A reliable supply of drinking water is the most fundamental preparation a homeowner can make for unexpected events. Natural disasters or failures in municipal systems can quickly compromise the safety and availability of tap water. Maintaining a safe, long-term water reserve protects your household’s health when utility services are interrupted. This guide provides the steps necessary to establish a dependable and potable water supply for emergency preparedness.
Selecting Appropriate Containers
The integrity of your stored water begins with choosing the correct vessel, which must be food-grade to prevent chemical contamination. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, marked with the recycling symbol #2, is the most common choice for long-term water storage. These containers are manufactured not to leach harmful substances into the water over extended periods. Durable materials like stainless steel are also excellent options, offering superior longevity.
Avoid using containers that previously held non-food chemicals, such as cleaning agents, or common household liquids like milk or juice. Residue from these substances is nearly impossible to remove and can render the water unsafe to drink. Containers not designed for potable water storage, like non-food-grade plastics, may degrade over time, causing chemicals to seep into the water. Always select containers with tight, secure lids or caps to ensure an airtight seal, preventing microbial contamination.
Prepping Water for Long-Term Storage
Before adding water, the storage container must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to eliminate any residual bacteria or mold spores. Begin by washing the container with mild dish soap and rinsing it completely with clean water. Sanitization is achieved by preparing a solution of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach (4% to 6% sodium hypochlorite concentration). A mixture of one teaspoon of bleach per quart of water is effective for sanitizing the interior surfaces.
Pour the sanitizing solution into the container, seal it tightly, and shake it so the bleach solution coats every internal surface. After allowing the solution to sit for at least 30 seconds, pour it out and let the container air-dry or rinse it with potable water. Municipal tap water is generally safe to store directly, but adding a small amount of unscented chlorine bleach helps maintain its safety. A common guideline is to add four to five drops of bleach per gallon of water to prevent the growth of microorganisms during storage.
If the water source is cloudy or from an untested source like a well, double the amount of bleach, or consider boiling it first. Boiling is the safest disinfection method. After adding the appropriate dosage of bleach, mix the water well and let it stand for 30 minutes before sealing the container. A faint chlorine odor should be detectable, confirming the disinfection process was successful.
Ideal Storage Conditions
The environment where water is stored significantly impacts its long-term quality and container integrity. Stored water should be kept in a cool, dark location where the temperature is stable, ideally between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Cooler temperatures inhibit the growth of bacteria and algae, which thrive in warmth and light. Direct sunlight is damaging to plastic containers, as ultraviolet light can cause the material to break down and weaken, potentially leading to leaks.
The storage area must be kept away from materials that emit strong vapors, such as gasoline, paint thinners, pesticides, or cleaning chemicals. Plastic containers are slightly permeable, meaning they can absorb these external odors or chemical fumes, transferring them to the stored water. Securing the container in a dedicated, clean, and dry space away from these contaminants ensures the water remains pure. If storing water where temperatures may drop below freezing, leave a small amount of headspace in the container to allow for ice expansion and prevent cracking.
Shelf Life and Supply Rotation
While water itself does not expire, its quality and safety can degrade over time due to the container or microbial regrowth. Properly treated and sealed municipal water can remain viable for several years, but a routine rotation schedule guarantees a fresh supply. Most experts recommend replacing your stored water supply every six months to one year. This cycle ensures the water remains fresh and minimizes risk associated with container degradation or loss of chlorine effectiveness.
When rotating your supply, inspect the stored water for any signs of contamination, such as cloudiness, an unusual odor, or floating particles. Before drinking water that has been stored for an extended period, you can improve the taste, which often becomes flat, by aerating it. This is done by pouring the water back and forth several times between two clean containers, which reintroduces oxygen. Clearly labeling each container with the date of storage and the purification method used makes it easy to track the rotation schedule, maintaining the safety of your emergency reserve.