You must store water in suitable containers and put it in correct locations in your home. Water is best stored in a dark room or in heavy cardboard boxes to keep the light out. Store in several locations so you can get to it easily.
Containers to Use: Make sure all containers are food grade and have never held chemicals or poisons.
Heavy Plastic - you can reuse 2 liter soda bottles, gatorade bottles, also apple juice and cranberry juice bottles are great. It is recommended to have a three month supply of water if possible. That's 180 gallons of water per person.
You can use bottled water. Bulk bottled water can be purchased through some companies. Generally it is far too expensive to store in quantity.
Bleach bottles - stored water in these can be used for cleaning or washing hands. Label it clearly with a black marker, but keep away from children. These can also be used as emergency flush water for your toilet if your toilet breaks or your water supply gets broken.
Polyethylene Barrels - available in several sizes.
Glass containers - drinking water can be stored in quart sized jars sealed by the water bath canning method. Pint jars require 20 minutes boiling time, quart size require 25 minutes and half gallon jars require 30 minutes.
DO NOT USE MILK JUGS TO STORE WATER!!! The plastic is not thick enough and since it has been run through other types of storage, it makes the plastic weak.
Supplemental Sources of Water:
The water in your hot water heater is available to use, if necessary. Also the water in the tank (NOT THE BOWL!) of the toilet can be scooped out and used.
Liquid for drinking can be obtained from canned fruits, juices, vegetables and soft drinks.
You can also use melted snow or rain water if you have a collection barrel. (Disinfect by boiling for 5 minutes before drinking it.)
Lakes, Streams, ponds, rivers and even ditches can be used if treated with a sanitizing method.
Make sure that you check your water supply occasionally for cloudiness and leakage.
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