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Long-term water storage is a critical part of any preparedness plan, especially as you consider potential emergencies. We all know the importance of drinking enough water daily, but when it comes to long-term water storage, the stakes are much higher. What factors should you take into account when preparing for long-term water storage? How much space do you have to store enough water for your household? And are you planning for a short-term emergency like a power outage or a larger-scale disaster?
While some might have the luxury of extra space for bulk storage solutions like IBC Totes, many are faced with the challenge of storing water in tighter living spaces. Regardless of your circumstances, ensuring you have enough clean water to last during an emergency is absolutely essential.
In this blog, we’ll break down various water storage methods, weighing their benefits and limitations for both short- and long-term needs. We’ll also provide practical advice for city dwellers and those with limited storage space, offering actionable solutions that allow you to start building your water supply right now.
The Basics Of Long Or Short Term Water Storage
Most people would think storing water is simple but we preppers, know this is not the case.
There are a number of things that could go wrong when storing water for the long term. Rule of thumb, always tests your preps, your gear, and anything that could be life-saving.
When bottling water in what seems to be a clean bottle or jar could lead to little black floaty things leaving the water smell. This could be due to not properly cleaning the jar. Let’s talk more about the mason jar for storing water below.
Contamination can happen as well when bottles are not properly cleaned. It boils down to having a clean container that you have properly cleaned and put the work in to ensure it.
Tip: Water that is from a municipal chlorinated water supply does not need to be treated before storing.
But if it hadn’t then it’ll need to be purified before storing. All the same, you could have even added two drops of chlorine bleach before shelving it.
Two drops per quart jar would be ideal to ensure that most pathogens are killed off. To be more effective you could take these jars and use a water bath canner to sterilize them all.
Storing jars of water will be ideal for drinking water. This should not need to be rotated as any dangerous pathogens will have been terminated during the bottling process. This is a good way of storing water for the long term that will be good to drink and use for cooking.
A little work has to be done in order to get a good supply of drinking water but it is so important and doesn’t think of it as a lot of work, think of it as practice in prepping.
Storing Water For Emergencies - Long Term
Let’s discuss the different options you have to store water for the long term. Most often people buy water from their local grocery store and most likely will come in a few different versions. A water bottle, a 1-gallon milk jug container, a self-service refill container of 2.5 gallons, or a 5-gallon self-refill jug.
I’ve used these bottles over the years and they all have cons in terms of long-term storage for your place. If you ever noticed, after many months, these types of containers start to leak.
They say to have a gallon for each person in a household. That is for drinking and brushing your teeth and staying clean. That is not even for flushing the toilet or cooking. In addition, it is suggested to have at least 2 weeks for each person for a water supply.
For a family of 4, you would need to have 6 of the 5-gallon bottle jugs just for a week’s worth of water supply. Now the smaller the container, the more of a problem it will be to store these in your house and where you decide to store it you’ll have to be sure not to place it on anything that will become ruined if leaks happen.
As you can see here taking stock of these grocery store water containers are problematic. It was an issue I was having and so we decided to find a good solution to storing water long-term.
The Best Long-Term Water Storage Methods for Emergencies
When it comes to long-term water storage, choosing the right solution can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster, a power outage, or any unexpected crisis, having a reliable water supply is crucial. In this section, we’ll explore the most effective and practical options for storing water that will keep you prepared, even when space and resources are limited.
1. Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackable Kit
I have found these 5-gallon jugs that were designed for emergency water storage, safe for drinking, and made with BPA free.
They come in different-sized kits. The smallest kit is a 30-gallon, coming with a total of 6 jugs.
They allow for stacking, and since water is heavy these are great for anyone who can’t lift over 40 lbs. They also save on room as well since you can stack a few of these on top of each other.
Overall it’s got a great design, not too big that you can’t carry it and they can easily be placed in a closet or spare bedroom if you are tight on space.
2. WaterBrick 3.5 Gallon Stackable
To save even more space these are 3.5-gallon jugs that can be stacked. Ideally, you can place it under a bed or one or more in the fridge.
These aren’t only for water, actually, you can store a lot of different things like food, ammo, or whatever else you would want to keep dry.
