How to Safely Store Drinking Water for Emergency Use
Many people often take their household water supply for granted and do not realize that there may be a time when safe drinking water is not available. It can not only be a big inconvenience, but it can also be a health hazard. All households should have stored drinking water on hand to use for emergencies.
How to Safely Store Drinking Water for Emergency Use
- Gather several large food grade containers such as 2 liter plastic pop bottles. Avoid using milk jugs and juice bottles because they may contain sugar and proteins that promote bacterial growth, which can be harmful to your health. The milk containers are made of a plastic that becomes brittle as it ages and may crack after a certain period of time. Glass containers may be used, but they may break in an emergency situation and become heavy to carry.
- Rinse the bottles out with hot water, dish detergent and a teaspoon of unscented bleach. Swirl the solution around in the bottle for a couple of minutes and rinse with hot water.
- Fill the bottles with water and place the cap on tightly.
- Store the bottles in a cool dark place. Being exposed to direct sunlight promotes the growth of algae and bacteria.
- Pour the water out of the bottles and refill with fresh water approximately every 6 months.