3 Things to Make Your Water Storage Prepping Go the Distance
Updated: Sep 24
Water storage prepping is a crucial aspect of emergency preparedness. Water is a vital resource for survival, and in times of power outages or natural disasters, access to clean and safe water may become limited. In this article, we will discuss three important things to consider when it comes to water storage prepping, ensuring that you and your loved ones have an adequate supply of water during challenging times.
If you're more of a video person, check out the abridged video on the topic!
Three Things to Important Water Storage Prepping
Water is an essential resource for life. Humans can only go a few days without it. So, water storage prepping should be on your radar of concerns to manage. Why? Well, have you ever been in a power outage? I experienced the unusually cold and long-lasting effects Texas received early in 2021. Because of that, I lost both power and water. The water loss was particularly bad due to the freezing weather persisting below freezing for days. This froze the pipes. So, it was a problem all around for my town and several others.
I had some level of preparations, but this event made me take a much closer look at what I might need to last for longer than a few days. I read from the CDC that you should replace water that you didn't buy from the store, such as tap water, every six months. So, there is an apparent expiration date to water storage. I'd like the provisions to last longer than that if needed. It's also important to have sufficient containers to store enough water to lasts a while. The recommendation is to store at least 1 gallon of water per day per person. The containers also need to space efficient. Too bulky and it might to be too hard to manage and move full containers. So, the things you need for your water storage boil down to these criteria:
Use multiple 5-gallon containers for your storage needs.
Any containers should be stackable so you can save space
Use water preservative solutions to allow your water to last you for years before you need to change them.
What You'll Need
As is often the case, you will need some tools to do this. You have to provide the storage space. But the two main items will be stackable storage containers and the water preservative. These are the ones I've chosen for my own use. As an Amazon Associate, commission may be earned on qualifying purchases. You'll want to get what you need before some emergency situation strikes. While your individual situation will determine what breaks the bank for you, these things aren't too high on the expense as compared to many things. The benefit of a stable supply of water in a pinch, and not needing to worry about it for years, has a lot of value.
Storm Season is Here for Many of Us
I can tell you that for about 2 months or so (as of the time of the writing of this post), the weather was pretty much hot, sunny, and dry. It got so hot and dry that there was a burn ban in effect for at least a month. Thankfully, the rain has returned. But, with that return can mean a danger of power going out for sever storms. Now, power going out for a short time may not have much of an effect on your water availability.
Municipal water is usually pumped up to a tall tower tank that uses gravity to supply the area. If you are supplied via gravity, then you would still have water if the power goes out for a while. On the other hand, if you are on the more remote side of the tower, there may be electrical pumps that assist water getting to you. Guess what you don't have if the power goes out? Additionally, if you are on well water, using an electric pump to get your water, you will lose access to your water immediately. With all of that said, and depending on your area, it's time to look at having a supply of water to get you through the loss of power via a bad storm.
A Water Storage Prepping Set-Up
This will vary depending on your specific needs. Keep in mind that you should have a gallon of water per person per day for emergencies. I'd plan for at least a week. So, without further ado, here's a good starting point for your water storage prepping set-up.
Have at least four 5-gallon stackable storage jugs with spigots
Find a place in your home, such as a closet, to store the jugs
Take one of the jugs and add the water preservative and tap water per the preservative instructions. Do this for the rest of your jugs.
Label the jugs with an expiration date for how ever long the preservative says it will preserve the water for.
Know that untreated municipal tap water is usually good for about 6 months
Place the jugs in your chosen storage place
Know that some jugs come with a tool needed to secure them snugly
Ensure your containers are closed snugly to make sure no air gets in to potentially lower the time the water is preserved