How to store drinking water for long term storage

[Trulytrollin]

Thanks man simple, and nice clean picture

[puregroove]

Thanks for this.

[NorwegianGardener]

Nice camera!

[kafoure93]

Why do you have to store water?

[breezebro]

@kafoure93 What are you gonna do when you turn on the faucet and no water comes out? You've got about 3 days to find drinkable water.

How many days of food is on your shelves?

What are you gonna do when there's no gas to put in the car to get food from the store?

You've got about 5-7 days to find some.

[269dremer]

I have been telling people to find all the WELLS in their area. Then to get a good filter. Go to the big hardware stores, and look at the water filters. Some are AWESOME! Get one. And set it up with a CLEAN bucket with a hose in the bottom, that goes to the filters, and they goes to another bucket to drink out of. Set the 1st bucket up top. so the water pressure forces it through. And you are GOLDEN! Be good all!

[the2FROman]

How long Does the water last?

[howzerman1]

Nice video quality. What camera and editing software did you use?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@howzerman1 I used a Canon HDR-SR11 and Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum editing software.

[mrbippy]

Great Vid, thank you.

I used to be big into aquariums and would test the water quality often. Most big box pet stores sell water test kits that test for chlorine as well as other aspects of waters makeup. Cant remember if they were cheaper than the pool kits, but may be worth a shot.

[or2169]

So how long will that Water last now?

[SteveMakesAmillion]

@or2169 tap water is good for about 3 to 6 months, with added bleach, 12 months but having said that, if you have a water filter you can filtrate the water beyond this length of time and I suspect if using the buckets and if the buckets are kept at good temperature and out of light, 12 months will be the minimum, pool shock is another alternative to bleach,

[AvonCTStyle]

Don't have the space yet or source for the 5 gal buckets for water storage, was wondering why I couldn't just use the empty bleach bottles to store a gal of water at a time instead of tossing them in the recycling bin?

[bjf2008]

@AvonCTStyle the bleach containers arent FOOD GRADE PLASTIC! if they wer it wud b a killer idea

[MrMZaccone]

"HYPO"chlorite, dude! Not "hydro"chlorite.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@MrMZaccone You are correct. Thanks.

[InferiorThanYou]

What happens if you don't add any bleach into the water? What if you had purified water could you just seal it and be fine? Furthermore, how long will the water be good for like the one in the video how many years would that stay good for?

[Spikestrip55]

Once you need to use the water, leave it uncovered for a day and the chlorine will dissipate and leave no flavor...

[mario3804]

So how long can you store it I'm worried about Algae building up on the water.

[Barnekkid]

That gamma lid is a winner.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@Barnekkid I love those things... I use them for all sorts of other storage items.

[boanerges144]

Thank you very informative

[Ocean1Mist]

Get an ozone machine wayyy better and it purifies it kills organisms

[giant648]

take a food grade 5 gallon barrel place a small mesh at the bottom and fill it with pure sand. its a great filter.

[giant648]

@giant648 and poke holes at the bottom. as well =D

[NHMoldInspector]

ozone is another effective way to purify water...though you would need a small energy source to use it but it is better than bleach IMO

[bradMi80]

Wow I love your channel. Thank you for the wonderful information. You are teaching man to fish. Sorry for the biblical reference. Keep up the great things you are doing. Your saving lives.

[TheSouthpaw1993]

Can someone please answer all of us. How long is "long term"

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@TheSouthpaw1993 In general I would say 1 year, then reload. However, this depends on if you truly have the lids tight, stored away from sunlight, and stored in a relatively cool environment. If stored well, you won't have any algae or contamination.

[shob77]

Pool Shock and chlorine bleach have the same active ingredient, Sodium Hypochlorite. With the pool shock you use much less as it's the most concentrated form. But it does break down over time as it oxidizes items in the water. It would give you the most amount of time if you started with distilled water where there was less "stuff' for the bleach to react with. Sodium Hydrochloride is incorrect when he's referring to bleach, it's Sodium Hypochlorite.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@shob77 Sodium Hypochlorite, yes. I may have pronounced it incorrectly in the video.

[johnmonk66]

what is 'long term storage'?  how long can it store for?

[3321MDZ]

Regular tap water comes right out of the faucet with chlorine in it..unless it's filtered. I've stored regular tap water in containers for over a year with no problems whatsoever.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@3321MDZ Exactly. If stored properly, you will have no problems. Adding the few extra drops of chlorine just boosts your level of protection, so long as you keep the overall level below 4 ppm for safety, as shown in the video.

