Spring Clean Your Food Storage DAY 3: WATER STORAGE

For today’s challenge we are going to spring clean our water storage! If you already have a rotation schedule in place you can skip that part.

Inspect Containers:
- Check all water storage containers for cracks, leaks, or signs of damage. Replace any compromised containers.
Empty Containers:
- Empty out all water storage containers completely. Find a way to rotate old water so that it is not waster. For some ideas check out my water rotation blog post.
Check for Mold or Algae:
- Inspect containers for any signs of mold, algae, or other growth. If you containers have gaskets in the lids (like Waterbricks do) make sure to check those. Clean thoroughly if present, using a scrub brush and bleach solution if necessary.
Clean Containers:
- Wash/sanitize containers with a diluted bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of hot water).
Refill Containers:
- Fill cleaned and sanitized containers with fresh water from a safe and reliable source. Do not use a garden hose to fill large water barrels. You must use a water safe hose.
Add Water Treatment (if desired):
- Consider adding water treatment tablets or drops to the stored water to prevent bacterial growth and ensure long-term freshness. You can also use 1/2 tsp. of bleach per 5 gallons of water if you don’t have tablets or drops. Most municipal water has already been treated but this is just an extra precaution especially if you don’t rotate often.
Inventory Your Water Supply:
- Calculate your family’s water storage needs. Most sources recommend 1 gallon of water storage per person, PER day, for 3-14 days for DRINKING. Make sure to consider storing enough for pets and cleaning/cooking as well. If you are short of your goal, purchase a few more water storage containers.
Check Water Filters:
- Make sure you have the ability to filter additional water should you need to treat more water than you have store. Check to make sure any filters are still in good condition and that you have enough to meet your family’s needs.