Water is one of the most vital resources we need to survive, and in the event of an emergency, having access to clean, drinkable water is critical. Whether it’s due to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, or human-made incidents such as chemical spills or infrastructure failures, having an emergency water storage solution in place can make all the difference. Below, we’ll discuss various water storage solutions, tips for maintaining your water supply, and best practices to ensure you have adequate water in an emergency.
Types of Emergency Water Storage Solutions:
- Commercially Bottled Water:
- The simplest and most convenient option is to stock up on commercially bottled water.
- It’s already purified and usually has an extended shelf-life.
- Keep it in a cool, dark place and replace it as advised by the expiration date.
- Water Barrels:
- Large 55-gallon water barrels are popular and can provide a substantial water reserve.
- Always use food-grade barrels made of polyethylene and intended for water storage.
- They should be placed on a sturdy base and away from potential contaminants.
- Water Bladders:
- Large water bladders are flexible and can hold more water in a lower-profile space.
- They can fit in places where hard-sided barrels cannot, such as under a bed.
- Stackable Water Containers:
- Stackable containers, often in 3–5-gallon sizes, are a space-efficient solution for water storage.
- Ensure they are designed for stacking to avoid tipping or collapsing.
- WaterBOB or Bathtub Liners:
- Bathtub liners, such as the WaterBOB, can hold up to 100 gallons.
- These liners are filled with water directly from the faucet and are ideal for short-term emergencies.
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems:
- Capturing and storing rainwater can be a sustainable supplemental water source.
- Be sure to filter and purify before using it for drinking or cooking.
Tips for Maintaining Your Water Supply:
- Rotation:
- Rotate your water supply every six months to a year if using tap water or as needed based on the storage method.
- Use and replenish your water to ensure it’s fresh when you need it.
- Treatment:
- If you’re using tap water, use plain unscented household bleach to treat it (approximately 8 drops per gallon) for long-term storage.
- After adding bleach, cap the container tightly and shake or stir to disperse the bleach throughout the water.
- Storage Location:
- Store water containers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep away from harmful chemicals or vapors that can seep through plastic over time.
- Inspection:
- Inspect your stored water regularly for any signs of contamination or leakage.
- Check containers and lids for cracks or degraded seals.
Best Practices for Emergency Water Storage:
- Diversify Your Storage:
- Don’t rely on a single storage method; consider combining barrels with smaller containers for flexibility.
- Calculate Your Needs:
- Estimate about one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
- Have a minimum three-day supply, but ideally a two-week supply or more if space allows.
- Accessories:
- Keep accessories like hand pumps, siphons, or wrenches to open your containers if needed.
- Have water purification supplies on hand, such as filters or purification tablets.
- Safety First:
- Store water in a way that children and pets cannot contaminate or accidentally release the water.
- Information:
- Educate yourself and family members about how and when to use your emergency water.
- Label your containers with storage dates and any treatment actions taken.
Emergency water storage is a fundamental aspect of preparedness planning. Adequate and safe water should always be available in the event of a disaster. By implementing the water storage solutions mentioned above and adhering to maintenance tips and best practices, you can secure peace of mind knowing that you will have the critical water supply you need when an emergency arises.
