Water Storage Guidelines
Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Follow the container’s “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.
If you choose to package water yourself, consider the following guidelines:
Containers
* Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.
* Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
* Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.
* Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
Water Pretreatment
* Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.
* Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
Storage
* Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.
* Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.
* Protect stored water from light and heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing.
* The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.
Additional Information
Note: The following links are not to official Church publications but are provided as additional resource material:
www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/water
www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html
