How Long Can You Store Water Before It Becomes Unsafe To Drink?
Having a safe and reliable water supply is essential for survival, especially in emergency situations.
Knowing how to store water for long-term use can help you ensure that your family has access to clean drinking water for days, weeks, or even months.
But one question often arises when it comes to storing water—how long can you store it before it becomes unsafe to drink?
How Much Emergency Water To Store
The rule of thumb is that you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.
So if there are three people in your household, you should aim to store nine gallons of water. If possible, you should try to have a two-week supply on hand—this will provide enough drinking and sanitation water for a longer-term emergency situation.
It’s also important to consider that certain members of your household—pregnant women, those who are ill or disabled, and those living in hot climates—may require more than one gallon per day.
Therefore, it may be wise to plan for an additional supply above the minimum recommendation.
When storing bottled water purchased from the store, be sure to observe the expiration date listed on each container.
Non-store-bought options, such as water collected from rain or snow runoff, should be replaced every six months due to potential contamination from outside sources such as wildlife or air pollution.
How Long Can Water Be Stored In Plastic Jugs?
Water from your tap that is clean enough to drink can last up to six months or sometimes even longer when stored in a sealed container.
However, it’s important to check on your stored water every month to ensure it’s still safe.
How Long Can You Store Water In A 55 Gallon Drum?
A food-grade 55-gallon drum can safely store water for up to 1 year or even longer under the right circumstances.
When storing water in a 55-gallon drum, there are certain requirements that must be followed in order to ensure the safety and longevity of your stored water.
First and foremost, it’s important to choose a clean food-grade drum that has never been used with any other substances.
Once you’ve found your clean drum, make sure it is tightly sealed so as not to let in any light or chemicals from the environment.
Another thing to keep in mind when storing water in a 55-gallon drum is treatment options. Regularly treating your stored water with the correct amount of household chlorine bleach can help preserve its quality and taste over time and extend its shelf life significantly.
How Long Can You Store Canned Water?
Generally speaking, depending on the quality of the packaging and the storage conditions, you can safely and reliably drink canned water for up to two years.
After this point, it may start to degrade in terms of smell and taste.
With proper storage techniques, such as providing cool temperatures and avoiding any exposure to direct sunlight, you can maximize the lifespan of your canned water and ensure it remains safe to consume.
Can Water Get Too Old to Drink?
Water is a precious resource and an essential part of life. But can water get too old to drink? The answer is yes, although it’s not the water itself that goes bad, but rather the way it’s stored or contaminated.
When water gets too old to drink, it means that it has been contaminated by bacteria, algae, or other pathogens.
Contaminated water can cause serious health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, skin irritation and rashes, ear infections, and even more serious diseases.
It’s important to be aware of the signs that your water may have become contaminated so you can avoid these risks.
There are several signs that your water may have become contaminated or is simply too old to drink. These include:
- A strange smell – If there’s a strange odor coming from your water, it could be a sign that it has become contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens.
- Murky or cloudy appearance – If your water looks discolored or cloudy, this could also be a sign that it has been contaminated with bacteria or other pollutants.
- Developed a strange color – If your water has taken on an unusual hue (such as yellowish or greenish), then this could indicate contamination as well.
- Green algae growing in it – Algae growth in standing water indicates the overgrowth of microorganisms, which can lead to contamination of the water supply.
- Has floaties – Floaties in water are usually indicative of bacterial growth, which can lead to contamination if left unchecked for too long.
How To Store Water So It Lasts Longer
Having clean, safe drinking water on hand is essential in any emergency situation. When stored correctly, water can last indefinitely.
But how do you store water so it will last as long as possible?
Use An FDA Approved Food Grade Storage Container
The first step in properly storing water is using an FDA-approved food-grade storage container. It’s important that the container be made of a material that won’t leach chemicals into the water. Make sure that whatever container you choose is clean and free of dirt or debris before filling it with safe drinking water.
Clean And Sanitize Your Water Storage Container
Once your container is selected and clean, it’s time to sanitize it. This can be done by adding a teaspoon of liquid bleach to a quart of water.
You should then cover the container tightly and shake it thoroughly. Then, pour out the solution and let the sanitized container air dry.
Letting the sanitized container air dry before use will help keep any unwanted bacteria from getting into your stored water supply.
After air drying, make sure to secure a tight lid on your storage container so no contaminants can get in over time.
Use A Water Filter
Most filters are made of ceramic or activated carbon, which helps clear out dirt particles as well as bacteria and other contaminants.
If you have access to a water filter, make sure that you use it before storing the water in containers.
Remove Water Wisely
When removing safe water from your storage container, make sure that you use a clean device each time. Avoid touching the insides of the container with your hands, and never scoop safe water with your hands.
Avoid Storing Where Dangerous Substances Are Stored
Avoid storing your water where chemicals such as gasoline or pesticides are stored; these substances can contaminate the water even when sealed tightly in plastic containers.
If you can, keep the water out of your garage or shed if you’re storing other chemicals there.
Replace Every Six Months
Finally, replace stored drinking water every six months to ensure its quality and safety for consumption.
It’s important to know how long you can safely store your drinking water so that you don’t put yourself at risk of consuming contaminated liquid.
Generally speaking, you should replace any stored drinking water every six months, as bacteria and other contaminants may accumulate over time and make it unsafe for consumption.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that your family has access to clean drinking water whenever necessary.
