How to store water

First of all, if you have stored your water away from sunlight, in a clean, bacteria free container, your water will remail pure indefinitely. So, if possible, store it safely from the beginning and you have no problems!

If you do need to purify your water, there are a few different ways to do it.

Bleach- Most bleach products contain soap. The bleach will purify the water, but the soap in it can make you very sick! Buy only bleach with no additives. Use 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water doesn't have a slight bleach odor, repeat steps and let stand for an additional 15 minutes.

Boiling- This takes at aleast 10 minutes. It is very simple and effective, but it uses a lot of fuel.

Iodine- This cannot be used for more than 3-4 days or it will cause thyroid problems in women.

Purifiers- These are great, but they are very expensive.

Chlorine- This is the way the cities do it. It is effective and very cheap. Chlorine and a test kit are available at pool stores. 55 gallon drums are the best way for cleaning water over night. Properly treated water will retain a slight clorine smell. To remove the chlorine taste, cover and let stand for 24 hours. Chlorine is a gas and will evaporate. (Remember to measure and test the chlorine before you allow it to evaporate. If there is no measurable chlorine you may still be susceptible to bacteria.)

Aerobic Oxygen- Destroys harmful bacteria, is non-toxic, is safe to use and stores 5 to 10 years. Check your local nutrition center.

Remember to purchase a siphon pump for your 55 gallon water drums!

An easy alternative: Alum - sprinkle alum into your container of water stirring constantly. This will purify water and give it nearly all the freshness of spring water! Use 1 tsp. Alum for 4 gal. of water.