Water Storage Basics
Water is one of the most important things that you can have in your home. You need water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. That’s why it’s important to have a water storage plan in case of an emergency. But how long can you actually store water before it goes bad?
Why you should store water?
Water is one of the most important things you can store for an emergency. It’s recommended that you have at least 1 gallon per person, per day on hand for drinking, cooking and cleaning. That means a family of four should have at least 12 gallons of water stored. While that might sound like a lot, it’s really not that difficult to do. You can start small by storing a few 5-gallon jugs of water and then build up your supply over time.
One of the great things about storing water in 5-gallon jugs is that they’re easy to transport and they stack well. If you need to evacuate your home in an emergency, you can easily grab a few jugs and take them with you. Just be sure to label them with the date so you know when to rotate them out.
Storing water is an important part of being prepared for an emergency, but it’s not the only thing you need to do. You should also have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if you had to leave your home quickly. And be sure to practice your plan so everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency.
How long water can be stored
The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Public Affairs advises that families have a three-day supply of water on hand for emergencies. That means each person in your family needs one gallon of water per day, for drinking and sanitation. A normal, active person needs about three quarters of a gallon (2.8 liters) of fluid daily just for drinking – not counting the water needed for cooking or bathing. Depending on the size of your family and age, activity level and health conditions, you may need more or less than this guideline. If a disaster disrupts your water service, it might take some time before it is restored. A bottled water company might deliver water to you if you have no other options and you cannot boil your water.
How long can you store 5 gallon water jugs?
Unopened commercially bottled water should be stored in a cool, dark place. The should be stored upright and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners, etc. Commercially bottled water is safe to store unopened for up to 2 years according to the Food an Drug Administration (FDA).
Opened commercially bottled water should be stored in the fridge. You can store opened commercially bottled water in the fridge for up to 1 week according to the FDA .
5 Gallon Water Jugs
5 gallon water jugs are a great way to store water. They are made of food grade plastic and can be used over and over again. They come in a variety of sizes and can be stored in a variety of places.
How to store water in 5 gallon jugs
Water stored in a cool, dark place will last longer.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends storing tap water in clean and empty plastic, glass, enameled metal, or fiberglass containers. Once you have filled the container, it should be tightly sealed and stored in a dark, cool location. A storage temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for storing water for long periods of time.
Containers should be labeled with the date of storage and rotated every six months so that you are using the oldest water first. If you are storing commercial bottled water, follow the expiration date on the bottle.
It is recommended that you have at least one gallon of water per person per day available for emergencies, and that you store at least a three-day supply of water per person.
How long water can be stored in 5 gallon jugs
The average shelf life of water is 3 years. However, it is important to note that the shelf life of water can be affected by a number of factors, including but not limited to: storage conditions, type of container, and whether or not it has been purified.
Water that has been stored in a 5 gallon jug will have a shelf life of 3 years. However, if the water has been stored in an unopened container and under ideal conditions, it can last for up to 5 years. If the water has been stored in an opened container, it should be used within 1 year.
Conclusion
Storing water in 5-gallon water jugs is a great way to ensure that you have a supply of clean, potable water on hand in case of an emergency. However, it is important to remember that these jugs are not designed for long-term storage and should only be used as a short-term solution. Water stored in 5-gallon water jugs will remain safe to drink for approximately 6 months, after which time it will need to be replaced.