There are a few different storage solutions when it comes to emergency water storage options for emergency preparedness. Deciding the type of solution may be different depending on where you live in Canada, how you will store the water, temperature fluctuations in the storage area, and your available storage space.
Emergencies where you might need stored water can be as small as a burst pipe, but also include bigger disasters like drought, earthquakes, flooding, severe storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, cold snaps, or tsunamis. These issues can arise abruptly, and while you’re unlikely to experience a tsunami in the interior, preparing for any of these emergencies includes preparing a stock of emergency water. You never know when having clean water in storage may be a lifesaver!
While water itself does not expire, the containers we keep water in do not last indefinitely. The plastic disintegrates and makes the water unhealthy or dangerous to drink after a certain amount of time.
The Canadian government recommends you store 4 litres of water per person per day, and 30 ml per kilogram of body weight of any animal you’re caring for. You can choose to have all of your emergency water be one type of product, or store a variety of emergency water. For example, you may want water pouches for your go kit and large water containers in your home.
Options for emergency water storage solutions include:
- Canned water
- Water pouches
- Stored water
- Water treatment and filtration
Canned Water
Aqua Emergency canned water is sterilized and hermetically sealed, making it purified drinking water with a shelf life of 50 years. The 50-year shelf life makes this an economical option, as you will save money by not needing to replace it for longer than any other option. It also allows you to store it and forget about it. There is no need to track when you need to replace it as closely as a water option with a shorter shelf life.
One case of Aqua Emergency includes 24 cans, which can provide one person with 2.5 to 5 days of water. Aqua Emergency cans are easy to open and share, recyclable, easily distributable, and easy to set down so you don’t have to drink or use the contents all at once. Particularly for seniors or children, a canned beverage is easier to consume than pouches, making it more likely that you won’t waste water. Be careful with storage, as cans may become damaged if the water freezes.
Water Pouches
SOS Drinking Water Pouches have a 10-year shelf life, are easily transportable, and are the go-to product for any go kit. They take up little space, are compact and durable, and are easy to pack with your other emergency supplies. The pouches are durable and can withstand a broad range of temperatures, from -30ºC to 65ºC, and storage conditions. They can be frozen and thawed without issue. SOS 10-year water pouches contain 125 ml and are sold in packages of 12 pouches, totaling 1.5 litres, or a case of 96 pouches.
Emergency Water Storage
There are many options for water storage. You can fill any BPA-free plastic container with water and either cycle it out every 6 months or use a water stabilizer to extend the shelf life to up to 5 years.
Approved containers are important for making sure your water will be clean and safe when you need it. There are certain containers that should never be used when storing water for later use. Never use:
- Old plastic or cardboard bottles
- Jugs and containers that have been used for milk or juice
- Containers that cannot be properly or tightly sealed
- Glass bottles or other breakable containers
- Containers that have ever been used for products such as bleach or any other toxic chemicals, including either liquid or solid chemicals
Depending on your storage space, a large water tank can be the most space-effective option. Total Prepare offers a 909 L Water Storage Tank made of durable, impact-resistant polyethylene. It is food-grade and semi-transparent for easy inspection. This tank stores around 2 months of water for a family of four. This is also a fantastic option for large organizations, providing enough water for around 75 people for 72 hours, at 4 litres per day each.
Alternatively, Total Prepare offers stackable 3.5-gallon WaterBricks that each hold enough water for one person for 72 hours. They are made of durable, thick, BPA-free plastic and are perfect for vertical storage when stacked.
Another useful water storage product is a collapsible water container. It takes up very little room and folds flat when empty, so you can keep one in your go kit if needed.
If you have opted to store water in a storage tank, WaterBrick, or other BPA-free container, you will have to cycle the water out every 6 months or choose to treat it with a water stabilizer. H2O ResQ Copper Silver Ion Water Storage Treatment Drops prolong the shelf life of stored emergency water to 5 years. H2O ResQ drops are a natural treatment method that prevents the growth of biofilm so that germs cannot live or breed in your water storage containers. These drops are for long-term storage of potable water and will not purify unclean water sources.
Water Treatment
Aquatabs are useful water purification tablets. They come in two sizes: a tablet for 1-litre containers and a tablet for 20-litre containers. These easily fit into a go kit or emergency supplies storage and have a shelf life of 5 years.
Filter any physical impurities like dirt or debris out of your water with a clean cloth, select the right type and quantity of Aquatab, and stir the tablet into the water container until it fully dissolves. Wait 30 minutes for the tablet to neutralize harmful microorganisms, and then your water is ready to drink.
They are iodine-free, chlorine-free, and NSF 60 approved. Aquatabs are a safe and effective way to treat water for bacteria and viruses, making it safe to drink, cook with, wash food, brush teeth, or use for first aid. These are excellent items to keep ready for an emergency, or to use for hiking or camping.
Water Filtration
If you live close to or will have access to natural water sources during an emergency, you may want to invest in ways to filter water. While lakes and streams may be fine for rinsing pots, pans, and utensils, caution must be used when it comes to drinking water.
LifeStraw’s award-winning personal water filter should be an essential item in everyone’s backpack. Originally developed as an emergency relief tool for those in conflict or disaster areas, it allows users to drink directly from lakes, rivers, or their own water bottle. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is lightweight, compact, and easy for anyone to use. Simply place the lower portion of the straw in the water, sip through the other end, and when you’re done, blow back into the straw to clear the filter.
LifeStraw also offers an 8-litre Gravity Filter System, which is ideal for evacuation or sheltering in place and can filter up to 2,000 litres. This is a great option for groups and can easily be hung from a tree or human-made structure. It filters in a similar way to the personal water filter, removing parasites and bacteria from your water.
No matter what emergency you are preparing for, water is essential, and it is better to have too much than to run out when you need it. Whatever water products, storage containers, or treatment options you choose, make sure that you will have enough clean, safe water accessible to everyone in your household.
Remember: water is for more than just drinking! Store enough water for drinking, cooking and rehydrating food, pets, sanitation, and first aid.
Have questions about how much or what type of water you need to prepare yourself and your loved ones for an emergency? The staff at Total Prepare are happy to help and answer any questions you have. Send us an email at hello@totalprepare.ca or call us at 1-888-832-1733.