Water could be cut off for weeks if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs. The most critical need in this circumstance is to store your supplies. Although water does not go bad in the same way that food does, if you do not purify it or store it in safe settings, it can spawn deadly germs, either from specific types of plastic containers or from chemical vapors that pass through the walls of the water containers.
Before you begin storing water in your home, you must first determine how much water you and your family require to survive at least a day. According to the Water Quality and Health Council, families should save at least one gallon of water per person every day. Furthermore, storing water for personal hygiene and food preparation in the appropriate containers is a brilliant idea. Here’s how to conserve water properly.
Store Water In Cisterns Or Tanks
If you have the space, this technique is ideal for storing water for longer periods. However, they’re composed of rigid, food-grade plastic or concrete, and they’re huge. Therefore, if you need to keep water for an extended period or have a large family, water tanks are the best option. In addition, you can use them to collect rainwater. The sole disadvantage of tanks or cisterns is that, due to their size, they require a lot of space to fit and are extremely expensive.
Choose Heavy Duty Water Barrels
Water barrels are typically blue and carry 40-50 gallons. For decanting or draining, an output spigot should be attached to the barrel’s side. You can get industrial-type water tanks that hold 250 gallons or more for storing larger amounts. These food-grade polyethylene bladders come in a metal cage and may be stacked up to three high. Remember that 250 gallons of water weigh 2,000 pounds, and the cage weighs roughly 150 pounds. Check to see if your flooring can handle the weight.Â
Consider Stainless Steel Drums
Stainless steel is an alternative to glass or plastic. It’s impermeable and doesn’t contain the same dangerous compounds as glass, but it’s lighter. In addition, because it’s opaque rather than clear like glass, you don’t have to worry as much about keeping it away from light sources. It’s also simple to sanitize and does not easily break. However, you should be worried if your water has been treated with chlorine, as chlorine can corrode steel over time. You can avoid this problem by purchasing steel barrels with protective coatings. Also, of course, make sure that the stainless steel containers you use are food-grade.Â
 Other water storage safety requirements include:
- Every six months, replace the stored water.
- Before using, wash the storage container and thoroughly rinse it with water.
- Maintain a cool temperature for stored water.
- Water containers should not be stored in situations where harmful compounds, such as gasoline, are present.
Remember to store your water in a cool, dark location free of human or animal activity. Excessive movement of the containers may loosen the seals and introduce bacteria, while direct sunlight or heat raises the risk of biological development and chemistry alterations. Consider the rigorous steps wine collectors take to conserve their prized vintages and apply the same caution to your water storage.Â
