Storing Water

Storing Water
By Debbie A Nelson

 

To prepare for any kind of disaster everyone needs to learn how to store water. This article will focus on learning how to store water and purify water.

There are many tips for storing water. The most important step is making sure you have a proper container. You must store water in clean plastic, fiber glass, or enamel-lined containers. You may use recycled containers but don't use any type of glass container. These containers can be easily broken in emergency situations. It is also important to note that containers that have previously held toxic substances are not to be used. No matter how well you clean a plastic container many chemicals and poisons bleed into the walls of the plastic and you will end up ingesting them in your body. There are also many plastic containers that breakdown and decompose. Avoid using milk jugs because these have a tendency to do this over extended periods of time.

When storing water, make sure you seal the container tightly. It is also important to date and label each container and store them in a cool, dry place. It is also recommended to rotate the water every 6 months so dating the containers is crucial.

Water will only taste fresh for a certain period of time. It is recommended to rotate your water every 6 months. In order for water to sit for 6 months it is necessary to add bleach to the water. It is suggested that 8 drops be added to each gallon of water, or ? teaspoon to every 5 gallons of water. When doing this process, make sure you don't use scented, color safe or bleach with added cleaners in it. After doing this process, let the water stand for 15 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor repeat the dosage of bleach and let it stand for an additional 15 minutes. Water that is contaminated or contains disease usually has a bad odor and taste. Not all discolored water is contaminated but should be treated as such. If you are unfamiliar or uncertain as the quality of water it should be treated. Make certain to purify all water that you not only drink, but also cook or wash with.

The safest method of purifying water is to boil it. Boiling water does not remove all contaminates, but it does a good job. It won't remove heavy metals, salts and certain chemicals. If you can strain the water first that might help remove some of these items. When purifying the water bring it to a rolling boil for at least 3-5 minutes. After boiling the water then let it cool down. Water always tastes better if oxygen is re-introduced into the water. Before drinking this newly purified water, shake the container vigorously.

Debbie Nelson has a business degree in Marketing and has a general interest in food storage and emergency preparedness. She is also a homemaker and likes interior decorating. Please visit her website at http://www.SmartChoiceFoodStorage.com to buy freeze dried and dehydrated food storage items. Smart Choice Food Storage is a wholesale distributor of Wise Company Food Storage Products. You will also find water filters, survival kits, and first aid kits at her website.