Potable Water Storage: Protect Yourself and Your Family!
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It is provident living to have potable water storage. After all, you will need more water than food when it comes to sustaining life.
Treating Potable Water for Storage The following are basic guidelines for treating potable water for storage: 5% Sodium Hypochlorite (Household Bleach) Place one-half teaspoon of bleach per one gallon of water (equivalent to eight drops), if the water is clear. Double the amount if the water is cloudy. Let stand for half an hour before using. To improve the taste, aerate the water by pouring it back and forth several times between two clean containers. 2% Iodine Solution
Place 12 drops of Iodine solution per one gallon of water, if clear; 24 drops if cloudy. Let stand for half an hour before using.Treating Impure Water
If you suspect that the water is impure, you may use one of the following methods of treatment: Boiling Method The higher the elevation where you live, the longer you will need to boil impure water for safe drinking. Ten minutes of boiling may sound like a long time, but it is worth it. Boiled water is tasteless, however. You may be able to restore some of the taste by aerating the liquid. Use two containers and transfer the liquid back and forth a few times. You can also fill a larger container and shake it well.. Chemical Method The most common chemicals used for treating water are the household bleach or iodine solution, as explained above. Outdoor supply stores, however, may have other chemicals to choose from. Filtration There are several water filters available in the market today. Additionally, there are those that include activated charcoal to remove the bad taste in water. Some water filters also have chemicals to destroy bacteria. Distilling is a most effective method of treating impure water. However, it is a slow process and the equipment for distilling is quite expensive. Potable Water Storage Containers Whatever you decide on, containers for potable water storage should have the following criteria:
Additionally, potable water in plastic containers should be protected from light and heat.
Soda or Juice Plastic Bottles If you want to utilize your used soda or juice plastic bottles, wash them thoroughly first. It is a good idea to mix a teaspoon of household bleach for every quart of hot soapy water. Swish the mixture in the bottle for several seconds. Rinse very well and allow to dry. Always wash your hands before filling the containers. Take care not to touch the inner side of the lids. Water Heater If you want potable water from the heater, close the inlet valve immediately upon disruption of the water. Potable water storage should be located in the area of your home where there is the least possible damage can occur from possible leakage.
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