Introduction
Below, we’ll explore the different types of water, the pros and cons of each, and how to best store water long-term.
There are two main types of water — potable and non-potable. Potable water is safe to drink, while non-potable water is not. Non-potable water can come from a variety of sources, including floodwater, runoff from agricultural fields, and even treated sewage effluent.
Potable water is usually stored in covered reservoirs or tanks. It can also be pumped directly into homes and businesses from a municipal water supply. Non-potable water is not fit for human consumption, but it can be used for irrigation, firefighting, and other industrial uses.
The most common type of potable water storage is through the use of above-ground storage tanks (ASTs). ASTs can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, fiberglass, steel, and even plastic. They come in a wide range of sizes, from small tanks that hold just a few gallons to massive tanks that can hold millions of gallons. ASTs are typically used to store drinking water, but they can also be used to store irrigation water or water for other uses.
Another type of potable water storage is below-ground storage tanks (BSTs). BSTs are usually made from concrete or steel and are buried beneath the ground. They are typically used to store drinking water or irrigation water. it’s come in a wide range of sizes, from small tanks that hold just a few gallons to massive tanks that can hold millions of gallons.
Water can also be stored in an underground aquifer. Aquifers are natural underground reservoirs that store fresh water in permeable rock or sandstone formations. They are a major source of drinking water for many communities around the world. Aquifers can also be used to store irrigation water or water for other uses.
Water storage is an essential part of any disaster preparedness plan. Having a supply of clean, potable water will ensure that you and your family have access to safe drinking water in the event of an emergency.
Types of water
There are many different types of water that you can store long-term. You have the option of storing clean water, gray water, or even rainwater. Each type of water has its own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will be discussing the different types of water and their pros and cons.
Tap water
Tap water is water that comes from a tap (faucet). It is usually safe to drink and is treated by your water supplier to make sure it meets drinking water standards.
Most people in the United States get their tap water from a public water system. Public water systems include:
-Pretreatment
-Filtration
-Disinfection
Distilled water
Distilled water is the best water to store long-term because it is free of impurities and contaminants. Distilled water has been boiled to remove all impurities, including minerals, bacteria, and chemicals. This makes it safe to store for extended periods of time.
Reverse osmosis water
Reverse osmosis water is made by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane. This separates the water from other molecules and contaminants, leaving you with clean, great-tasting water. Most reverse osmosis systems will also have a storage tank to hold the water until you’re ready to use it, as well as a separate faucet for dispensing the water.
Rainwater
Rainwater is picked up by the atmosphere as vapor, then condensed and falls to the ground as precipitation. It is by far the most important source of fresh water.
Water that falls as precipitation into reservoirs or directly into aquifers is called recharge water. This recharge can come from various sources, including:
- runoff from precipitation in upland areas,
- seepage from rivers and lakes,
- infiltration (percolation) of water through soils,
- recharge from man-made sources such as irrigation water or treated sewage effluent.
Storing water longterm
Water is one of the essential needs for human beings to survive. Although most people have access to clean water, there are still some areas of the world where clean water is scarce. For this reason, it is important to know how to store water long-term. There are a few different ways to store water, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In a cool, dark place
Water doesn’t go bad. Having said that, it’s not recommended to keep water stored for long periods of time. The main concern with storing water is that it can become contaminated with bacteria or other unseen contaminants.
If you must store water for long periods of time, the best place to do so is in a cool, dark place like a basement or root cellar. The temperature should be below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). If possible, store the water in stainless steel, glass, or food-grade plastic containers. Avoid using containers that have been used to store non-food items, as these could contaminate the water.
In food-grade containers
Water is one of the most important things to have when storing food for the long term.
You should have at least a 3-day supply of water per person. A gallon per person, per day, is recommended. But, depending on the type of emergency that could occur, you may need more water.
Ideally, you want your water to be stored in food-grade containers. Once you have filled your containers with water, you will want to treat them with bleach to help keep the water safe from bacteria growth. To do this, simply add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of unscented bleach per gallon of water. This will help to ensure that your water is safe to drink for up to 6 months.
If you are unable to store your water in food-grade containers, you can still use other types of containers such as garbage cans or 2-liter soda bottles. However, these containers will need to be cleaned and disinfected before they can be used. You can do this by soaking the container in a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water for at least 30 minutes. Once the container has been soaked, rinse it out well with clean water before filling it with your stored water.
With oxygen absorbers
If you are storing water long-term, you will want to use oxygen absorbers. Oxygen absorbers are little packets that you add to your containers of food that need to be stored in a sealed environment. The oxygen absorber will take the oxygen out of the container and help keep your food fresh for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best water to store long-term, then you should look for water that is high in minerals and has a low pH.