So, you may be wondering... what about tap water? Homeland Security recommends households keep at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days in case of an emergency. You can use commercially bottled water, but you can simply store your own tap water. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends storing tap water in clean and rinsed plastic, glass, enameled metal, or fiberglass containers. Once you have filled the container, it should be tightly sealed and stored in a dark, cool location. The water should be rotated out about every six months. It won't necessarily go 'bad', but you may get some algae on the container (gross) and there is a slight risk of bacterial growth after several months of storage.
The recommendation is to discard bottled water within 2 weeks after you open it, but FEMA's recommendation for how long you can keep tap water is really quite a lot longer. Personally, when I store tap water (e.g., for the hurricane season), I only keep it for a couple of weeks to a month. If the water starts to turn green, use it to water your plants or something, clean the container, and refill it with fresh tap water. Similarly, discard the tap water if it develops any other discoloration or has an 'off' odor.
Comments
Since all plastic container (PE, PP, Pet, Nalgene etc.) contain mor or less of some plasticicers, which do leek slowly into the water I would prefer glass containers to store water for longer time. And store it in the dark, but not necessarily in the fridge
This reminds me. What do you think of disinfecting fruits & vegetables and other things by spraying with vinegar, then Hydrogen Peroxide, then rinsing?
I have plastic bottles filled with my well water that look and taste fine. Have had them for 2-3 years. They are stored in my dog kennel building that has A/C and some heat. The water is for my dogs…what do you think???? OK?
Well water containes diseases
I buy the gallon or two gallon ziplock storage bags, fill them with water and freeze. If I need water just thaw. I also use them as cold packs in the cooler, if I need drinking water it’s right there. It’s a twofer! I change out the bags every spring.
To Bob…and where exactly do you think the water you drink comes from? Or bottled water that says “Spring” water. People don’t make water, it all comes from the ground.
Have been drinking well water for thirty eight years on my property …..fourty three years before me has my grandpa ..he lived to be 98…Im 48 and still bench press 405lbs and still drinking well water …annual physical said Im very healthy.I love sweet well water.!
Does stored well water need to be refrigerated?
I store water in water barrels from Emergency Essentials) (15Gal) and add 2 teaspoons of Clorox to each barrel.Last indefinitely if not opened. The Clorox kills and prevents fungus and disease from forming.
I think yankee doodle has the wisest advice. I am not sure of the ratio of bleach to H2O, but it is deriveable. Only problem w/ 15 gallon barrels are they are not so moveable.
My plan – Yes I am currently watching Doomsday Preppers — is to start by filling 2L Soda bottles. I have a water softener and filter to the tap water in my house. Also, I believe in MA – flouride is added to water.
In any case, this is reasonable start. I will also write a “born-on-date- on the bottled water, and cycle it out for cooking, watering, etc every 3-6 months. A milk crate will fit ~ 10 – 2L bottles, so the crate not only offers great storage, transport, and sturdy qualities, but also facilitates both stowing and cycling out – restowing efforts. Thats my 411 at present, still learning
Im gonna bug out one day should i bring water with me?
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I’ve read for bleach, it is 1/8th a TSP per gallon of water.