Safe Water Storage Tips
Camels can survive without water for up to two weeks. Unfortunately, humans can only survive without water for a few days. Having a source of clean drinking water to fall back upon during natural disasters, power outages, or supply chain shortages can be lifesaving.
Experts recommend storing enough water for 3–5 days. For each person in your household, you should allocate about one gallon of water per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. As you’re prepping, don’t forget to also store water for your pets!
Guidelines for Safe Water Storage
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Choose the Right Containers
For short- or long-term water storage, use containers specifically labeled as “food-grade.” These containers are engineered to safely hold liquids without leaching harmful chemicals into your water.
Look for large, BPA-free water barrels, jugs, or smaller bottles. All containers should be sealed tightly to prevent contamination. Never use containers that previously held chemicals, such as cleaning products. It’s unsafe and no one wants to be drinking bleach-flavored water!
Consider where you are going to store these containers, and what size and shape will fit best. Round containers tend to leave a lot of unutilized space; a tall, skinny rectangular container, like a military-style water container, may be a better use of space.
Above, check out these Scepter water containers for easy and safe water storage and emergency preparation.
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Clean and Sanitize Containers
Before filling any container with water, clean it with warm, soapy water. Rinse well to ensure there is no soap residue left behind. Next, sanitize your container. Dilute 1 teaspoon liquid chlorine bleach in a quart of water. Swish the diluted bleach solution around in your container, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water. And then rinse again, just to be safe!
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Use Proper Water Sources
If you’re filling water containers with tap water, ensure that it’s potable (safe to drink). In developed areas, most tap water is already treated, but you can add water purification tablets or drops as an extra precaution. These will kill any potential pathogens and keep your water safe so it’s ready when an emergency happens.
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Storage Location
Ideally, you should store your emergency water supply in a cool, dark area. UV rays can degrade plastic containers over time and affect water quality, so keep your water containers out of direct sunlight. Avoid locations that experience extreme heat or below freezing conditions. In addition, store water containers off the floor to avoid contamination from dirt, mold, or insects. If you don’t have an available shelf, try elevating your containers with a wood or plastic pallet.
Above, example of how one customer is storing their Scepter Military Water Container.
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Rotation and Shelf Life
Even the most carefully stored water will eventually deteriorate. Label each water container with the date it was filled or purchased, so you can keep track of when to replace it. Water should be replaced every 6-12 months to ensure freshness.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your emergency water supply remains safe, clean, and ready for use when needed.
Ready to get started on your emergency prep? Check out Scepter’s line of easy-to-use, durable water containers for water storage and transportation.
