Water is one of the most critical resources for survival, yet it is seen as a challenge to store for those new to prepping. Whether you are preparing for a natural disaster, an extended emergency, or just want peace of mind, having a reliable water supply is essential. This guide will help you understand how to store drinking water effectively and how to purify water if your stored supply runs out.

1. How Much Water Should You Store?

The general recommendation is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of two weeks. This amount accounts for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. However, individual needs may vary:

• Climate Considerations: If you live in a hot or arid climate, you may need to store more water due to increased sweat and possible dehydration.
• Household Size: Larger families or households with pets will require additional storage to meet their collective needs.
• Activity Level: If you expect to be engaging in strenuous activities such as manual labor, hiking, or rebuilding efforts, your water consumption will increase.
• Medical Needs: Some individuals may require more water for medical conditions, hydration, or sanitation.

2. Water Sources To Consider

When the faucet is shut off and your stored supply is insufficient or running low, you might be surprised by just how much water you’re surrounded by. Consider these backup sources to draw from:

• Hot Water Heater: Most home water heaters store 30-80 gallons of potable water. Learn how to access and use this water in an emergency safely.
• Toilet Tank (Not the Bowl): If free of cleaning chemicals, the water in the toilet tank may be safe for purification and consumption.
• Streams, Lakes, and Ponds: These natural sources should always be filtered and purified before drinking to remove potential contaminants.
• Rainwater Collection: If properly treated, rainwater can serve as a renewable source of drinking water during emergencies.

3. Water Storage Containers

With how sensitive drinking water is to taste and contamination choosing the right storage method is crucial to ensure water remains safe and accessible. Here are some reliable options:

• Store-Bought Bottled Water: This is the easiest and most convenient option. Factory-sealed bottles have a long shelf life and require no preparation. However, it can become expensive for long-term storage and takes up a lot of space.
• Food-Grade Water Containers: BPA-free plastic or glass containers designed specifically for water storage are ideal. Options include:
  • 5-Gallon Jugs: Portable and easy to use.
  • 55-Gallon Barrels: Suitable for longer-term storage but require a pump or siphon for access.
• Water Bricks and Stackable Containers: These are durable, space-saving, and easy to transport. They allow for modular storage solutions that can be adjusted based on available space.
• Rainwater Collection: Collecting rainwater in barrels or cisterns can supplement your stored supply. However, it must be properly treated before consumption.
• Underground Cisterns or Large Tanks: These are excellent for off-grid or long-term storage solutions. They require more setup but can provide a reliable water reserve for extended periods.

4. How To Keep Water Fresh

Beyond just storing it, ensuring your water remains safe for consumption involves proper storage techniques and treatment. One mishap is all it can take to spoil your entire supply:

• Keep Water in a Cool, Dark Place: Avoid exposing stored water to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which can degrade plastic containers and promote algae or bacterial growth.
• Use Food-Grade Containers: Do not store water in milk jugs or containers that previously held non-food items, as they may leach harmful chemicals or degrade over time.
• Rotate Water Supplies: Though water technically never expires, even properly stored water should be replaced every 6 to 12 months to maintain freshness and help prevent contamination.
• Label Containers with the Date Stored: Just like your stored food, this helps track rotation and ensures you are consuming the oldest stored water first.

5. Water Purification Methods

If your stored water does run out or becomes contaminated, knowing how to purify water is crucial for resupply. Here are the most reliable methods:

• Boiling: The number one simplest and most effective method to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one to three minutes to ensure safety.
• Water Filtration: Portable water filters like LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini, or Berkey filters can remove bacteria and other pathogens. Some high-quality filters can also remove heavy metals and other contaminants.
• Chemical Purification: Adding unscented household bleach (25 drops or ¼ teaspoon of Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach to 1.75 gallons of water) can disinfect water. Alternatively, water purification tablets containing iodine or chlorine dioxide can neutralize pathogens effectively.
• UV Light Purification: Devices like the SteriPEN use ultraviolet light to destroy harmful microorganisms, making water safe to drink.
• Distillation: Boiling water and capturing the condensed steam can remove bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants, making it one of the most thorough purification methods.

Final Thoughts

Water is fundamental to life, and having a plan for storage and purification ensures you are prepared for any situation. Start small, build up your reserves, and familiarize yourself with purification methods and potential water sources. Being proactive now means having peace of mind when emergencies arise. It’s easy to focus on the flashy stuff, but prioritizing water storage and purification is one of the most critical things for anyone looking to be ready.

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