How to Properly Store Water During SHTF

This article will guide you through the proper ways to store water during SHTF, including how to sanitize the water, find food-grade containers, and ensure long-term storage solutions.

WATER PREPPING

9/30/20247 min read

a couple posing in front of hummer with water storage for shtf

How to Properly Store Water During SHTF: Methods, Sanitization, and Containers

In any SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) scenario, water storage becomes one of the most critical components of survival. Water is essential not only for drinking but also for cooking, cleaning, and maintaining basic hygiene. Without access to clean water, survival becomes much more difficult. This article will guide you through the proper ways to store water during SHTF, including how to sanitize the water, find food-grade containers, and ensure long-term storage solutions.

When I first began consulting with clients about disaster preparedness, I quickly realized that the most underestimated aspect of readiness was water storage for emergencies. I went in blazing with security and defense in mind, then realized how ill prepared people were. This was early on, and I had to dissect what i considered inherent with what the average person's perspective on survival and SHTF was. I went back to basics and started from there. I created a questionnaire to for clients, in order to get a baseline. This helped me figure out where to begin. More often than not, I notice that people would spend thousands on backup generators and minor food supplies, but water? It was often an afterthought, casually relegated to a few cases of bottled water stacked in a garage. In my line of work, dealing with everything from hurricane-stricken neighborhoods to remote, resource-strained regions, one truth stands above all else: water is survival. Without it, the most carefully constructed emergency plans unravel faster than you can imagine.

The stark reality is that in the event of a disaster, access to clean, potable water is likely to become one of the first critical challenges. The municipal water supply can be disrupted in seconds, either from natural disasters like earthquakes or man-made catastrophes. Pipes burst, treatment facilities falter, and contaminants seep in. The average person requires at least one gallon of water per day for drinking, cooking, and minimal hygiene during disasters. For a family of four, that’s 12 gallons over three days — the baseline recommendation for disaster readiness. Now imagine an extended crisis. The numbers become daunting.

But numbers alone don’t tell the story. Picture the chaos of a community post-disaster: people lining up for hours at relief centers, rationing water that may already be compromised. I’ve witnessed these scenes firsthand, and they’re harrowing. The lack of preparation doesn’t just put individuals at risk; it endangers entire families and communities. Proper water storage isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a responsibility.

Storing water effectively requires more than just buying a few bottles or filling old milk jugs. The containers you use matter — food-grade plastics, glass, or stainless steel are the gold standard. Those mismatched plastic containers gathering dust in your pantry? They’re likely to leach chemicals or host bacteria over time. I’ve seen clients cut corners here, only to regret it later when the water they depended on turned out undrinkable.

Long-term water storage also demands treatment and maintenance. Stored water doesn’t stay pristine forever. Untreated water can develop bacteria or algae, especially if exposed to sunlight. Adding household bleach (at the correct ratio) or using commercially available water preservatives can extend its shelf life. Rotating your water supply every six months to a year is another critical step. I’ve had clients tell me they’d “forgotten” about their water stores for years, only to find foul-smelling, unusable liquid when they finally checked. A little vigilance goes a long way.

For those with the resources, larger-scale solutions can provide peace of mind. Rainwater harvesting systems and underground cisterns are viable options for extended emergencies. I once worked with a client who installed a 5,000-gallon underground tank, equipped with filtration and UV sterilization. It seemed excessive at first, but when a hurricane devastated the area and municipal water was offline for weeks, that system became a lifeline not just for the family but for their neighbors as well.

Even portable solutions play a critical role. Life doesn’t stop in the middle of a disaster, and mobility might become essential. Personal filtration devices, collapsible water bags, and purification tablets are lightweight and effective, capable of transforming even questionable water sources into drinkable reserves. One client, a retired Navy officer, kept his bug-out bag meticulously stocked with such tools. His foresight proved invaluable when wildfires forced an evacuation, and local water sources were contaminated with ash and chemicals. There are other critical areas for water storage which should also be consdired such as where to source water during a disaster, which includes methods of building a hydraulic ram pump during off-grid living.

Ultimately, water storage is a game of foresight and diligence. In every plan I’ve developed, and in every story I’ve heard from those who endured the unthinkable, water has been the axis on which survival turns. Preparing for a disaster isn’t just about anticipating the worst; it’s about understanding that the essentials of life — and none more essential than water — demand respect, attention, and action long before they’re needed.

