When it comes to family home water storage, safety is key. It is so important that the storage containers for your drinking water supply are the bestavailable. Not every container is durable and safe for the long term, so you have to know what to look for before buying. This helpful guide will provideyou with the best family water storage information.
Types of Containers For Safe Water Storage
There are containers made of different materials, and some are more suitable than others for storing a long term supply. When it comes to drinking water,
safety and cleanliness are paramount. Take the time to find a container that best suits your needs and will provide you with peace of mind.
Glass Containers
Glass can be a good option, but be aware that there are glass products designed to hold chemicals, and these are not considered safe for food and water.
Obviously glass can break easily, and it can also crack if the temperature reaches freezing. The best kind of glass for food and water storage is borosilicate glass. It can withstand a range of temperatures and is more resistant to breakage.
One of the problems with glass containers is that they are limited in size. For a water supply that can last, you will want to go big. That takes us to the next type of material, which will offer more size options.
Plastic Containers
Plastic is highly durable, and there are a variety of sizes available for plastic storage containers today. You will want to be storing gallons of water for those long- term scenarios, and even for emergencies, as it is the most precious resource for survival.
Choose a brand new plastic container that is food safe. It is not advisable to reuse plastic jugs or bottles, because there can be residue and contaminants left behind, even after washing. A food grade plastic container will be clearly labeled as such, and you will want to make sure that it has the triangular recycling symbol on it, and the number 1, 2, 4, or 5.
Your best option is a container marked 2, because that indicates that it is made of High-density Polyethylene plastic, the most durable type made today. It is food safe, and so durable that it will last for decades.
Stainless Steel Containers
A stainless steel tank is ideal for collecting rainwater. Rainwater can be made safe for cooking and drinking through boiling or other purification processes, making it an affordable option. Stainless steel offers durability, and the tank will hold up well through all kinds of conditions.
Collecting Rainwater
Rainwater collection is a budget friendly option, and it just makes sense to do. As mentioned, you can opt for a stainless steel tank, and there are also a variety of plastic jugs and barrels that are designed specifically for this purpose. Depending on the weather conditions, it may not take very long to fill up a tank and prepare it for safe storage.
How and Where to Store Water Containers
How and where you store your water containers will have an impact on the quality of the water. In order to be safe for drinking, you will need to keep plastic barrels and jugs in a cool, dark area, such as a basement. This is because plastic can leach chemicals into the water when left in the sun and exposed to high temperatures.
Keep some bottled water on hand for short-term emergency situations, such as power and water outages. Such an event could occur at almost anytime, and water main breaks certainly aren’t uncommon. Have these bottles stored in a cool and dark place. Wherever you decide is best for your family home water storage, be sure that it is a spot that is easily accessible, and out of direct sunlight at all times.
