A Few Thoughts on Water Storage, by N.P.

Survival Blog ^ | 10/10/14 | N.P.

[Kartographer]

I’d like to discuss a few ideas about water storage and describe what I’ve decided to do in our situation.

My background, since most of this is my opinion, is that I work as the chemist (meaning I manage the water treatment systems) in a large power plant, hold the highest drinking water license possible in the state where I live, and am a degreed microbiologist. I’ve dealt with various water treatment systems for awhile. I don’t claim to know everything, but I do think that I’ve learned some things, and I hope to pass along a few ideas and opinions that hopefully will be of some value.

[YouGoTexasGirl]

The pump runs on electricity, right? If that goes out so does your water source. (Been there, done that!)

[Kartographer]

Also filling your barrels with a hose do yourself a favor and buy a food grade hose. You can find them in most RV suppliers and even in the auto department at ‘wally world’.

[SpaceBar]

a food grade hose...

Good tip.

[clearcarbon]

Most of the milk-jug style distilled water containers I’ve bought have leaked before their expiration dates.

[SpaceBar]

Just for the record, I’m not suggesting your hi-tech prepper with all the latest anti-zombie gear should use old milk jugs, but they are fine for appartment dwellers and others concerned about temporary water outages. Not directed at you kart personally, just sayin.

[Iron Munro]

Good post - Thanks

I never knew about those 275 gallon totes before but already found one on the local Craigslist for $75.

Here is another idea for smaller quantities:

I reuse the empty plastic bladders from box wine for water and Gatorade.
They work great for emergency home use, camping, backpacking, tailgating, car trips, etc.

The sizes I see locally are 2, 3 and 5 liter and come equipped with an outlet valve.
The outlet valve is made of a soft plastic assembled by a force fit.
The valves are a tight fit but can be disassembled just by pulling them apart.

Remove the bladder from the box, pull the valve apart, then rinse out the bladder several times.
Fill it with a strong baking powder solution and let sit for a few days.
Empty, rinse and let it air out for a few days.

Give it the smell test - the soak and rinse should render it pretty well odor free.

Then it is good to go.
Fill with water, and reassemble the valve.

The filled bladder can be frozen if you leave room for expansion when refilling.

I have never had one of the valves leak even after multiple disassembly/reassembly for refilling.

[CPT Clay]

I bought a house w a pool, 12,500 gallons

[bgill]

I’m not worried about private wells. Sure, anything can happen but those with wells are light years better off than those having to rely on containers.

[greeneyes]

We have 20 gallons of bottled water stacked in the water closet in the basement.

We have filters and purification tablets. We are on a well, and hubby plans to hook the generator up to run the pump, if needed for long term.

We also have a swimming pool that holds 4000 gallons full of rain water for the garden, that can be filtered and treated for drinking if needed.

For short term, if you should run out of water, don't forget that your hot water heater can be drained to give you additional water very easily. Ours is 50 gallons.

Calcium Hypochlorite has been ordered.

[Kartographer]

Again my experience tells me you better keep a mop handy, mo offense, just saying.

[Jane Long]

You sound like my hubby. He says our cement pond holds plenty of water storage :-/

[4everontheRight]

Great idea! We throw away dozens of those each month :)
Seriously...great idea. Thanks!

[Mich Patriot]

“...cap it, and tape it.”

I’m all over the 10 drops and cap it, but what do you mean by “tape it?” Are you talking about those plastic heat-shrink seals? Thanks

[Mich Patriot]

"I have found that the seams on most milk and water jugs tend to split over time."

The 2.5 gallon rectangular spring water jugs develop pinholes over time...about two years I think, so they're useless. I haven't had any trouble with the standard 1-gallon plastic jugs (yet?).

[CGASMIA68]

These 2 shallow wells have been used for over 200 years,the deep one about 80.No one has died from consuming that water,yet

[ryan71]

“Better than Bleach: Use Calcium Hypochlorite to Disinfect Water”

I’m on it! Thanks!

[CGASMIA68]

2 Shallow wells were the main water source here B4 electricity..sure we can work something out

[CGASMIA68]

Marine supply also

[Chickensoup]

I’m not worried about private wells. Sure, anything can happen but those with wells are light years better off than those having to rely on containers.

_______

I agree but I cannot set it up to get it out in anyway that is affordable without electricity or generator. Ideas welcome. Bison Pump wont work with me

[HartleyMBaldwin]

Baking powder? Or baking soda? Not the same.