Water, the lifeblood of our existence, is often taken for granted until it's no longer readily available. Because of its geographical location, California frequently faces natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires, causing power outages and disrupting water supply systems. Whether you reside in California, or in any region prone to disasters, having a strategy and plan for long-term water storage is an important step toward ensuring your family's safety and well-being.

Why Store Water for Emergencies?

In average conditions, an adult can typically survive without water for about 3 to 5 days. 

Water Supply Disruption

During calamities like earthquakes, water pipes, and infrastructure can sustain damage. This damage can result in contamination of tap water, making it unsafe for consumption. In such scenarios, relying solely on tap water can pose health risks. A stored water supply that is safe and uncontaminated can be crucial in maintaining hydration and cleanliness.

Survival and Sanitation

Access to clean water is not only essential for drinking but also for sanitation and hygiene, especially during emergencies. Adequate water is required for basic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. Having a stored water supply ensures that you can maintain good sanitation practices even when the regular water supply is compromised.

Choosing The Right Water Containers for Long-Term Storage

Selecting appropriate containers for long-term water storage is a crucial step to ensure the safety and quality of the stored water. The choice of containers plays a significant role in preventing contamination and maintaining the integrity of the water over time. Here's a detailed breakdown of the considerations for choosing the right containers:

1. Material and Durability

Opt for containers made of unbreakable materials to avoid the risk of breakage and leakage. Durable plastics, like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are a popular choice due to their resistance to impact and cracking. This durability is especially important to safeguard against damage during storage or potential mishandling during emergencies.

2. Pouring Convenience

Containers with narrow necks are recommended for easy pouring. This design minimizes spills and ensures controlled dispensing of water, which is particularly valuable when rationing water during emergencies. Additionally, containers with secure caps or lids help prevent contamination and evaporation.

3. Size and Manageability

Select container sizes that strike a balance between capacity and manageability. Containers holding up to five gallons are generally ideal, as they provide a sufficient volume of water for multiple uses while still being manageable to lift and transport. This size is suitable for most individuals, ensuring ease of handling and practicality during emergencies.\

4. Food-Grade Plastics

Containers must be constructed from food-grade plastics designated with recycling symbols 1, 2, 4, or 7. These plastics are designed to be safe for food and liquid storage, minimizing the risk of leaching harmful substances into the water. This precautionary measure helps maintain the quality and safety of the stored water, ensuring it remains suitable for consumption even after prolonged storage.

5. Unused Containers

It's vital to avoid using containers that previously held substances like milk, sugary beverages, or chemicals. Even after thorough cleaning, residues from these substances can linger and contaminate the stored water. Properly rinsed and sanitized containers that haven't been exposed to potential contaminants will help maintain the purity of the water.

Storing and Using Different Types of Water

Knowing which types of water are safe for long-term storage is crucial to keep your emergency supply clean and drinkable. Here's a clearer explanation of the water you should store

Bottled Water with Factory Seals

Bottled water that comes with intact factory seals is a reliable option for emergency storage. These commercially bottled waters are designed to be safe for consumption and have undergone quality control measures to ensure their purity. The intact seal acts as an assurance that the water hasn't been tampered with or contaminated.

Dealing with Broken Seals

If the factory seal of bottled water is broken, it is not going to be super safe to use and you need to take precautions first before you use it. Boiling the water is an effective method to kill potential pathogens that might have entered through the broken seal. Alternatively, adding unscented liquid household bleach to the water can also help disinfect it. 

Municipal Tap Water and Well Water

Municipal tap water, and well water that is treated with chlorine is generally safe for storage. The chlorine treatment helps in disinfecting the water and controlling microbial growth. However, it's important to store tap water in appropriate containers to maintain its quality over time. Ensure that the storage containers are clean and free from contaminants to prevent the growth of bacteria or other pathogens.

Proper Storage and Rotation of Emergency Water

The water we store for emergencies is not always used immediately, that is why we need to be smart in storing the water that we have and knowing when to discard them. 

• Store water in a cool, dark place (50-70 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent microbial growth.

• Avoid exposing water containers to sunlight, which can degrade plastic.

• Clearly label containers as "drinking water" and store them separately from toxic substances.

• Regularly inspect stored water for cloudiness or algae growth every six months.

• Consider refilling containers periodically, even if no contamination is detected.

• Discard water if signs of contamination are present and repurpose it for other uses.

The Amount of Water that You Should Store

It's advisable to store a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for both drinking and sanitation during emergencies. While the CDC recommends having a two-week supply, ensure you have at least a three-day reserve as a minimum. Remember to account for additional water needs if there are pregnant individuals or pets in your household, and plan accordingly to ensure everyone's well-being during unexpected situations.

Conclusion

In times of unexpected crises and natural disasters, having a reliable and safe supply of water is nothing short of a lifeline. Don't wait for disaster to strike; now is the time to act. Ensure your family's safety and well-being by implementing a robust long-term water storage plan. Start by selecting suitable containers, gathering the right types of water, and adhering to proper storage and rotation practices. Remember, your preparedness today can make all the difference in the face of tomorrow's uncertainties. Embrace the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a reliable emergency water supply. Get started today and safeguard your loved ones from the unexpected.

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