How to store drinking water

Long-term storage of drinking water:  How and How Much?

This isn't a weekend supply or a canteen yo ucarry with you--the quesion here is about long-term storage of a large amount of purfied drinking water.  When it comes to storing drinking water for long-term use, there are several suitable options to consider:

• Food-grade plastic containers: Look for containers specifically labeled as food-grade or made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). These containers are durable, non-toxic, and resistant to chemicals.
• Glass containers: Glass containers are another good option for long-term water storage. They are non-permeable, do not leach chemicals into the water, and are easy to clean. However, they can be fragile and heavier compared to plastic containers.
• Stainless steel containers: Stainless steel containers are durable, non-reactive, and resistant to corrosion. They are a good choice for long-term water storage, especially if you prefer a metal option.
• Water barrels or drums: Large water barrels or drums made from food-grade plastic are suitable for storing larger quantities of water. Ensure they are properly sealed and have a spigot for easy access.
• Water storage tanks: If you require a significant amount of water storage, consider investing in water storage tanks. These tanks are available in various sizes and materials, such as polyethylene or fiberglass, and can be installed above or below ground.

Regardless of the storage option you choose, it's important to follow these guidelines:

1. Clean and sanitize the containers before use.
2. Store the water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
3. Keep the containers sealed tightly to prevent contamination.
4. Rotate the stored water every six months to ensure freshness.

Remember to also consider the amount of water you need to store based on your specific needs, such as the number of people in your household and the duration you anticipate needing the stored water.

How much drinking water to store

This is really a question for each individual to consider. As an example, I worked up some numbers based on one year of fresh drinking water storage.

The amount of fresh drinking water a family of four would need to store up for one year depends on several factors, including daily water consumption, bathing habits, and cooking needs. However, as a general guideline, the recommended daily water consumption per person is around 1 gallon (3.8 liters) for drinking and cooking purposes.

Considering a family of four, the estimated daily water requirement for drinking and cooking would be approximately 4 gallons (15.2 liters). Multiplying this by 365 days, the total amount of water needed for drinking and cooking for one year would be around 1,460 gallons (5,530 liters).

For bathing, the water consumption can vary significantly depending on factors such as shower duration, frequency of baths, and water-saving measures. On average, a 10-minute shower can use around 25 gallons (95 liters) of water. If each family member takes a daily 10-minute shower, the total water consumption for bathing would be approximately 36,500 gallons (138,230 liters) for the year.

To calculate the total amount of water needed for drinking, cooking, and bathing, you would add the water requirements for each category:

Drinking and Cooking + Bathing =  1,460 gallons (5,530 liters) + 36,500 gallons (138,230 liters) = 37,960 gallons (143,760 liters)  annual total.

A container with a capacity of approximately 5,073 cubic feet would be needed to store 37,960 gallons of water.

Please note that these are rough estimates, and actual water consumption can vary based on individual habits and circumstances. It's always a good idea to assess your specific needs and adjust the calculations accordingly.

Tank Availability

Of course, I got interested in finding out how much such a tank could cost.  A quick web search brought me to Tank Depot, which currently shows a Norwesco 12000 Gallon Plastic Vertical Water Storage Tank  on sale for $15,764.40.  There are other sizes and prices of tanks, but this was the largest one I could find on the website that was specifically listed as a "water" tank.  Three of these would set you back $35,000 before delivery and installation.  And no... that is not an affiliate link!

If you are in the market for such a tank, I suggest talking to a few people in the Ag industry--start with a university agriculture extension office.  FInd out more about what specifically is involved for such an endeavor.

Yes, this has a pretty hefty price tag on it--but in reality, not completely out of reach for some.  Let me know what you think!

A more practical goal may be to store up one month of water--that's only 3,163 gallons.  Or one week of water for only 730 gallons.  Take note of your ability to purify fresh water from local sources such as a pond you may have on your property.  If you don't have one, consider building one.