Water storage and purification

You should have at least a three-day supply of water, storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking.  FEMA

Commercial water filters:    

*Commercial water filters can effectively filter and purify water contaminated with microorganisms, toxic

chemicals, and heavy metals.  Their effectiveness depends on the design, condition, and proper use.Water

filters produced by Seychelle have been used successfully by Church missionaries for many years.

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.

*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.

Storage:                                 

*Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.                                                                                  

*Store water where potential leakage would not damage home.

*Protect stored water from light and heat.

*The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.

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 of liquid household bleach that is free of thickeners, scents, or additives.

Purification:                          

*If your water supply is not known to be safe or has become polluted, it should be purified before use. Water

purification is generally a two-step process.

*Step 1: Clarify; cloudy or dirty water must be made clear.  It may be passed through filter paper, fine cloth, or other filters.   It may be allowed to settle and the clear water on top carefully drawn.  Filtered or clear settled water should always be disinfected before use.

*Step 2: Boiling method; bringing water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes will kill most water-borne

microorganisms.  However, prolonged boiling of small quantities of water may concentrate toxic contaminants

if present.

 *The use of bleach does not address toxic contamination!

*Information provided through lds.org/provident living 

*For more information go to these helpful sources:

www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/water and www.epa.gov/safewater/fag/emerg.html