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WATER INFORMATION:

The single most important item for survival is having adequate clean water.  It is recommended that each person have access to one gallon of water per day.  Storage of water is the highest priority in emergency preparedness.  Several considerations must be taken into account to determine what method of water management you will use.

If you have ample warning of a possible impending emergency situation, you may be able to fill plastic containers such as empty water bottles, clean milk jugs etc.  You may also be able to fill large items such as 55 gallon drums.

If you have no warning, you will need to have some sort of emergency supplies on hand.  Another consideration is whether you will have to evacuate, relocate or shelter-in-place.  In this instance, you will need to have water pre-dispensed and ready to either be transported or placed in-stock in your shelter.  The question is how old is this water and is it still consumable?

Types of storage:

Short term storage - 7 to 10 days 

Empty containers such as milk and water jugs, and collapsible containers are fine for short term filling and use.  If you have time to fill these, and will use them within a week or 10 days you should be fine, with no noticeable adverse odor or taste.  Tap water, although chemically treated in some areas, still contains impurities and some bacteria that in sealed containers will eventually particulate, clouding the water affecting taste.

Medium term storage - up to 6 months

For larger quantities of water, 55 gallon drums may be ordered and filled, then chemically treated and checked every 6 months for purity.  This water may be then changed or retreated for longer storage.

Bottled Water - Commercially bottled water is intended for immediate retail sale and consumption.  The water contents and packaging are not sterilized when packaged.  It has a shelf life of 6 months and will particulate and experience "package migration"  which will transfer the plastics of the container to the water affecting taste.  The plastic material of the bottles will also stiffen and crack.  This is not intended for long term storage.

Long term storage - up to 5 years.

Mylar packaged water - Pre-Measured Packets make the water easy to dispense, and potential for loss is minimized.   No special storage required - it can withstand temperatures from (-40°F to 210°F) Different manufacturers package them in different quantities.  Average packages are 4.22 oz. (125 ml) and cases normally range from 60 to 100 individual servings.  This type of product is perfect to keep in your basement, your emergency relocation supplies, your automobile and in your first aid kit.  Most of are Coast Guard approved and have a storage life of 5 years.  Can be frozen to assist with food storage, and first-aid applications.

Boxed Water - Usually this product is offered in larger servings such as 8.45 oz. (250 ml) or One Liter (1000 ml) (33.8 0z) package and has a shelf life of 5 years, tested and approved by the United States Coast Guard. Is packaged using Ultra High Temperature Pasteurization (UHT), yielding commercially sterile water suitable for hydration, wound cleansing, or as an eye wash. Is packaged in specifically designed, aseptic, multi-layer, corrosion-resistant material and is hermetically sealed without light or air contact, ensuring extended product quality and long-term storage. Can be frozen and used as an ice pack for first aid or freezer packs to preserve perishable food during power outages and serves essential hydration needs when thawed. CAUTION: Extended handling or exposure to high temperatures, or freezing and thawing can deteriorate the structural strength of the package causing it to become pliable and leak.