Water Storage For Preppers

The Ultimate Guide to Water Storage for Emergencies

In our Water Storage for Preppers Guide, we’re diving into one of the most critical aspects of prepping and survival: water. It’s a simple truth—you can only survive about three days without water, making it an absolute priority in any emergency preparedness plan.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to buy and store clean water so it’s ready when you need it most. We’ll cover everything from calculating how much water you need to the best practices for storage. Let’s ensure you and your family stay safe and hydrated in a crisis.

How Much Water Do You Need? – Water Storage For Preppers

The first question on your mind might be: how much water should I store?

The general rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person per day. This amount covers drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. For example:

• A family of four needs 4 gallons per day.
• Multiply this by the number of days you’re preparing for.

While water is bulky and challenging to store, having at least a few days’ supply is critical. For minor disasters, this buys time until normal water supplies are restored. If space allows, aim for a two-week supply. For a family of four, that’s 56 gallons.

Even if storage space is tight, having a day or two of water is far better than none. It gives you breathing room to organize alternative water sources in an emergency.

How Long Will Your Supply Last?

Using the 1 gallon per person per day rule, you can easily estimate how long your supply will last:

• 20 gallons for a family of four = 5 days.

However, actual needs may vary:

• Active individuals or hot climates: Require more water.
• Colder climates or low activity levels: May allow for reduced consumption.

For a more precise estimate, monitor your family’s daily water use over a few days. Then, determine how you could reduce usage in an emergency. This approach helps you calculate how long your stored water will last.

What’s the Best Type of Water for Storage?

Isn’t all water the same? Not quite. The type of water and its storage method matter greatly.

We recommend commercially packaged bottled water instead of storing tap water yourself. Here’s why:

• Long shelf life: Commercially sealed water stays fresh and drinkable longer.
• Designed for storage: Bottled water containers are made to prevent contamination.

For larger storage needs:

• Consider 5-gallon water cooler bottles. These are space-efficient and can be stacked using specialized racks.
• Purchase a hand pump for easy access to the water.

Avoid DIY storage in unsuitable containers like milk jugs, which can degrade over time and contaminate the water. Improper storage also promotes algae and bacterial growth.

How to Store Your Water Safely – Water Storage For Preppers

Proper storage is key to keeping your water safe and drinkable. Follow these tips:

1. Store water in its original sealed bottles.
   • If repackaging, use food-grade containers designed for long-term storage.
2. Choose a cool, dark location.
   • Keep water away from sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can degrade both the water and its container.
3. Add bleach for DIY storage.
   • If packaging your own water, add 1/8 teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon to prevent algae and bacteria growth. Mix thoroughly before sealing.
4. Rotate your supply regularly.
   • Use the first-in, first-out method to maintain freshness. Consume the oldest water first and replace it with fresh supplies.

What Happens When Your Bottled Water Runs Out?

Eventually, your stored water will be depleted. In such cases, knowing how to access and purify alternative water sources is vital. Here are some options:

1. Rainwater Harvesting
   • Set up clean, food-grade barrels to collect rainwater. Filter and purify it before drinking.
2. Natural Water Sources
   • Lakes, rivers, and streams can provide water, but these sources require treatment to make them safe.
3. Water Purification Tools
   • Invest in portable filters or water purification tablets. These tools can make natural water sources drinkable in emergencies.

Final Thoughts – Water Storage For Preppers

Water is the cornerstone of any preparedness plan. Without it, your chances of surviving a crisis diminish rapidly. By calculating your needs, investing in the right containers, and storing your supply correctly, you’ll ensure your family stays hydrated and safe no matter what happens.

At Purpose Paradigm, we’ll continue to provide insights on staying prepared for any scenario. Stay tuned for more valuable prepping tips, and remember:

• Stay safe.
• Stay prepared.
• Stay vigilant.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to share this guide with others who want to be ready for life’s unexpected challenges!

Thanks for dropping by and reading my ‘Water Storage For Preppers’ Guide. There’s tons more essential info coming your way. Stay safe and keep accumulating knowledge! I never stop learning…