Water Storage: General Information

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Guidelines when storing water

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Guidelines For Storing Water
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Use the following guidelines when storing water:

1. Store drinking water in carefully cleaned, non-corrosive, tightly covered containers.

2. Store containers in a cool dark place. DO NOT store in direct sunlight. Polyethylene plastics (prepackaged milk and water bottles) are somewhat permeable to hydrocarbon vapors. Keep away from stored gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances.

3. Stored tap water should be rotated every 6 months. Prepackaged bottled water should be rotated once a year. Check the pull date on the container. Be sure it didn't sit on the store's shelf for a year before you purchased it. Self Serve Bottled Water should be rotated once a year, as long as the water treatment process includes ozonation.

4. Rotate your stored water with the water you use on a regular basis. This practice helps insure you don't have water stored longer than one year
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Water Storage: General Information

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Storing Potable Water
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Clearly label all water containers "drinking water" with the current date. Store the water in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it near gasoline, kerosene, pesticides or similar substances.

When potable water is properly stored, it should have an indefinite shelf life; however, it's a good idea to use and replace the stored water every 6 - 12 months. Rotating water this way provides you with an opportunity to experiment and check the amount of stored water against what you require. It also serves as an additional precaution against bacteria or viruses growing in containers which may not have been thoroughly or properly cleaned and sanitized.
If you have freezer space, storing some water in the freezer is a good idea. If you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in your freezer frozen until the power is restored. Make sure you leave 2 to 3 inches of space in containers because water expands as it freezes.
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Emergency Water Storage

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Prepare For Peace

Emergency Water Storage By Vicki Tate
http://prepareforpeace.blogspot.com/2007/10/emergency-water-storage.html

A couple of months ago I met a very interesting gentleman via the telephone who is on the President's committee for dealing with disasters. He goes into areas around the country after earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. have struck. As we were talking, he said that the coverage you see on TV doesn't reflect many of the realities of the situation. One of the specific things he mentioned was water typically going sold for $5 a gallon during the aftermath. Any of us who've thought much about emergency preparedness realize that one of the most crucial items to store is water. The "how-to's" of water storage is one of the questions I'm asked most often. ---CONTINUED---
Last edited by Readymom on Tue Feb 09, 2021 9:33 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Reason: formatting & Updated Link
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Re: Water Storage: General Information

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Emergency Water Storage
http://www.nationalterroralert.com/safewater/

Water storage is important. Having an ample supply of safe, clean water is a top priority in an emergency.

A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.

If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool. ---- continued at link, above ----

Including:
  • Amount of Emergency Water to Store
    Containers That Can be Used for Water Storage
    Do I Need to Treat Water?
    Where to Store Water
    Emergency Sources of Water
    When and How to Treat Water for Storage
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Re: Water Storage: General Information

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From: EMERGENCY DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES
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-snip-

What containers should I use?

You can store water in food grade plastic or glass containers with tight fitting screw-on caps. Food-grade containers include those that previously held beverages, such as 2-liter soda bottles and other water, juice, or punch containers. Plastic milk bottles should be avoided, because it is difficult to remove protein and fat residues, which may allow bacteria to grow during storage.

You can buy new plastic containers for water storage in most housewares and sporting goods departments, and clean food-grade containers may be available for purchase at water vending machines. Only purchase containers labeled for storage of food or beverages.

Containers not labeled for food or beverage storage could release harmful chemicals into the water. Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because tiny amounts may remain in the container's pores. Some plastic containers may affect the taste of stored water. Chlorine bleach bottles may be a food approved plastic, but contain an anti-static agent which prevents accumulation of dust during storage and are thus not recommended. Most plastics used in waterbeds are not approved food storage plastics. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. Also, some old glass jars were made with glass that contains lead, and unacceptable amounts of lead can leach into water stored in them even for short periods.

How should I prepare the containers?

Wash the containers and lids thoroughly with hot tap water and dish detergent. Rinse thoroughly with hot tap water.

Can I store my tap water?

Municipal Water Supply

If you are on a municipal water supply, the water you are currently using for drinking and cooking should also be suitable for storing for emergencies. Municipal water supplies include public water supplies such as "city water", or "county water". Water from a public water supply is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina Division of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). EPA and the State of North Carolina require that all public water suppliers regularly test for bacteria and deliver water that meets EPA drinking water standards. While you can expect that water from a public water supply will be safe, remember that the container used to collect and store the water must also be clean.

Private Water Supply

Private water supplies include individual wells and springs. If you are on a private water supply, it is recommended that you buy bottled water to store. Be sure the bottled water label has the IBWA (International Bottled Water Association) or NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) seal, or an NYSDH certification number. These organizations require periodic water testing and inspections of the bottling facility . Only sealed, unopened bottles should be stored.

The quality of the well construction and of the water in private water supplies varies greatly in North Carolina. Wells and springs are not subject to any regulation, except that in some counties they are inspected when they are installed. There are no requirements for testing the water. Even if the water has been tested for coliform bacteria, there are other microorganisms that could cause problems during storage. Organic matter, which may not be visible in the water, can make chlorine ineffective. For these reasons, it is risky to store water from private wells and springs.

If you are on a private water supply, a generator will allow you to continue pumping water when there is a power outage. Contact your local Extension center for information about safe use of a generator.

Community Water Systems

If you are on a community water system, this water should be tested regularly by the operator. The EPA requires regular testing of any system that has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves at least 25 individuals. This testing is more extensive than just bacterial testing, and should be conducted at least quarterly. Water quality can vary with weather and other conditions, so test results should show a pattern of meeting EPA standards year-round. The owner or operator should be able to show you documentation of these test results. Water from a system which meets these requirements should be safe to store, with the same treatment as municipal water.

