The importance of uncontaminated water

Disaster preparation

One of the top priorities in an emergency is having enough uncontaminated water. Everyone’s needs for water may be different. Factors that come into play are age, physical condition, activity, diet and the geographical location you live in. Normally, most people need to drink at least two quarts 64 ounces or eight cups, of water each day.

Environments where temperatures are high can double the amount needed as the body uses water for cooling. Children, nursing women, and ill people will need more water.

Additional water will be needed for hygiene and food preparation. Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day. If you have pets, allow 1 quart per day for each dog or cat. While storing at least a 72 hour supply is recommended; you should consider storing a two-week supply if you have space for it.

 What types of containers are safe for storage?

·        Food grade plastic or glass containers with tight fitting screw-on caps

·        2-liter soda bottles and other water or juice containers.

·        New plastic containers for water storage can be found in local stores.

·        Only purchase containers labeled for storage of food or beverages.

·        Containers not labeled for food or beverage storage could release harmful chemicals into the water.

 Avoid

Containers that have held toxic substances, because trace amounts may remain in the container's pores

Containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles

Older glass jars may contains lead

Wash the containers and lids thoroughly with hot tap water and dish detergent then rinse thoroughly with hot tap water. You do not need to boil water before storing it.

 How to treat the water for storage

To treat water for storage, use liquid household chlorine bleach that contains 5.25% available chlorine.

Do not use bleach with soaps or scents added. Add the unscented bleach to water, stir and allow it to stand for 30 minutes. Always use a sterile dropper. The treated water should have a slight chlorine odor. If it does not, then repeat the process.

4 drops of bleach per quart or liter of water

8 drops of bleach per 2 quart, 2 liter or ½ gallon of water

16 drops of bleach, ¼ teaspoon per gallon or 4 liters of water  

For larger quantities

8 drops-1/8 teaspoon

16 drops=1/3 teaspoon

32 drops= ½ teaspoon

64 drops= 1 teaspoon

192 drops= 1Tablespoon

384 drops=1/8 cup or 2 Tablespoons

Where should I store the water and for how long?

Containers should be stored in a cool and dry place because containers can degrade over time due to heat and light. Hydrocarbon vapors can penetrate polyethylene plastics so store water in plastic containers away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or comparable material.

A gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds so make sure the shelves or area in which you store the water is strong enough to support the weight.

For commercially bottled distilled or drinking water, check the label for an expiration date. If not, mot should have a shelf-life of at least one year.