Water Storage

Water is difficult to store in large quantities and yet it is necessary to have access to a lot of it in a true emergency situation. Typically disaster aid organizations are able to make it into affected areas within 3 days, that is why the 3 day minimum is recommended.

• Most sources recommend 1 gallon of water per person, PER day, for 3-14 days.
• Store water in “FOOD GRADE” plastic containers (stay away from milk jugs, but soda bottles are suitable).
• Store water away from too much light or heat.
• Clean, sanitize, and rinse all containers prior to use.
• Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
• Store water in multiple sizes of containers to suit different emergency needs
• Do not store water containers directly on concrete. Place on cardboard, wood pallets, or other materials.
• Boiling is the safest way to clean water, but you can also use liquid bleach to kill microorganisms.
• Rotate your water storage at least once every year
• Purchase some drink mixes to help improve the taste of stored water and add to 72-hr kits(Kool-Aid, fruit drink mixes, hot cocoa, tang, etc.)