Don't count on running to the grocery store for the bottled stuff before or immediately following a disaster. You need 8 oz. a day minimum to live, not to mention water needs regarding sanitation. Save yourself the grief, and follow the advice on water below.
The 411: 4 liters or 1 gallon/person/day is the minimum recommendation. Get three gallons for your personal 72 hr kit.
- Buy it: Purchase bottled water and store in its original container. 2.5 gallon jugs with spouts are particularly convenient. Only a few dollars at your local grocery store.
OR
- Contain it: Reuse clean food grade PETE plastic containers. 2 liter plastic soda bottles are excellent. Avoid plastic milk jugs, cartons, or any containers that have held milk or juices.
- Clean containers first with dishwashing soap and water to remove residue.
- Sanitize all surfaces with bleach solution. (1 tsp bleach /quart of H2O) Swish solution to make contact with the entire interior of the container, including the cap. Rinse thoroughly,
- Fill with clean water, seal, and date the bottle.
- Store it: Store water in cool, dark place, away from heat sources and chemicals. Choose a place where a leak will not cause damage to your home.
- Drink it: Worried about the aftertaste of stored water? Refill containers every 6 months, or designate older water for sanitation purposes vs. drinking water. Before drinking, pour water back and forth between two containers to aerate and improve the taste.
