Long Term Fresh Water Storage Supply Information

Plastic Juice or Soda Bottles

Use clear plastic containers with a PETE recycle code on the bottom. Used containers should be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed. They are inexpensive and readily available. Do not use milk bottles.

Used containers often taint the flavor of the water. Storage area needs to consider bottle shape and size. These containers need to be protected against light and leakage as they are typically thinner plastic.

Heavy Plastic Buckets, Carboys or Drums

These should be food grade and also either stamped with a PETE or HDPE recycle code. Can be purchased new at emergency supply stores and sometimes used ones are available (such as from soda syrup).

More expensive than used bottles. Larger drums are heavy when filled and often bulky for storage. You also need to consider how you will get the water out for use and rotation.

Commercially Packaged Water

You can purchase water that has been commercially bottled. This water will keep for up to five years. You can also get five-gallon containers (typically in boxes or bags) at emergency supply stores.

These are convenient, clean, you can pick the taste you prefer, and they are sealed for longer storage. They will be more expensive per gallon than storing your own and they are not reusable.

Water Heaters

You may close the inlet valve immediately after the water supply is disrupted and use the water in your water heater.

This will not protect against contamination of the water supply but would be a good source of water for non-potable needs.

Water Beds

A king size water bed holds about 250 gallons of water. This water contains an algaecide. Do NOT drink it.

Not usable for potable water but may be used for sanitation needs.

Bleach Bottles

These are made from good plastic for storage but are not considered "food-grade".

Since it is hard to determine whether you have cleaned out all of the bleach these are technically not suitable for potable water but may be used for sanitation needs.

Hand Pump Filtration Devices

Outdoor/Recreation stores have a variety of different small hand operated backpacking filters. Most are now able to remove each of the possible harmful contaminates. They range in price from $60 to $200.

These are effective but slow and are typically intended for just one person’s use. Therefore, you may find them difficult to treat enough water for a whole family.

Point of Use Filtration Devices

These filtration units are typically installed at your kitchen sink and are intended for continuous use. Make sure you look closely at what the system will and will not remove and what maintenance is required when purchasing. ALL units require regular maintenance to function properly.

Units that remove harmful contaminants, not just change the flavor, may be expensive. Some systems will come with a service contract. If they do not, then it is your responsibility to perform the required maintenance on these units. Also consider the fact that these units are not portable should you need to leave your home.

Chemical Addition

Iodine tablets can be purchased from outdoor, recreation or emergency supply stores. They are easy to use but vary in dose depending on the brand. They typically cost around $1 to $2 per gallon treated. Chlorine dioxide tablets are also now available. They cost about twice as much as the iodine tablets. Unscented, household chlorine bleach can also be used. Add 1/8 teaspoon or 8 drops per gallon of water.

Iodine treatment is effective against microbial and virus contaminants but only marginally effective against protozoa. They will discolor the water and often creates an objectionable flavor. Some brands now come with a neutralizer tablets to correct the color and taste at an additional cost. Chlorine dioxide is also effective against most contaminants and generates less taste complaints.

Ultraviolet Light

There are several commercially available devices that use UV light to disinfect small containers of water. There are also several examples of homemade UV treatment designs on the internet. This technology may be effective to inactivate several pathogens such as bacteria and protozoans but does not protect against viruses.

The effectiveness of UV light treatment will be significantly diminished the dirtier or cloudier the water is. In this case the water should be filtered through a clean cloth and allowed to settle before UV treatment is applied. The commercially purchased lamps require batteries and the homemade versions rely on sunlight. The season and weather will effect these homemade varieties making them less reliable than may be desired.

Boiling

Boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes will kill pathogens. The higher the elevation the longer (as much as 12 minutes) you need to boil the water. Since power disruptions may accompany water emergencies, additional fuel storage should be considered for this treatment option.

Most people do not like the taste of boiled water and it takes a long time for the water temperature to reduce to consumable levels. Since much of the water is lost to evaporation, this is not a good option if water supply is limited.