Storing Water

Water is the basic necessity of all life. Without it, plants, animals, and humans will die. It is used for cleaning, cooking, and of course drinking. Growing up in the northern part of the U.S., my family lost power often due to winter storms. We had a well, but the well required electricity to pump up water. On occasion, my mother would boil snow to use for our baths. However, snow is not safe to drink, neither is river or spring water. In fact, if tap-water is not safe if stored for a lengthy amount of time, it too is unsafe for drinking. So, in case of emergency, it is always good to have a few extra gallons of water on hand. Experts estimate that at least one gallon of water is needed per person, per day. That would include use of water for drinking, cleaning, and laundry. 


Purify drinking water:
Add 2 t. of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water
Purchase pre-packaged water


Rotate
Water doesn't store for more than 6 months, so it is good to rotate water and use the most recent gallons


Containers
Although water can be purchased in milk gallon containers, it is not a good idea to re-use empty milk containers to store water (unless that water will not be used for drinking), because the caps on those containers are not leak and air resistant, the water will not last as long in them. Large pop bottles work well, as do commercially produced, food grade water containers as pictured below.