Cleaning, Filling, and Labeling Water Containers for Storage
Cleaning, Filling, and Labeling Water Containers
for Storage
There are three steps in preparing your water containers for long-term storage. Doing these three things correctly will go a long way in producing a successful long-term water storage.
#1
Clean & Disinfect
With four methods to choose from, find what works for you.
#2
Fill with Water
3 questions to ask yourself before you start filling.
#3
Label Before Storing
Labeling tips that will help years down the road.
Water Storage
Before filling your food-grade plastic water containers for long-term storage, it's crucial to first clean and disinfect them properly. Here are four recommended methods to choose from. The instructions below are tailored to 5-gallon jugs but will work to clean and disinfect larger containers as well by simply creating more of each solution.
Soap, Water, and Bleach Method
Prepare Soapy Water: Fill the container halfway with warm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap.
Scrub the Container: Use a bottle brush or a long-handled brush to scrub the inside thoroughly, reaching all corners and crevices.
Shake: Close the container and shake vigorously to clean the entire interior surface.
Rinse Thoroughly: Empty the soapy water and rinse several times with clean water until no soap residue remains. Rinse the cap as well.
Disinfect: Mix 1 tsp bleach (unscented liquid 6 to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite) per quart of water. Fill the jug with enough solution that all sides are contacted when shaken vigorously. Let the solution sit for at least 5 minutes.
Rinse Again: Empty the solution and rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the residue until you no longer smell the bleach.
When Air Drying is Necessary: If the container will be stored empty for a time, let it dry completely with the cap off to prevent moisture buildup, which can foster bacterial growth. If it is filled immediately, air drying is not necessary.
Cleaning & Disinfection Methods in One!
Choose one of these methods for cleaning & disinfection. All containers should first be rinsed with warm water to remove any visible debris.
Bleach Method: Mix 1 tsp bleach (unscented liquid 6 to 8.25% sodium hypochlorite) per quart of water. Fill the jug with enough solution that all sides are contacted when shaken vigorously. Let the solution sit for at least 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the residue until you no longer smell the bleach.
Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Method: Pour about ¼ cup of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide into the container. Close the cap, shake vigorously for a few minutes making sure all sides are contacted. Let sit for about 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry.
White Vinegar Method: Mix 1-part white vinegar with 3 parts water (e.g., 1 cup vinegar to 3 cups water). Fill the container, shake well making sure all sides are contacted, and let sit overnight. Next day, rinse thoroughly with clean water and repeat the rinsing until you no longer smell vinegar.
Water Storage
Before you fill your containers, ask yourself 3 questions.
#1 How long am I storing my water?
Decide how long you would like to store the water before replacing it. Your decision will let you know whether you need to add a water preserver before you seal the lid. This is explained more next: Do you need a water preserver.
#2 Is my water safe to drink?
If you are using municipal city water, you're good to go. If you are unsure about the safety of your water or are using well water, captured water, or water from any untreated source that has not been chlorinated, you must treat it first, then add it to your containers.
#3 Am I using a water hose?
If yes, purchase a food grade plastic hose, the kind that are used in RVs. A regular garden hose may contain lead and is not meant for drinking. Using a power nozzle will help you control the flow of water, especially if you are filling away from grass.
Do you need a water preserver?
Rotation at 6 Months
No preserver is needed if rotation takes place by or before 6 months. Municipalities pretreat their water with chlorine before it is piped to customers so further treatment is unnecessary.
Rotation at 5 Years
Adding Water Preserver™ is a good insurance policy for any amount of time that exceeds 6 months. By adding the correct number of drops per gallon, Water Preserver™ helps your stored water avoid any buildup of organisms over time. But that protection will only last up to 5 years. Please note: If you store your water in a hot garage, you will still need to rotate your water storage at 6 months with or without the use of a preserver.
Best Practice for Adding Water Preserver™
For best results for long-term water storage, be sure to follow these steps:
Step 1: Add the correct amount of Water Preserver™ to the empty container. For a 5-gallon jug - that’s 40 drops (8 drops per gallon). Press the container slowly as you count, as the drops can get ahead of you if you're not careful.
Step 2: Fill the container with clean tap water to about 1.5 to 2 inches below the cap.
Step 3: Seal the container tightly, then invert or slosh it several times to coat all internal surfaces. This method ensures the preservative mixes thoroughly and sanitizes the entire interior, helping prevent microbial growth on the container walls.
Filling 5-to-15-gallon containers
- If filling with a water hose, use a food grade plastic hose.
- If filling in a bathtub or shower, first clean your shower head or water faucet with sanitizing solution.
- Carefully fill your container to the fill line, about 1.5 to 2 inches below the cap. This allows for expansion if the water freezes, easier handling without spillage, and room for air if using a spigot or pump
- 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.
Filling 50-gallon and 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.
- When purchasing a food grade water hose, be sure to buy one that will reach into your garage.
- Carefully fill each drum.
- Add the water preserver if storing longer than 6 months.
- Close the opening of the drum with a bung plug, being careful not to cross the threads.
- Tighten with a bung wrench or drum 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.
Water Storage
As with long term food storage, keeping accurate dates on your water storage is vital.
Tips for Labeling
Never write directly onto your storage container unless you don’t mind scribbles. Instead, try one of these two ideas.
- Use a sticky label with added tape. Because most containers are stackable, avoid placing your expiration label on top.
- Use a label that is affixed with twine and tie securely to each handle.
Make sure to switch out the labels at the next rotation.
Include the following information
- storage date
- planned rotation date
- additives added, if any
- potable or non-potable
Add a Reminder
Labeling your containers will help remind you when it comes time for rotation. For added security, place your rotation date on your calendar as a good reminder.