Most people contact a water solutions company to buy pumps, water purification systems and meters. However, very few people invest in proper water storage methods. During a water-related outbreak or emergency, clean drinking water becomes scarce. It is therefore important to prepare yourself for such emergencies by creating and storing water that will meet the needs of your family in terms of an emergency.
Bottled water
Commercially bottled water that has not been opened is the most reliable and safest source of water during an emergency. If you don’t have bottled water, you can easily make your water safe by choosing other methods of storage.
How much water to store for an emergency?
You could store at least one gallon of clean water per person per day for around three days for drinking and sanitation. If possible, you should try to store a two-week water supply. You should consider storing more water for hot climates, people who are unwell and pregnant women. Make sure you observe the expiry date for the water if you bought it from a water store.
Replace non-store-bought clean water every six months. Store a bottle of household chlorine bleach for disinfecting your water and to use for sanitisation and cleaning.
Choosing the right container
When it comes to storing clean water, it is best to choose food-grade storage containers. These types of containers provide the best water solutions when it comes to storage. They do not transfer toxins into the water. FDA-approved food-grade containers can be found at camping supply stores. You should contact the manufacturer of these containers if you aren’t sure if the storage container is food grade. If you aren’t able to use food-grade containers to store your water, you should ensure that the container you choose has a top that can be tightly closed, is made of unbreakable and durable materials, and has a narrow opening or neck so that water can be easily poured out.
You should never use containers that have been used to hold toxic liquids such as chemicals, methylated spirits and so on.
Cleaning and sanitising your container before use
Before you fill your container with clean water, you should ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. You should wash your container and rinse it completely with clean water. Use a solution made by mixing unscented liquid household chlorine with water to sanitise your container.
Cover the container tightly and make sure the sanitising bleach solution touches every part of the inside surface of the container. Give it at least 30 seconds and pour the solution out of the container. Give the empty sanitised container some time to dry before using. Pour clean water into the clean and sanitised container and cover it with a tight lid.
How to remove water from a container
If you bought a suitable container from a water solutions company, your container could come with a tap or pump for removing water. However, if you improvised your container, you should use a school or any other device to scoop the water. You should never scoop your container with your hands.
