HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I STORE?
In a disaster you will need a 2 week supply of water.
Each person needs 1 gallon of water a day just for drinking.
You will need more water if have dehydrated food, want to cook with water, wash with water.
Interesting Side Note:
The average person in normal times used over a hundred gallons of
water per day for all purposes.
Military studies show that troops usually average 14.5 gallons per soldier, per day.
CONTAINERS:
*Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.
*Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.
*Clean, sanitize, and thoroug
hly 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% so
dium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickener, 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.
DO I NEED TO ADD BLEACH TO MY WATER?
*Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers. (According to FEMA)
*Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) fo
r every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
FILLING WATER CONTAINERS:
*Use a bung wrench to loosen nuts.
*Use an RV hose that is stated to be FREE of harmful chemicals. Do not
use an ordinary garden hose. A large percentage of such hoses contain a number of harmful chemicals.
*Fill water completely to the top.
*After you are done using your hose, hook the 2 sides of the hose together to prevent bacteria.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REFILL MY CONTAINERS?
*Containers should be emptied and refilled every 6 months to year. If your barrels are in the garage or outside where it gets very hot, refill every 6 months.
*When you refill your water, clean out the hose with a cup of water mixed with a tiny bit of bleach to kill anything that might be in there.
WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY WATER CONTAINERS?
*Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.
*Protect stored water from light an heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing. You can store your barrels outside in Las Vegas though. I called on it! If storing outside, refill water every 6 months.
*You can store your water barrels outside and in the garage.
*Put your barrels on wooden crates, cardboard, a block of wood or other material. Do not store your barrels on ground or concrete.
*The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers.
HOW DO I SIPHON THE WATER OUT OF MY BARRELS?
Click on the following link to watch a video that shows you how to siphon your water out of your barrels:
1. Put the container you are siphoning your water into on the ground.
(*Your barrel needs to be higher than the container you are siphoning your water into.)
2. Put the clear end of the siphon into the container you are siphoning your water into.
3. Put the metal end of the siphon into the barrel with a lot of force. Immediately shake the metal end of the siphon up and down with a lot of force about 5-6 times.
(*Make sure the metal part of the siphon is completely in the water while you shake it.)
4. Stop shaking the siphon hose. The water should continually flow.
5. Lift the metal part of the siphon out of the barrel when you have enough water.
WATER WEBSITES:
