers, try to have at least a few cases of bottled water on hand or fill up some clean containers with tap water. In an emergency, you can also use stored rainwater or water from a natural source like a river or lake. A 3 day supply is a good start, but if you live in an area with a higher risk of natural disasters, it’s always better to store more water.
2. Choose the Right Containers
The type of container you use to store water is also essential. The best option is to use plastic water tanks designed for water storage. These water containers are made of food-grade material and are BPA-free. They also have a spigot for easy dispensing, making them ideal for emergency situations.
If you don’t have access to one of these tanks, you can also use clean and empty plastic soda bottles or milk jugs. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly with soap and water before filling them up. Glass bottles are also an option, but they are more fragile and can break easily.
3. Store Your Water in a Cool, Dark Place
Light and heat can cause your stored water to go bad, so keeping it in a cool, dark place is essential. A basement or closet is usually the best spot. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to store your water in the fridge to keep it extra cold. Sunlight can cause algae or mold to grow in clear containers, so it’s also best to keep them stored in a dark place.
Do not store plastic containers near chemical products like cleaners or paint, as the chemicals can leach into the water. Vapors from these products can also contaminate your water. Consuming contaminated water can lead to serious health problems, so it’s essential to be cautious.
4. Change Your Water Every Six Months
Even if you store your water correctly, changing it every six months is still essential. This will help ensure that your water is fresh and safe to drink. If you live in an area with a higher risk of natural disasters, you may want to change your water more frequently.
When changing your water, empty the old water and add fresh water to the containers. You can also clean the containers at this time to remove any build-up of sediment. If you are using tap water, you may want to boil it before adding it to the containers. This will help kill any bacteria that may be present.
5. Treat Your Water Before Storing It
If you are using tap water or water from a natural source, it’s essential to treat it before storing it. This will help ensure that your water is safe to drink. There are a few different ways to treat water, but the most common method is to use chlorine bleach.
To treat water with chlorine bleach, add eight drops of bleach per gallon of water. Mix the water and bleach and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the water should be safe to drink. If you use a larger container, you can use a one-quarter teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. Another option is to use water purification tablets. These tablets are designed to purify water and make it safe to drink. Follow the instructions on the package.
6. Label Your Water Containers
Labeling your water containers is essential so that you always know what’s inside. This way, you’ll know immediately if any water has gone bad and needs to be replaced. You can use a permanent marker to write the date on the container or put a sticker with the date on it.
If you are using multiple containers, you may want to label each one with the date so you can rotate them. This way, you’ll always be using the oldest water first. This is especially important if you live in an area with a higher risk of natural disasters.
7. Store Your Water Away from Home
If you live in an area with a high risk of natural disasters, it’s crucial to have a backup plan. This means storing some of your water away from home if you need to evacuate. You can keep a few gallons in your car or at a friend or family member’s house.
Having a water filter on hand is also a good idea if you need to purify water from a natural source. A water filter can remove contaminants from water, making it safe to drink. Many types of water filters are available, so be sure to choose one that is right for you.
Water is essential for survival, so it’s important to have a plan in an emergency. Following these tips will help you store drinking water properly and ensure that it stays fresh and safe to drink. Having clean drinking water available in an emergency is vital, so it’s worth taking the time to prepare.