1. How Much Water to Store?

Before diving into storage methods, it’s essential to know how much water you’ll need. The general rule is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day. This amount covers basic hydration, cooking, and limited hygiene. For longer-term emergencies, you may want to increase this amount, especially if you live in a hot climate or need to account for additional needs, such as pets.

2. Finding Food-Grade Water Containers

When storing water, it’s vital to use containers made from food-grade materials. Non-food grade containers may leach harmful chemicals into the water, especially if stored for long periods.

Common food-grade container options include:

Plastic barrels or jugs: Look for containers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), indicated by the recycling number “2” on the bottom. These are safe for storing water.
Glass containers: Glass is an excellent option for water storage because it doesn't leach chemicals. However, it is fragile and more challenging to transport.
Stainless steel containers: Durable and chemical-resistant, stainless steel containers are great for long-term storage. Ensure the container is rustproof and designed for potable water.
Water bricks or stackable containers: These are compact, portable, and designed specifically for water storage. They are usually made from food-grade plastic and come in manageable sizes.

Important Considerations for Containers:

Ensure that any used containers (e.g., old soda or juice bottles) are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use. Avoid containers that have previously held non-food items or chemicals.

3. Sanitizing Water for Long-Term Storage

Clean water is vital to avoid illness during a survival scenario. Even if water appears clear, it may contain bacteria, viruses, or other contaminants. Proper sanitation is critical for ensuring water is safe for consumption.

Methods for sanitizing water:

Boiling: Boiling is the most effective way to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute, or three minutes at higher altitudes. Allow it to cool before transferring to storage containers.
Water Purification Tablets: These tablets, typically made from iodine or chlorine dioxide, can quickly purify water. Follow the instructions carefully, as too much iodine can be harmful over time.
Bleach: Regular, unscented household bleach (with 5.25%-8.25% sodium hypochlorite) can be used to purify water. Add 2 drops of bleach per quart (or liter) of water and let it sit for 30 minutes. If the water doesn’t have a slight chlorine smell after this time, repeat the process. Avoid using bleach with additives like fragrances or dyes.
DIY Water Filters: A gravity-fed filter system is excellent for daily use in an off-grid situation. And high-quality water filters, such as Berkey filters or LifeStraw, can remove bacteria, protozoa, and even some viruses.
UV Water Purification: UV light systems can effectively kill microorganisms without adding chemicals to the water. These are great for treating small quantities of water, but they rely on power or batteries.

4. Storage Location and Conditions

Where and how you store your water is just as important as the type of container you use. Water should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally at a temperature between 50°F and 70°F (10°C - 21°C). Heat and light can degrade water quality and cause plastic containers to break down, potentially contaminating your water.

Basements or cellars: These locations typically provide cool, stable environments.
Garages or sheds: If these areas are the only option, ensure they remain cool enough during the summer and are protected from freezing in the winter.
Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays can degrade plastic containers and promote algae growth inside transparent containers.

5. Rotating Your Water Supply

Even properly stored water needs to be rotated periodically. Over time, water can still pick up a plastic taste from containers or become stagnant. Plan to rotate your stored water every 6 to 12 months.

To make rotation easy:

Label each container with the date it was filled.
Set a schedule and stick to it, using and replacing water every few months to ensure you always have a fresh supply.

6. Long-Term Water Storage Tips

Additives for long-term storage: Products like water preserver concentrates or stabilized oxygen can be added to water for long-term storage, extending its freshness for up to five years. These are typically chlorine-based additives that kill microorganisms and maintain water purity.
Store in large quantities: For long-term scenarios, consider storing water in 55-gallon food-grade barrels. These are excellent for stationary storage. Pair these barrels with a hand pump or siphon for easy water access.
Rainwater collection: If you live in an area with regular rainfall, setting up a rainwater harvesting system can be a sustainable way to ensure an ongoing water supply. Make sure to use food-grade materials for your system and filter or purify the water before drinking.

7. Emergency Water Sources in SHTF

If you run out of stored water, you can find water from several emergency sources:

Natural sources: Streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds can be lifesaving. However, all water from natural sources should be purified before consumption due to potential contaminants like bacteria or chemicals.
Rainwater Collection Systems: Collecting rainwater is a reliable emergency source. Be sure to purify it before use, especially if it has touched roofs or gutters that could contain contaminants.
Snow/Ice: Melting snow or ice can provide a good water source. Ensure it’s properly purified, especially if collected from unknown or polluted areas.
Hot water heater: In a pinch, your home’s hot water heater can provide gallons of potable water. This should only be used as a backup and after verifying its cleanliness.