Survival Water Storage Tips

You don’t have to go back far in history to comprehend the simple fact that there are, in fact, a multitude of events that could immediately propel us into a survival mode. A sneak peek into some of the devastating events in the past one decade will help you understand how the basic civic amenities that we build our lives around in this age can become totally dysfunctional overnight due to any large scale calamity – natural or manmade.

During such tough times, even the most fundamental facilities such as water supply become scarce, posing a whole new existential threat to the common masses. Scarcity of drinking water is particularly threatening because the human body is not engineered to function more than three days in a dehydrated state. Therefore, it is imperative for us to always store a bare minimum amount of water at our homes to survive any emergency situation. Here are 9 survival water storage tips to go about this task:

1# How much to store

Most authorities suggest that a bare minimum of three-day supply of water should be stored in any average household for emergency situations. Remember, that’s only the bare minimum volume we are talking about. If you can store enough water to last you and your family for a month, then simply go for it. The widely accepted definition of “three day supply” would be one gallon a day per person – half for drinking and the rest for other essential tasks such as cleaning, cooking etc. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), however, recommends that one should store 1 gallon (per day per person) of water for drinking only.

2# Use containers of different sizes

It is advisable to store the emergency water in many different containers for practical purposes. Storing all the water in one large container should be avoided for many reasons – including of course the fact that mobility may be required in some cases and it’s virtually impossible to carry along a large vessel of water everywhere you go.

3# Food-grade barrels are recommended required



When it comes to drinking water, ordinary vessels are best avoided. Always go for food-grade barrels. If possible, go for blue, polyethylene plastic water storage because they will help you to differentiate the drinking water from other items such as fuel.

4# Keep the containers clean

The best way to go about this task is to dilute one teaspoon of bleach in one gallon of water and then use the same to wash the insides as well as the lips and lids before storing your water in them. Never ever use a container that was previously used to store other items.

5# Store the containers in safe places

Your emergency water storage should be in a cool place, away from sunlight which promotes algae and bacteria growth. Always use airtight lids and keep the containers away from toxic chemicals – or any chemical for that matter.

6# Pick a secure place

You obviously would hate yourself if you accidentally tripped over or knocked over your emergency water storage. Therefore, make it a point to store a secure place – preferably at an accessible spot where everyone in the family can safely reach after a disaster. Keep them locked or hidden if you fear that someone could try to steal/loot your water.

7# Do not freeze the water

You should not freeze your emergency water because it may end up being totally useless. Moreover, doing so could also break the containers.

8# Use water purifiers whenever possible

Based on circumstances, you may need to filer your emergency water before using or storing it. Therefore, it is recommended that you learn how to build your own water purifier for emergency usage. (How to build your own water purifier at home).

9# Replace your emergency water annually

Water, if adequately sealed and stored, should last for years. However, perfect storage may not be always possible for everyone. In such cases, you should replace your emergency water at least once every year. Make sure to clean up the containers before refilling.

Remember – nine out of 10 times, a disaster will strike without any advance warning. So, don’t be one of those people who think storing emergency water is just a waste of time and effort. Carefully follow the 9 water storage tips above, and you’ll be in a much better position to survive even under the most challenging circumstances imaginable.

Any survival water storage tips we missed?