No matter where you live, it is important that you have a supply of safe and clean water on hand during emergencies. If a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado or earthquake hits, you may find that your area's water supply is reduced or even contaminated. While you can go with a limited amount of food for extended periods of time, clean drinking water is a daily necessity.
The average person requires about a gallon of water a day for drinking and cleaning, although pregnant women and individuals living in warmer climates may need more. Experts recommend that you keep two weeks of water on hand, and some urge individuals to store up to a month's supply of water if possible.
Tips For Storing Safe and Clean Water
The goal of water storage is to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of clean water on hand, so it is important to store and maintain your reserves properly. One of the most important parts of water storage is using an appropriate container. You will want to keep water in containers that are clean, can be sealed and have not been used to store chemicals or other toxic liquids. While you can fill up a number of food grade plastic jugs, containers that hold 5 gallons and barrels that hold anywhere from 15 to 55 gallons of liquid are available and can make storing and maintaining your supply easier.
Containers should be cleaned before use, first with hot soapy water and then with a mixture of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water, and it is important to rinse the container thoroughly afterwards. For large containers, you can put in chlorinated water and shake the jug for 30 seconds instead of filling it and emptying it. Water jugs should be labeled as clean drinking water along with the storage date, and they should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from areas where toxic chemicals are stored.
Water has an indefinite shelf life, but a number of experts recommend that you replace your water supply every six to 12 months to ensure that there are no bacteria or viruses present in storage containers. However, if you use water preserver drops, you can safely store water for up to five years without replacing your existing supply.
Cleaning and Filtering Water
If you discover that you do not have enough water in storage or that you want additional water on hand, there are simple ways to make even contaminated water potable and safe for cleaning. Water purification tablets and taste and germ neutralizer tablets can eliminate harmful bacteria as well as getting rid of bad taste and odors from water. Boiling water may also eliminate many organisms, although it may not kill all bacteria and will not always improve the taste.
When the water available to you is cloudy or has visible particles in it, you can filter it using a water filtration system before you use purification and taste tablets. This can either be accomplished with a paper towel or coffee filter, but of course water filters are more effective. There are a variety of water filters available, including mini filters that fit in your hand and squeeze filters.
Emergency Water Sources
Additional water can come from just about any location, including a swimming pool, but it is usually best to start in your home. The water in your hot water tank and pipes can be used, but before accessing these supplies you should shut off the incoming water valve to keep contaminated water from coming into your home unless you intend to clean and filter this water before use. If there is any question about the condition of the water you are going to use, be sure to clean and purify it first.
The average person requires about a gallon of water a day for drinking and cleaning, although pregnant women and individuals living in warmer climates may need more. Experts recommend that you keep two weeks of water on hand, and some urge individuals to store up to a month's supply of water if possible.
Tips For Storing Safe and Clean Water
The goal of water storage is to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of clean water on hand, so it is important to store and maintain your reserves properly. One of the most important parts of water storage is using an appropriate container. You will want to keep water in containers that are clean, can be sealed and have not been used to store chemicals or other toxic liquids. While you can fill up a number of food grade plastic jugs, containers that hold 5 gallons and barrels that hold anywhere from 15 to 55 gallons of liquid are available and can make storing and maintaining your supply easier.
Containers should be cleaned before use, first with hot soapy water and then with a mixture of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water, and it is important to rinse the container thoroughly afterwards. For large containers, you can put in chlorinated water and shake the jug for 30 seconds instead of filling it and emptying it. Water jugs should be labeled as clean drinking water along with the storage date, and they should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from areas where toxic chemicals are stored.
Water has an indefinite shelf life, but a number of experts recommend that you replace your water supply every six to 12 months to ensure that there are no bacteria or viruses present in storage containers. However, if you use water preserver drops, you can safely store water for up to five years without replacing your existing supply.
Cleaning and Filtering Water
If you discover that you do not have enough water in storage or that you want additional water on hand, there are simple ways to make even contaminated water potable and safe for cleaning. Water purification tablets and taste and germ neutralizer tablets can eliminate harmful bacteria as well as getting rid of bad taste and odors from water. Boiling water may also eliminate many organisms, although it may not kill all bacteria and will not always improve the taste.
When the water available to you is cloudy or has visible particles in it, you can filter it using a water filtration system before you use purification and taste tablets. This can either be accomplished with a paper towel or coffee filter, but of course water filters are more effective. There are a variety of water filters available, including mini filters that fit in your hand and squeeze filters.
Emergency Water Sources
Additional water can come from just about any location, including a swimming pool, but it is usually best to start in your home. The water in your hot water tank and pipes can be used, but before accessing these supplies you should shut off the incoming water valve to keep contaminated water from coming into your home unless you intend to clean and filter this water before use. If there is any question about the condition of the water you are going to use, be sure to clean and purify it first.