If your community water system owner or operator cannot provide documentation that EPA requirements have been met year-round, this water should be considered the same as water from a private well. Storing bottled water (see private water supplies, above) is probably much less risky than storing water from such a supply.

Vended Water Supply

Water vending machines are systems where customers fill their own containers with water that has been treated in some way. Vended water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since FDA requires that water for vending machines come from an approved public water supply, the assumption is that the water meets EPA drinking water standards. The vending machine normally provides additional treatment to that done by the municipality. However, the machine must be kept clean, and the treatment equipment must be properly maintained, in order for the vended water to be good quality. Additionally, the container used to collect and store the water must be clean, as anything remaining in the container after cleaning could result in bacterial contamination.

Should I boil the water before storing it?

Boiling the water before storage is not recommended. It will not prevent all problems that may occur during storage. In addition, boiling may concentrate other contaminants as the water evaporates away.

What if I have a water treatment device?

If you are on a municipal water system, water from a properly installed and maintained treatment system may be stored for emergency use. It should be treated the same as untreated tap water from a municipal supply.

If you are on a private water system, you should still consider purchasing bottled water for storage. Most water treatment systems and purification pitchers are effective for treating some types of contaminants, but may not remove other types of contaminants at all. Most improve water for day-to-day use, but do not remove the contaminants we are concerned about during storage.

An improperly maintained water treatment system may actually make the water quality worse, by adding contaminants back into it instead of removing them.

If a person on a private water supply has a whole-house treatment system that includes a process such as reverse osmosis or distillation, the water could be safe to store if the system was installed correctly, and if the owner has properly maintained the system.
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Re: Water Storage: General Information

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NC Cooperative Extension

From: 'EMERGENCY DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES'


Water Storage: WHERE to Store Water
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Where should I store the water and for how long?

Store containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Because most plastic beverage containers degrade over time, store them away from heat and light to prevent leakage. Because hydrocarbon vapors can penetrate polyethylene plastics, store water in plastic containers away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances.

Water weighs over 8 pounds per gallon. Make sure the shelves or area in which you store the water is strong enough to support the weight. For best quality, replace water stored from a public, or vended water supply every six months. For commercially bottled distilled or drinking water, check the label for an expiration date. If none is given, bottled water with the IBWA or NSF seal should have a shelf-life of at least one year. To improve the taste of water stored for a long time, pour it from one clean container to another clean container several times, to put air back into it.

You can also store water for an extended period of time in the freezer. If you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in the freezer frozen until power is restored. Leave 2 to 3 inches of air space in the top of containers before freezing, to keep the container from breaking as water expands during freezing. Some glass containers may break regardless of the air space provided.
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Re: Water Storage: General Information

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From the booklet 'Food and Water' (page 7-12)

Emergency Water Supplies
https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Food_Safety/Food_and_Water-English.revised_7-09.pdf

Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts (half gallon) of water each day. People in hot environments, children, nursing mothers, and ill people will require even more.

You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store at least ... ---CONTINUED---
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Re: Water Storage: General Information

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Best Water Storage Solutions for Emergency Situations
https://alphasurvivalist.net/water-storage/

(BIG SNIP) ... if you are facing the prospect of surviving a crisis type emergency situation during which your electricity and water supply is cut off, then water storage becomes, not only prudent but quite possibly a matter of life and death! ---CONTINUED---

Includes:
Water Storage – How much do you need to store?
Best Options for Storing a 2 Week Emergency Water Supply
Glass Water Storage Containers
Stainless Steel Water Storage Containers
The BPA Issue
What ‘Not’ to Store Water In
Long Term Water Storage Tanks for Emergencies
Food Grade Plastic Container
55 Gallon Water Barrels
Large Water Storage Containers
Alternative Water Sources that Impact Your Water Storage Requirements
Important things to Remember about Water Storage
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Re: Water Storage: General Information

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The Beginner’s Guide To Emergency Water Storage
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/beginners-guide-to-emergency-water-storage/

There’s More to Emergency Water Storage Than Filling Up Jugs and Putting Them in the Basement. ---CONTINUED---

Table of Contents
When No Water is Safe
  • Waterless Realities
    Water Storage as an Option
    It’s Not Just About Drinking Water
Estimating Water Needs
  • Drinking Water
    Sanitation
    Cooking
    Cleaning
Weekly Totals for Water Usage in an Emergency
  • A Realistic Estimate?
Estimating Disaster Durations
  • Figure at Least a Week
    Water Storage Assumptions
Water Storage Details
  • 1. The Water is Safe
    2. The Water is Purified
    3. The Containers Are Designed For Water Storage
    4. You Have a Place to Store Your Water
    5. You Have a Way to Preserve the Quality of Your Water
    6. You Have a Way to Test Your Water
    7. You Have a Way to Extract Your Water
    8. You Have a Way to Transport Your Water
    9. You Have a Way to Store Grey Water
    10. You Have a Schedule for Rotating Your Stored Water
Should You Do it?
The Weekend Waterless Test
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Re: Water Storage: General Information

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How To Store Water When SHTF
https://www.askaprepper.com/how-to-store-water-when-shtf/

(SNIP) ... While pondering the idea of survival if things go south, I had to think of creative and AFFORDABLE ways to store water, and not just a little water.

My thoughts are 3 months of water if things were bad. I started with the usual things most of us do. ---CONTINUED---
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