Cleaning & Preparing Personal Water Storage Containers

When preparing safe water, it is best to use food grade water storage containers, such as those found at surplus or camping supply stores.

If you are not able to use a food grade water storage container, be sure the container you choose:

• Has a top that can be closed tightly
• Is made of durable, unbreakable materials (i.e. not glass)

DO NOT USE containers that previously have been used to hold liquid or solid toxic chemicals (bleach pesticides, etc.)

Before filling with safe water, use these steps to clean and sanitize water storage containers:

1. Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely with clean water.
2. Sanitize the container with a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
3. Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container.
4. Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
5. Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe water that is available already.

• Label container as "drinking water" and include storage date.
• Replace stored water every six months.
• Keep stored water in a place with a fairly constant cool temperature (50-70° F).
• Do not store water containers in direct sunlight.
• Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances, such as gasoline or pesticides, are present.