Building a Basic Emergency Water Storage System at Home

Access to clean drinking water is something we often take for granted until the tap runs dry. A natural disaster, power outage, or a simple boil water advisory can disrupt our supply without warning. Establishing a basic emergency water storage system is a simple and effective way to ensure your household remains safe and hydrated during an unexpected event. It provides not just water, but invaluable peace of mind.

How Much Water Do You Need?

The standard recommendation is to store one gallon of water per person, per day. This amount is intended to cover both drinking and basic sanitation needs. A good rule of thumb is to allocate half a gallon for drinking and the other half for hygiene, such as hand washing or brushing teeth.

When calculating your household's needs, consider these factors:

• Family Size: Multiply one gallon by the number of people in your home.
• Duration: A minimum 3-day supply is a great starting point, but a 14-day supply offers much greater security.
• Special Needs: Increase your stored amount if you have pregnant or nursing family members, individuals with medical conditions, or live in a hot climate.
• Pets: Do not forget your pets. They also need clean water daily. Add their needs to your total calculation.

For a family of four, a 3-day supply would be 12 gallons (4 people x 1 gallon/day x 3 days). A 14-day supply would be 56 gallons.

Choosing the Right Water Containers

You have two primary options for storing water: purchasing commercially bottled water or filling your own containers.

Commercially Bottled Water is the safest and most convenient choice. It is sealed in sterile, food-grade containers and requires no initial treatment. Simply purchase cases of water and store them. Pay attention to the "best by" date and keep them in a suitable location.

Self-Filled Containers are a more budget-friendly and sustainable option. If you choose this route, it is critical to use the right kind of container to prevent contamination.

• Use only food-grade containers. Look for plastics marked with a recycling symbol #1, #2, or #4. These are typically made from PET or HDPE plastics, which are safe for water storage.
• Avoid certain containers. Never use milk jugs, as protein and fat residues are difficult to remove and can promote bacterial growth. Likewise, avoid containers that previously held juice or non-food substances like chemicals or detergents.
• Consider dedicated storage. For larger quantities, invest in purpose-built containers like large, BPA-free water barrels or convenient, stackable water bricks.

How to Clean and Sanitize Your Containers

Before filling your own containers, you must clean and sanitize them properly to remove any harmful bacteria.

1. Wash the container thoroughly with dish soap and hot water.
2. Rinse the container completely so there is no soap residue left.
3. Prepare a sanitizing solution by mixing one teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach with one quart of water.
4. Coat the interior by pouring the sanitizing solution into the container, closing the lid tightly, and swishing it around for at least 30 seconds.
5. Empty the solution and let the container air dry completely before you fill it with water. Do not rinse it after sanitizing.

Filling and Treating Your Water

If you are using a reliable, municipally treated water source, you can typically fill your clean containers directly from the tap without adding anything. The chlorine already in the water is sufficient for safe storage.

If your water comes from a private well or you want to take extra precautions, you can treat it for long-term storage. Add 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of regular, unscented liquid household bleach (containing 5.25% to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite) to every gallon of water. Stir or shake the container, then let it stand for 30 minutes before sealing it. You should be able to smell a faint chlorine odor.

Labeling and Storing Your Water Supply

Proper storage is key to keeping your water safe and fresh.

Label every container with a waterproof marker. Write "Drinking Water" and the date you filled it. This helps you track your rotation schedule and prevents the water from being mistaken for anything else.

Store your water in a cool, dark, and dry place.

• Sunlight can degrade plastic containers and encourage the growth of algae.
• Heat can affect the taste of the water and damage the containers over time.
• Good storage locations include basements, pantries, and the back of closets. You can also use the space under beds.
• Keep water away from chemicals. Do not store your water supply near gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or cleaning supplies, as harmful vapors can penetrate plastic containers.

Rotating and Maintaining Your Supply

Water itself does not expire, but it is best to rotate your supply to keep it fresh and to ensure your containers remain in good condition.

• Commercially Bottled Water: Check the "best by" date printed on the bottles and use and replace your stock as you approach that date.
• Self-Filled Containers: Plan to rotate your water supply every 6 months. When it is time to rotate, use the stored water for cooking, cleaning, or watering plants. Then, clean, sanitize, and refill your containers with a fresh supply. This is also a perfect time to inspect your containers for any leaks or damage.

Emergency Water Purification Methods

If your stored water runs out, you may need to purify water from another source, like a river or a rain barrel. Always filter cloudy water through a clean cloth or coffee filter first. Here are three reliable purification methods.

• Boiling: This is the most effective method for killing disease-causing organisms. Bring water to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute. At altitudes above 6,500 feet, you should boil the water for three minutes. Let it cool before drinking.
• Disinfection with Bleach: If you cannot boil water, unscented household bleach can be used. Add 8 drops of 5.25%-8.25% bleach per gallon of clear water (or 16 drops for cloudy water). Stir and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before use. The water should have a slight chlorine smell.
• Water Filters: A quality portable water filter can effectively remove bacteria and protozoa. When choosing a filter, look for one with a pore size of 1 micron or smaller, or one that is certified to meet NSF/ANSI standards for water purification. These are excellent tools for both emergencies and outdoor recreation.