Tips for healthy water storage

The Water Quality & Health Council offers important tips for storing water to help families and individuals prepare for emergency situations. In addition to ensuring safe water during periods of elevated terrorist alerts, home water storage is an important measure in preparing for natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes and ice storms.

While many individuals rush to purchase bottled or distilled water during times of crises, another viable option for securing a supply of safe water is the storage of tap water for future use. Following are easy-to-implement guidelines to ensure that tap water remains potable while in storage:

Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day in a cool, dark place

Choose appropriate containers for water storage; disinfect before use.

If necessary, treat water with a chlorine bleach solution prior to storage to prevent buildup of harmful bacteria or pathogens. Replace water every six months.

The American Red Cross and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend the following procedure for treating water for storage:

• Add six drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented bleach per gallon of water.
• Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not taste and smell of chlorine after 30 minutes, add another dose of 1/8 teaspoon and let stand another 15 minutes.
• Seal the containers and label with contents and date of preparation.
  

Identify additional sources of water

Unsafe water sources include radiators, hot water boilers, waterbeds, and swimming pools and spas. These tips are based on information provided by emergency preparedness experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

Source
Water Quality and Health Council
www.waterandhealth.org