You may find yourself in a situation in which you need a store of water. For instance, a natural disaster might disrupt the city's water system. Your rural home could suffer a pipe burst during a snowstorm that prevents repair. Maybe you live in an area where water runs out. Experts estimate you need a gallon of water per day in storage for the above situations.
That's a fact — below are some myths about long-term water storage.
1. Any Large Container is Appropriate for Storage
You should have enough water stored for two weeks. However, not just any container is appropriate for long term storage. Some people purchase used barrels from concentrates, but you could end up with mold from food residue inside it if you use one of those. Instead, look for new, food-grade plastic containers with UV resistance. Blue barrels are traditional because the color limits light exposure and bacterial growth.
2. A Water Barrel is All I Need
A water barrel is a good start. It's appropriate for situations where your home is still safe. However, other situations, such as an impending storm, might mean you need to leave your home quickly. So, in addition to a water barrel, store water in different-sized containers that are more portable. In that way, you can leave quickly without having to stop and either pack your barrel or fill containers.
3. Water Can Go Bad
Water can develop a stale taste over time. However, properly stored water shouldn't go bad. It can become contaminated with chemicals or biologics such as algae, though. If you're worried about the safety of your stored water, invest in a filtration system that you run it through when you need to use it. You can also rotate your water through so it doesn't sit in the barrel for long periods.
4. Water Needs Treatment Before Going in the Barrel
Some survivalists will recommend adding a purifying treatment into your water before you store it. The treatment is supposed to preserve the water and prevent bacterial growth. If you've been drinking your tap water normally, it doesn't need treatment for storage. You can run it through a filter before or after storage, or treat it when you go to use it.
5. Water Shouldn't Be Stored on Concrete
When concrete gets hot, it can leach chemicals. So, the thought is that you shouldn't store your water barrel on a concrete surface. The chemicals can leach into your barrel if both get hot. So, look for a cool place to store the water. Conversely, put the water barrel on a pallet, or other structure, so that it gets it off the concrete floor.
Keep yourself worry-free from any water-related issues by investing in a long-term water storage container.
