5 Long-Term Water Storage Tips
ShareStoring water is an important part of disaster preparedness. Dehydration is a dangerous condition that can quickly become life-threatening. If you lose access to your usual water supplies, you'll want to have a backup source of water. Long-term water storage containers will allow you to safely store water for your household. These five tips will help you utilize long-term water storage containers:
1. Clean your water containers before use.
Long-term water storage containers are made from food-safe materials that will not leach chemicals into your water supply. However, when you first bring new storage containers home, they may be contaminated with debris or bacteria from manufacture and shipping. Clean your water containers before their first use. Wash them with soap and hot water, allowing them to fully dry before use.
2. Fill your water container in its designated storage spot.
Large water storage containers can more easily meet the needs of big families. 55-gallon containers are a common size for water storage. However, these containers can become incredibly heavy once filled, and you may be unable to move them. Save yourself the trouble by moving your water container to its designated storage spot before filling it. It's much easier to move water storage containers when they're empty.
3. Replace your water periodically.
Water cannot be stored indefinitely. Over time, it can begin to grow algae and mold. Replace your stored water every six months to keep it fresh. After emptying your water containers, wash them and allow them to dry before refilling.
4. Use vinegar to remove lingering odors.
Plastic water storage containers are ideal for many reasons. They're lightweight, easy to clean, and inexpensive. However, plastic can trap odors in a way that glass doesn't. If you find your water storage containers begin to develop an odor over time, simply rinse them with vinegar. Vinegar is excellent for sanitizing and removing unwanted scents from objects. Rinse the interior of your water storage container with vinegar, then flush it with clean water to get rid of the vinegar smell.
5. Invest in a hose or spigot.
Finally, make sure you have easy access to water when you need it. Investing in a spigot attachment can make it easy for your whole family to remove water from your storage containers. If you don't want to purchase a specialty spigot, a clean hose can work in a pinch. Just make sure to use a new hose to avoid mold contamination.