Water Storage Tips

Usually I post on Thursdays and Fridays. But yesterday I had my 2-year old grandson. The blogging just didn't happen... I'm pooped! ~Karin

WATER STORAGE TIPS

Containers

·         Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.

·         Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.

·         Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.

·         Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.

Storage

·         It is not recommended to store any water container in direct or indirect sunlight. Also, it is best to store water barrels with a non-porous insulation barrier (such as wood) between the cement and the barrel.

Freezing?

·         It is recommended to only fill the barrel 9/10 the way full if you plan on storing it in a place where there is a potential of freezing.

How long can I safely store water in barrels?

·         It will remain safe indefinitely if water is kept in the following conditions: A) Free of microorganisms. B) If the container is made of food grade materials. C) The container is clean and tightly closed. D) The container is kept from sunlight, then it will remain safe indefinitely

Water Pretreatment

·         Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.

·         Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.

·         Or a Water Treatment product.

Additional Information

Water Purification Guidelines - If your water supply is not known to be safe or has become polluted, it should be purified before use. Water purification is generally a two-step process.

Step 1: Clarify

 

Cloudy or dirty water must first be made clear. It may be passed through filter paper, fine cloth, or

other filter. It may be allowed to settle and the clear water on top carefully drawn. Filtered or clear settled water should always be disinfected before use.

Step 2: Disinfect

Over the Counter Treatments of which Honeyville Farms and the RMSI Store (blog) have several and that work wonderfully.

Boiling Method

Bringing water to a rolling boil for 3 to 5 minutes will kill most water-borne microorganisms. However, prolonged boiling of small quantities of water may concentrate toxic contaminants if present.

Bleach Method

Adding 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of fresh liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to every gallon (4 liters) of water will kill most microorganisms. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used. The use of bleach does not address toxic contamination.