Posted on 10/13/2014 6:28:58 PM PDT by Kartographer
Id like to discuss a few ideas about water storage and describe what Ive 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. Ive dealt with various water treatment systems for awhile. I dont claim to know everything, but I do think that Ive learned some things, and I hope to pass along a few ideas and opinions that hopefully will be of some value.
(Excerpt) Read more at survivalblog.com ...
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?
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.
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.
My mistake.
Baking soda of course.
Must have been thinking of baking fresh bread or something!
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:
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