How To Build A Supply Of Clean Drinking Water

Water is an essential element to survival and a necessary item in your emergency preparedness so you must build a supply of clean drinking water. Following a disaster, clean drinking water may not be available. Your regular water source could be cut-off or compromised through contamination. Prepare yourself by building a supply of water that will meet your family’s needs during an emergency. You should store at least one gallon of water per person for three days. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary, depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

How Much Water Do You Need?

To determine your water needs, take the following into account:

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.

• Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.

• A medical emergency might require additional water.

• If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.

• In very hot temperatures, water needs can double.

• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

If you chose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles, not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Thoroughly clean the bottles with dish washing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. Store in cool, dark place.

How Should You Store Water?

I used to buy commercially bottled water because I don’t trust the local water supply; but I found a safer and less expensive water filter to drink tap water, since I pay for it. If you plan to use bottled water to build your emergency water supply, keep bottled water in its original container and do not open until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by” date. Store in cool, dark place.

How To Prepare Your Own Containers Of Water?

It is recommended you purchase food grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supply stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dish washing soap and water and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers, and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.

How To Store Water In Plastic Soda Bottles?

Follow these steps for storing water in plastic soda bottles. Mix the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Let the water stand for 30 minutes before using. A slight chlorine odor should be noticeable in the water, if not, add another dose of bleach and allow the water to stand another 15 minutes. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so you can know when you filled it. Water that has not been commercially bottled should be replaced every six months. More information on water treatment is available at RedCross.org. Water can also be treated with water purification tablets. Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets With PA Plus – Two 50 count Bottles Get a Berkey now for clean water anytime.

---

About:  I’m the author in residence of RuralMoney.com bringing you the best of my knowledge, skills, abilities, tips and resources. Unfortunately, I am also a person with disabilities. I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. I love to share what I know and practice to help others survive and thrive in rural areas. ⇒Get your all-inclusive website:  RuralIncome.com ⇒Subscribe to my website:  https://www.ruralmoney.com ⇒Subscribe to my YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ruralmoneyofficial ⇒Support my website:  paypal.me/workwithruralmoney ⇒Support my Amazon:  amzn.to/2UugNyD ⇒Buy me a Ko-fi if you enjoy my blog content:  Ko-fi.com/A637LBV Thank you so much for your support. It really makes a difference!