Water Storage

The emergency preparedness standard calls for 1 gallon per person per day for 14 days for your water storage needs.  That means 14 gallons per person.  A family of six would require 84 gallons.  However, this number should be modified for your area.  For example, people living in desert areas are advised to store 1 ½ gallons per person per day.  A family of six would now need 126 gallons.  These recommended amounts cover drinking, cooking, and basic washing and sanitation needs.  Remember….we will be conserving our water as much as possible!  And don’t forget your pets!  You need to store enough water for your pets so they, too, can survive the emergency!  Every home should have plenty of water storage.

A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.  Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:

• Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed
• A medical emergency might require additional water

Water Barrels

Water barrels come in three standard sizes:  55-gallon, 30-gallon, and 15-gallon.  The most economical size is the 55-gallon barrel and stores the most water at the least cost per gallon.  The 55-gallon barrel is also the most space efficient and is highly recommended for most people.  The 30-gallon barrel is slightly smaller in diameter than the 55-gallon barrel and is shorter.  The 15-gallon barrel is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of room.  It has handles and can be moved fairly easily.  You can transport this barrel if you need to and can also take it with you if you need to evacuate.  Once you fill a 55 or 30 gallon barrel you won’t be moving it!  So be sure to fill it where you want it!  Do not store directly on concrete.  Make sure there is a barrier of some kind such as cardboard or wood.  This prevents leaching.  Storing a combination of sizes is highly recommended…usually the 55-gallon and 15-gallon.

            55-gallon barrel                       36” high x 24” in diameter

            30-gallon barrel                       30” high x 20” in diameter

            15-gallon barrel                       24” high x 15” in diameter

Bung Wrench and Siphon Pumps/Hose

Water barrels have two plugs on top that are used to fill and empty the barrels.  These plugs require a bung wrench to be removed and replaced.  If you store water barrels you MUST have a bung wrench.  Keep your bung wrench by your barrels.  It is a good idea to duct tape it to one of the barrels.  You WILL need it!  You only need one bung wrench even if you have multiple barrels.

The larger barrels will need a siphon pump/hose to remove the water.  The water barrels are too heavy when they are full to simply pour out the water.  There are many siphon pumps on the market which pump the water out at different rates.  The 15-gallon barrel does not require a siphon pump.  It is light enough when full to pour out the water.  (You may want to use a siphon pump for convenience.)

Preparing Water for Storage in Your Water Barrels

You can fill you water barrel with regular tap water.  If you want to use a hose you should NOT use your regular garden hose.  It can contain toxins and contaminants.  You will need to use a WHITE hose which is specifically treated for use in boats and RVs.  This will ensure safe water.

Storing water for long periods of time does require an additive.  If you choose to use bleach (non-scented only), use 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water (i.e. a 55-gallon barrel would need 11 teaspoons of bleach).  If you choose to use bleach you should plan to rotate your barrels every year.

Also on the market is a Water Preserver (different from water purification tablets).  Water preserver is a liquid that is added to your barrel as you fill it with water.  It preserves your water for FIVE years!  That means you don’t have to change out the water in your barrels every year!  Five years is so much better!  Water rotation doesn’t seem so daunting now!

Always label your barrels with the date you filled it as well as noting whether you used bleach or water preserver.  Adhere the label directly to the water barrel.  You can also note the date it will need to be rotated.

Where to Store Your Water Barrels

Water barrels can easily be stored in the garage or basement.  It is recommended to NOT store your water barrel directly on the cement floor.  Place barrels on a wooden pallet or two 2x4 pieces of wood.  It is also recommended to NOT store your barrels outside in direct sunlight.  If you must store your barrels outside, cover them with a tarp and secure well.

Used vs. New Barrels

NEW barrels are always recommended.  They should be rinsed prior to filling for the first time.  Used barrels, typically those that have had food grade material in them, can potentially contaminate your water.  Plastic is porous which allows the food content to leach into it.  You cannot adequately remove these food materials from the container.  When you fill the barrel with water you provide an environment for bacteria growth and contamination.  As the water sits for long periods of time, the food material can actually leach from the plastic container back into your water thus contaminating it with bacteria.  Water preserver companies typically will only guarantee their products with new barrels.  However, if you choose to use a used barrel that has had a food product in it, rinse it well with water and bleach before filling.  Then empty it within the first six months.  Rinse well again with bleach and water and then refill for storage.

Convenient Use of Water in Water Barrels

In an emergency, if we find we need to use our water from our barrels, we will want it to be convenient for us to use.  That is probably not in the garage!  The solution?  Store a couple of 5-7 gallon containers that have a spigot.  Simply siphon the water from your water barrel into the smaller container and transport to your destination.  Because the container has a spigot you now have “running” water at your kitchen or bathroom sink.  When you run out of water, simply refill it again from your water barrel.  These smaller containers can be found at most stores that carry camping equipment.  The bonus is that these smaller containers are usable throughout the year for things like camping, boating, road trips, etc.  In the event of an evacuation, if time allows, you could fill them and take them with you.  Certain brands even have a water filter that attaches to the spigot so if you have to fill your container with rain water or river water, it is filtered as it is dispensed.

Other Ways To Store Water

Several companies offer water in smaller containers than the water barrels.  My personal favorite is the boxed water.  It is a GREAT way to have good drinking water.  The water is contained in a 5-gallon mylar bladder and then placed in a box with a spigot.  Store it at room temperature in a dry environment away from chemicals and other toxic materials.  Properly packaged and stored water has a very long shelf life….even indefinitely. (If you live on the Wasatch Front in Utah, see “Rocky Mountain Water” on attached order form.  If you order quantity 10 or more, RMW will deliver directly to your home and put it wherever you like!  And…it stacks easily so it doesn’t take up a lot of room.  This is definitely the way to go for your drinking water!)  Water in smaller containers comes in handy for “urgencies” as well as “emergencies”.  If your water is off for a day due to construction or such, it is easy to use the smaller containers of water rather than to dip into your water barrels.  Also, the smaller containers are great for transportation if you need to evacuate or if you are just going camping.  The important point is to make sure you have enough water!  Remember….at least 14 gallons per person.  And don’t forget your pets!  Make sure you have enough water for them, too!

Important Note:

Never store water in milk containers.  They leak. 

Never store water in glass containers.  They break. 

Never store water in old bleach containers.  They can become toxic. 

You CAN store water in used two-liter soft drink bottles but that water is best used for sanitation…not drinking.

Water Conservation During An Emergency

During times of emergency we need to conserve water as much as possible.  Following are some ideas that will help to reduce waste of water.  Many thanks to FEMA for providing much of the information.

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it.  Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water….. (you know…..all the water that goes down the drain while we are waiting for the water to heat up) …. You can find many uses for it such as washing dishes, washing clothes, washing hands, brushing teeth, etc.
• Avoid taking baths – take short showers – turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.  (ON..get wet..OFF..lather..ON..rinse off..OFF…..see?  It’s simple!  No more standing there for 10 minutes letting it run over us.  Remember….we are trying to conserve!)
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.  Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Wash dishes by hand.  Fill two containers – one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach or Steramine.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water instead of with running water from the tap.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator.  Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool. 
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot.  Capture it for other uses such as plant watering, washing hands, brushing teeth, etc.  Heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
• Use the automatic clothes washer only when it is a full load….or set the water level for the size of your load.