Water Storage Basics

Humans can survive only for 3 days without water, making water storage one of the most important parts of your emergency supplies. Just as with your emergency kits, at a minimum you need a 72 hours supply. As the aftermath of Haiti's earthquake showed us, one week's supply is a better goal to work towards. Then move up to a month's supply.

The recommended amount of water storage is one gallon per person per day. This gallon is meant to serve drinking needs as well as for cooking and cleaning. As those who have survived a disaster will tell you, one gallon a day is really a minimum. In situations of medical emergencies, nursing mothers, children, or very hot temperatures for example, Stacker 3 more water will be needed. There are a few different options available for storage:

Water jugs or plastic bottles: Water jugs or plastic bottles such as the ones that you buy in the grocery store are the most common form of storage, but in fact the least desirable. Due to troubles from bacterial growth in pre- used containers, this is the least recommended form of storage. If you choose this option, your water supply will need to be replaced every 6 months and make sure to follow the cleansing instructions for the containers found at FEMA's website.

Commercially bottled water: Commercially bottled water has a longer shelf life than water you bottle yourself, about one year. Note the expirations dates on the containers and set replacement reminders in your calendar based on those dates. Keep the water in the original containers and do not open until you need to use it.

Commercial emergency water: There are commercially packaged water products with a shelf life of 5 years, the longest available on the market. Special non-transparent packaging keeps the water good for 5 years. As with all commercially packaged water purchases, keep the water in the original containers and do not open until you need to use it.

30 gallon storage containers: 30 gallon storage containers are available for storing large long-term water supplies. The containers are made of hard, non-transparent plastic and come with a pump for dispensing. Look for containers that advertise a 5 year shelf life because those come with the EPA-Approved Water Preserver, a sodium hypochorlite formula that keeps the water free of bacteria, viruses, mold and fungus. At a gallon a day, a 30 gallon barrel will store enough water for 4 people for 7 days.

Whatever storage solution you choose, make sure to store your water supply in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Keep your supply away from stored gasoline, kerosene, pesticides or other similar substances.

Amy Sandoz is the owner of Ready Set Go Kits, an online source for emergency kits and disaster preparedness products for your family. You can read more of her articles at Ready Set Go Kits Blog.