Are you preparing for tough times or simply want to stock up on water? If so, it’s important to store your water the right way. If you don’t store it correctly, it can get germs, bacteria and other problems that will ruin the taste or even become harmful to your health. Here are some easy tips for storing bulk water in Reading PA so it will last as long as you need it to.
Use Small and Large Containers
When storing water for emergencies, it’s best to use both large and small containers. Large containers are for long-term use and they will stay in a safe place. But if there is an emergency and you have to leave your home for a period of time, you’ll want to have small containers of water, too. This will make it easy to carry your water with you without weighing you down too much.
Choose “Food Grade” Barrels
The “food grade” barrels are easy to recognize because they are typically blue and they are heavy duty. They usually come in 40 or 50 gallon sizes and they also have a spigot mounted somewhere so you can drain water or easily pour it into a cup. Also, choose the polyethylene barrels because this is a safer material and it won’t break down and release chemicals into your drinking water.
Avoid Glass Containers
Glass containers are safe for water storage, but they aren’t efficient for storing bulk water in Reading PA. If you live in an area where the weather goes from freezing to hot, you could end up with cracked or shattered water storage containers. Also, they aren’t as easy to carry with you if you have to leave for an emergency.
Label the Storage Containers
You don’t want to guess which storage containers are full of water and which ones have other things in them during an emergency. That’s why you should clearly label your water storage containers with “drinking water” and the date when you filled up the container. This will help you find safe water for drinking in a rush when time is of the essence.
Keep Your Water in a Cool, Dark Area
The more warmth and light that your water storage containers receive, the more bacteria that is likely to grow. Instead of storing you water outdoors, one of the best places to put it is in the basement or in a storage room that does not have windows. Keep your water storage containers on the ground or as near to the ground as possible to avoid having them break in case of an earthquake or other disaster. Also, if you have a cement floor in the storage area, it’s best to put a wooden board between the floor and the container for best results and to ensure your water stays fresh.