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.

[NTHockey]

I have a 65 gallon rain barrel for multiple uses - gardening, radiator, washing, toilets, etc. I store in one gallon OJ jugs. Had a problem this summer with some jugs in the sun room and at the barrel. SEEMED to turn “rancid”. No circulation pump on the barrel. Sun room I believe just got too hot, even with two ceiling fans going at high speed.

Anybody have these kinds of problems? And how do you prevent?

[T-Bone Texan]

I got my blue plastic 55-gallon barrel from my local beermaking store.

They use them to store the malt (similar in vicosity and components to molasses) that is an integral part of brewing beer.

I have sterilized and scrubbed it out several times but it still smells like molasses, which I guess is not a deal-breaker. I was surprised at the filled weight. There was no way I alone could even tip it when full. I would have to use a car or truck, and get a running start. It was very heavy.

[Kartographer]

Get yourself one of these:

[rfreedom4u]

If you don’t have room for that I suggest using the 2-liter soda bottles. Just leave a little room for expansion and put them in the freezer. If the electric goes out they will help keep things frozen longer.

[Iron Munro]

My mistake.

Baking soda of course.

Must have been thinking of baking fresh bread or something!

[Iron Munro]

Many commercial buildings, especially in urban areas, have outside water bibs that do not have a handle to turn them on and off.

They require a special tool.

In a SHTF emergency when the water system isn't pumping anymore a commercial building is likely to have water in its plumbing system.

A multi-story building will have even more water resting in its piping.

That water can be drained from the outside spigot - if you have the tool to operate it.

The tool you need is called a Four Way Water Valve Key or just a Four Way Key.
They can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores, Amazon, Ace Hardware - probably at Home Depot and Lowes too.

They usually cost anywhere from $3 to $7 or $8.

Here are a couple of links where they can be purchased online:

http://www.amazon.com/Jones-Stephens-J40-005-Four-Way/dp/B000DZKYVC

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1276472

Here are a few examples of what the tool looks like: