Water Storage for Long Term Outages

Tips and Tricks for Long Term Water Storage:

The Red Cross states that the average American citizen uses as much as 50 gallons of water per day. Yet, many experts say that we only need 1 gallon every day for drinking. It must be kept in mind that a person will lose more fluid due to perspiration. This is complicated by the fact that people are generally without air conditioning after and during natural disasters. So it is important to store at least 3 gallons per day per person (just to stay hydrated). This is at minimum and only a starting point. It is important to conserve as much water as we can yet during these times; most find it difficult to do so. In a natural disaster or survival situation persons are forced to make drastic changes. Anyone who has turned on their water faucet to find they do not have running water knows how shocking this can be. We must be prepared mentally as well as physically to have a back up water supply.

If you are storing dehydrated food remember that the preparation of dehydrated food will require water, and while dehydrated food is a great choice for food storage a person must consider how this affects their water needs. This does make a big difference.

Do not place plastic water contains directly on a bare concrete floor. Often chemicals that have been spilled and forgotten will find their way into the water. Place a piece of wood in between the water container and the concrete.

Any stored water must be replenished every 6 Months. This should be a consideration when purchasing long term water storage containers. Many purchase, fill and stack 55 gallon drums of water and later find it to difficult to empty and replenish the water. This seems like an enormous task. Yet, if a person plans well, and makes this task a part of seasonal changes it can be done without much difficulty.

These Water barrels can work well but many make life altering mistakes. New Food Grade water barrels must be used. If any other food has been stored in the barrels the plastic has absorbed particles from this food and will contaminate the water. Using food grade Barrels insures that bugs are not able to get into the barrels. Many buy used food grade barrels and save lots of money, then later find that their water supply is contaminated.

Remember to make the water as accessible as possible for constant use. A person is not going to want to move a 55 gallon barrel into their kitchen so have smaller gallon sized containers available to move the water from the large containers.

Keep a few gallons of regular (unscented) bleach handy and water testing kits available. Purchase a kit that contains written instructions on how much bleach needs to be added. Making sure that the water is not contaminated is a true matter of life or death.

Many companies sell expensive, yet, highly efficient water systems. These large water tanks are designed to fit in large storage rooms or even Linen closest of apartments. They often have faucets that are designed to make replenishing the water easy. They are also designed for easy constant access. Buying these systems is a huge consideration when building or purchasing a new home. If included in the price of the home the cost becomes more reasonable. This should be a standard. I have found some of these systems as low as 400 dollars. Do not forget that we are accustomed to using 50 gallons per day and there is no reliable projection of how long persons will be without potable water.

Make a good plan and do your own research. Read consumer reviews and make informed decisions. Try to imagine your family after 2 weeks without running water. This is uncomfortable yet, if you know what you are up against and have a plan you will not perish.