How to store Rain Water?

Question

I would like to know how to store rain water and keep it fresh for human consumption, in case of an emergency where fresh water is not acquirable, the water will be collected in 2 gallon buckets out in the open (not collected from a roof or gutter) and may be held for a number of days. What methods can I use to assure that the water is safe to drink later on?

Answer 1

After adding the bleach, you may want to look into using 55 gallon drums for storing it in. You can buy these and buy pumps to attach when you need to pump the water out. It all depends on your storage capabilities. You can also buy 5 gal. containers that stack and have spigots for water removal. These links below are from 2 sources I have used in the past. I have never had any trouble with any of their products.
http://beprepared.com/Default.asp?
http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/
This link will lead to a web site forum where folks can answer any and all your questions about water storage and rotation. And any other questions you may have on anything else. Good luck.
http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/yabb/forum.pl

Answer 2

Open buckets does notsound like a good idea. Birds will come and take a drink or bathe in it, insects will land on it, mosquitoes will lay eggs in it.
What is wrong with a gutter? I would suggest a removable downspout so you can rinse off the roofs first drops, and start collecting after 10 minutes of a heavy rainfall.
A big stainless steel drum would be ideal, or even a brand new huge clean garbage container with wheels and lid.
As for methods, filtration is definitely your best bet after sedimentation . Ask the experts who work in the water supply of the area where you live.

Answer 3

Put one or two drops of liquid chlorine bleach in for each gallon of water and store it in a reasonably well-sealed container.


Doug

Answer 4

after you clean out the bird turds and dirt, check to see if theres anymore bird droppings and if theres none then go head n drink it up.

Answer 5

add salt