The WaterBrick jugs allow for long-term water storage for preppers and for anyone who wants to take supply of a week or two worth of water supply with one of these kits, it’ll be a good way to store drinking water and be able to run a house without power.
3. 55 Gallon Water Storage Barrel
Another great option for long term water storage is the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Drum. BPA-free and designed as an emergency water supply barrel, it has some features like the two plugs for filling and drainage. When having a long term water supply and treating it before storage, the water will have no bad aftertaste. These are portable water solutions and you can even get larger water drums.
4. 50 Gallon Water Barrel Stackable
You are also able to get the 50-gallon stackable water drums. They too are another great option to go with if you want to supply water for the next few years.
The great thing about this model is that you are able to stack. Saving space is always a good thing especially when we don’t have much to spare.
5. IBC Tote For Water 330 Gallon
If you are wanting a huge supply of water for storing long term then the IBC Totes are something to look at.
Normally they transport chemicals in these things and before making a purchase of an IBC Tote for water, look around your area because a lot of us preppers find these for free.
Try a construction site or landscaping company and ask if you can buy them, quite often they will just give them to you just to get rid of them.
FAQs - Long-Term Water Storage For Preppers
1. Does water go bad during long-term storage?
No, water itself doesn’t spoil, but it can become contaminated over time. While water doesn’t expire, it can pick up bacteria, algae, and other contaminants if not stored properly. When preparing for long-term water storage, it’s crucial to ensure the storage containers are clean and tightly sealed to avoid any contamination.
2. How do you prevent contamination in long-term water storage?
To prevent contamination in your long-term water storage, you must store your water in clean, food-grade containers. Avoid exposure to sunlight, and ensure that water is kept sealed to prevent bacteria and algae growth. Using water purifiers or purification tablets before storage can also extend the shelf life and ensure clean drinking water.
3. Is well water safe for long-term storage?
Well water can be safe to drink and store for the long term, but it’s important to have it tested regularly for bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants. A filtration system can help ensure well water remains potable. Be mindful of the storage containers and the environment in which the water is kept.
4. What are the best containers for long-term water storage?
The best containers for long-term water storage are food-grade plastic or glass jugs, water barrels, and large water tanks specifically designed for emergency use. These containers help preserve the water for extended periods. When choosing containers, ensure they are BPA-free, durable, and tightly sealed.
5. Can tap water be used for long-term water storage?
Yes, tap water is typically safe for long-term storage as long as it’s properly treated and filtered. In many areas, tap water is treated with chlorine, which helps prevent bacterial growth. However, it’s still recommended to use water treatment methods such as purification tablets or filters to ensure the water stays clean during long-term storage.
6. How do you store water for long-term emergencies?
For long-term water storage in emergencies, you should store water in large, sealed containers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. It’s recommended to use water storage tanks, water jugs, or even 55-gallon barrels, depending on your space and water needs. Regularly check the water and rotate your supply if necessary.
7. What are the signs that water has gone bad in storage?
Signs that water has gone bad include discoloration, an unpleasant smell, or visible particles in the water. If the water has any of these signs, it’s best to discard it and refill with fresh water. Always ensure your containers are sealed tightly to prevent contamination.
8. How often should I rotate my long-term water storage supply?
It’s a good practice to rotate your water supply every 6 months to a year. This ensures that your stored water remains fresh and usable in case of an emergency. Make sure to check the condition of your containers before rotating.
9. How much water should I store for long-term emergencies?
Experts recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Plan for a minimum of two weeks’ supply per person, though storing more if possible will help ensure you’re well-prepared.
10. How do I purify water for long-term storage?
You can purify water for long-term storage using filtration systems, boiling, or adding water purification tablets. For stored water, make sure to use water purifiers or chemicals before sealing it into storage containers, especially if you are unsure about the source’s cleanliness.
Conclusion
When it comes to preparing for you and your family taking stock of a great supply of water will be going to make the world of difference when the power is out for 3-5 days and if you are preparing for a long-term outage for a disaster then it is a good idea to start preparing and take stock with what you have. No matter how much space you have available, having a supply is going to be critical.
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