The Complete Guide to Safe Long-Term Water Storage

The Complete Guide to Safe Long-Term Water Storage: Key Steps for Ensuring Safe, Drinkable Water

Water is the most critical resource for survival and having a reliable long-term water storage system is essential for preparedness. Whether you’re preparing for extended emergencies, or natural disasters, or simply want to ensure your family’s water security, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to store water safely and effectively for the long haul.

We’ll explore the steps you can take to build long-term water storage for your family.

How to Choose the Best Locations for Long-Term Water Storage

Before you purchase any water storage containers, access locations throughout your home with 3 criteria in mind: space, environment, and accessibility.

Space

Large containers are ideal for long-term storage, but they can take up a lot of space. Do you have areas to absorb this kind of storage? They can be heavy and hard to move once filled. Larger spaces can be basements, cellars, and insolated garages with blocked light.

Environment

The best storage conditions are areas that are cool, dry, and dark with temperatures between 50-70 degrees. Extreme heat can cause plastic to degrade, potentially releasing chemicals into the water and affecting taste or safety. Light exposure promotes organism growth, quickly reducing your water storage time.

Accessibility

Can you easily get to the containers? You’ll most likely need to siphon water from large drums into smaller containers for easy transport into your home. Once you have made the assessment, you will know what container options are available to you.

Learn more about best storage conditions

Long-Term Water Storage Containers

Safety Requirements

Choosing the right container is crucial to maintaining water safety. A long-term water storage container must be:

Food-grade / BPA-free
Made from plastic with these recycling codes: #2 (HDPE), plastic #4 (LDPE), or plastic #5 (PP)

These containers are typically opaque or dark-colored to block light, preventing organism growth and maintaining water quality.

Container Options

The following container options that meet all safety standards are popular due to their general affordability and availability. The wide range of sizes makes them suitable for different storage needs.

Stackable Water Bricks
5 / 7 / 15 Gallon Water Jugs
20 Gallon Container
55 Gallon Barrel
Larger Drum & Tank
Outdoor Barrel System
Cistern
Collapsible Water Containers

Learn more about water storage containers

Cleaning and Sanitizing Water Storage Containers Before Use

Once you purchase your containers, you’re not quite ready to fill them with water just yet. Each will need to be carefully washed and sanitized beforehand. You will need to have some form of dish soap, water, and unscented bleach.

Learn how to clean and sanitize your water storage containers

Filling Your Long-Term Water Storage Containers

Using Tap Water

If you would like to use tap water for long-term storage and know that it is safe to drink, you don’t need to treat it ahead of time. In good storage conditions, this water can last for 6 months. If you would like to store the water for up to 5 years, you can add a water preservative or household bleach. If you are unsure about the health of your tap water, you should purify the water before placing it in storage.

Is Distilled Water Safe for Long-Term Storage?

While distilled water is extremely pure, it lacks minerals, which can give it a flat taste over time. For long-term storage, the lack of minerals isn’t a health concern, but it can impact taste. There’s no evidence that distilled water degrades containers faster than other types of water. However, treated tap water or spring water is preferable for long-term storage to maintain better flavor and mineral content.

How to Safely Fill Water Containers for Long-Term Storage

When using a water hose to fill any of the following containers, make sure it is food-grade. The longer it is, the more options you have for filling locations.

5 / 7 / 15 Gallon Containers

If filling in a bathtub or shower, first clean your shower head or water faucet with a sanitizing solution.
Carefully fill your container to the fill line, not above.
Add the water preserver if storing longer than 6 months.
Tightly screw on the lid, being careful not to touch the inside of the lid during handling.
Be sure to store a bung wrench for easy opening later.

TIP: If possible, fill the containers close to where they are going to be stored as they can get very heavy when filled.

50 / 55 Gallon Drums

You will need to fill your containers or drums in the location where you are storing your water. You will need to build a platform first. Once built, proceed with filling each drum.

Carefully fill each drum but do not fill to the very top.
Add the water preserver if storing longer than 6 months.
Close the fill hose with bung nuts, being careful not to cross the threads.
Tighten with a bung nut wrench to seal your water.

TIP: You can purchase a dolly sold specifically for 55-gallon drums. This allows you to wheel the drums into place if filling in your garage is not possible.

How to Label Water Storage Containers for Easy Rotation

Always label the water storage containers with the date they are filled and when they should be rotated. This simple step prevents confusion and ensures timely rotation.

Rotating and Maintaining Your Long-Term Water Supply

Rotation

Water containers, even when stored correctly, don’t last forever. To ensure that your water supply stays fresh and safe, you need to rotate it regularly.

HDPE Plastic Containers Using Tap Water

No water preserver added: up to 6 months
Water preserver added: up to 5 years

Learn more about using water preservers

Maintenance

Water containers can break down over time so it’s important to perform periodic checks. Inspect your containers periodically for leaks, cracks, or any signs of degradation. If a container is damaged, replace it and discard any water that was inside.

Tip: Keeping a log or using a calendar reminder can help you stay on top of this task.

Learn more about maintenance and rotation

Conclusion

By following these guidelines for long-term water storage, you’ll ensure that you and your family have access to safe, clean water no matter what challenges you might face. Remember, water is life, and proper preparation and storage are key to the long-term success of your water storage resources. Start planning your water storage system today and take the first step towards ensuring your family’s safety and well-being.