Using a Water Preserver for Long-Term Water Storage

In emergency preparedness, ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water is paramount. Storing water for long periods can present challenges, but one effective solution is using a water preserver. This post will cover what a water preserver is, the types available, and how using one can significantly improve the safety and longevity of your stored water supply.

What is a Water Preserver?

A water preserver is a chemical additive designed to maintain the quality of stored water by preventing microbial growth. It safeguards the water against harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and algae, ensuring that it remains safe to drink for an extended period—often up to five years.

Benefits of Using Water Preservers

Extended Shelf Life: Water preservers extend the safe storage time of water from just a few months (without treatment) to up to five years, reducing the need for frequent water rotation.
Ease of Use: Most water preservers are simple to apply—just add the recommended amount to your storage container, and it works to protect the water.
Convenient Application: Available in liquid drop form or as tablets, measuring and using water preservers is straightforward, even for large storage containers.
Time-Saver: Regularly replacing stored water can become time-consuming. Using a preserver helps avoid this by keeping water fresh and safe for longer, making it a more efficient solution.

Types of Water Preservers

There are two main types of water preservers used in long-term water storage: stabilized sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. Below is a breakdown of popular brands for each type and their benefits.

Stabilized Sodium Hypochlorite

Stabilized sodium hypochlorite is a specialized form of bleach designed for long-term water preservation. It is pH-balanced to avoid rapid degradation and has residual bactericidal properties that keep the water safe over time. This type of preserver is effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms while being gentle enough to store water for years.

Water Preserver

The Water Preserver brand is known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is formulated with stabilized sodium hypochlorite, providing long-lasting protection against bacteria, viruses, and mold. It’s ideal for those looking for a straightforward, reliable solution to preserve water for up to five years.
Easy to use; treats large volumes of water with small amounts; available in larger sizes for bulk water storage.

HydroSafe

HydroSafe is another reputable brand that uses stabilized sodium hypochlorite. It’s particularly favored for its ease of use and pH-balanced formula, which prevents the breakdown of chlorine over time.
Ideal for outdoor water storage, such as barrels or tanks; resistant to heat degradation; comes with clear dosage instructions.

Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide is another potent water preserver known for its oxidizing properties. It effectively neutralizes harmful pathogens and prevents their regrowth by targeting a wide range of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It is often favored for its long-lasting antimicrobial protection.

Aquamira

Aquamira is a well-known brand in the preparedness community, offering chlorine dioxide tablets and liquid drops. It is widely praised for its strong antimicrobial properties, which kill not only bacteria but also more resistant microorganisms like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Portable tablet form available; good for both home use and survival kits; treats a broad range of water sources, including untreated natural water.

Purogene

Purogene offers a chlorine dioxide-based solution that excels in maintaining water purity for long-term storage. It’s particularly known for its ability to prevent biofilm formation, which can be a problem in stagnant water over time.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial; available in bulk sizes for large containers or rainwater systems; long shelf life of up to five years once treated.

How to Use Water Preservers

To get the most out of water preservers and ensure long-term water safety, follow these guidelines:

Dosage Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations based on the size of your water storage container. Proper dosing ensures the preserver can effectively protect the water.
Storage Conditions: After adding a water preserver, store the treated water in a cool, dark location to preserve its quality. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Container Selection: Use food-grade, BPA-free containers for storing water to prevent chemical leaching or contamination. Ensure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent outside contaminants from entering.

Conclusion

Using a water preserver is a simple but essential step in safeguarding your long-term water storage. Whether you opt for stabilized sodium hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide, both options provide reliable protection, giving you peace of mind that your water will remain safe for years. By incorporating a water preserver into your emergency preparedness plan, you can ensure that clean, drinkable water will always be available when you need it most.