[auburnrain916]

Great video and info, but my question is how long will the water keep? What is your guess on how long Crytal Gyser water will last un-open?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@auburnrain916 Good question regarding other water, like Crystal Gyser... I don't know how much, if any, chlorine is in their water (which would protect against pathogens) - probably none because they've filtered their water. So, if it is truly not contaminated in the least during their filtering process, and it is sealed and stored properly, it should last just as long I would say...

[YiuTeub]

Glass Is best for drinking water.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@YiuTeub You are correct! Also, drinking any beverage out of a 'glass' tastes better because it picks up zero taste from the container, unlike other materials.

[zappatx]

Well this is great but I would be filtering the end product when needed through a Berkey filter which would remove any chlorine and things swimming in the water at that time..

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@zappatx Berkey's are great. I have one too, and use it for our daily water source - I filter the tap water with it.

[lovina56]

@ModernSurvivalBlog I got my stainless steel big berkey water filter system with 2 flouride filters about 6 weeks ago. I feel so much more comfortable drinking water now and it does taste better as well.

[atomictraveller]

i appreciate the helpful intent of this video. but what could be closer to disaster than presenting 3 seconds worth of information in 8 minutes? thank you anyway :)

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@atomictraveller LOL, good one...

[EquitorialPancakes]

I would suggest doing this with reverse osmosis water, as fluoride and other additives to the water are very bad for your health, particularly joint and cognitive.

[SirsRose]

@ SeasickBill have you ever researched what the government puts in our tap water AND our bottled water. Over 26 states in the use have 1000x the amount of chromium 6 in it, that's cancer cells, and just to mention a few others lead and rust. They add chlorine (bleach to our tap water to purify it. Our sewage...sanitary napkins, poo and pee and toilet paper are dumped back into our water supply and filtered again. So u might consider that next time u refuse to bleach your own rain water to live.

[needparalegal]

6 hours of sunlight will purify river, pond or lake water.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@needparalegal , Exactly correct. I posted an article on this awhile back titled, How to Purify Water with Sunlight. I can't link it here, YouTube apparently doesn't allow links in comments...

[ssjcomix]

@ModernSurvivalBlog How long will the water keep fresh, will you need to repeat the process..?

[Dankblazin420]

@ModernSurvivalBlog try replying with a video response?

[PsiloCybinDreamX]

@needparalegal i wouldnt trust sun light purification you need to treat it with bleach if you have no other option

[cubomania3]

@needparalegal what ?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@needparalegal You are correct. However it will not remove any chemical impurities that may be in the water, so be careful.

[needparalegal]

@ModernSurvivalBlog True, if there is even a slight crustal displacement every commercial nuclear reactor on the planet will Fukushima. The entire northern hemisphere will be radioactive. You wont need to "treat" the water as the fallout will kill bacteria and parasites. Those fucking geniuses who pushed nuclear power (sarcasm).

[TJ347]

Pool shock is better to use than clorine bleach due to the fact chlorine beach breaks down in six to eight months, but neither will allow you to store water indefinitely, even if you use a gamma seal lid. Okieprepper has a great vid on what I'm talking about where he drinks water at 20, 40 and roughly 60 weeks. In any event, don't believe anyone who says you can store water indefinitely.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@TJ347, Using 'pool shock' to treat drinking water, is taking one's life into their own hands. Chlorine Bleach on the other hand is recommended by the American Red Cross and the WHO for treating water. Used in the proper amount, chlorine will kill harmful organisms in the water. I have a swimming pool and have packets of pool-shock treatment. Take a look at the label and tell me that you're OK with dumping that in your drinking water and consuming it???

[TJ347]

@ModernSurvivalBlog It's important to note the Red Cross recommends it for water treatment, NOT long term water storage. Again I refer you to the Okieprepper video for more complete info, but the benefits of using the right kind of shock (not all can be used safely) is that it's far cheaper and can be stored indefinitely until needed whereas bleach has a limited shelf life. Most importantly though is that you cannot store water indefinitely using either method. Please check Okieprepper's vid.

[silva27]

@TJ347 +1

[snarky75]

@ModernSurvivalBlog You *can* use the correct type of pool shock to make chlorine bleach, and then use that bleach to treat your drinking water. You don't use the pool shock directly to treat your drinking water. It's important to use the correct pool shock though. Google it or look for videos on here for more info.

[wwwknivestowncom]

@TJ347 I am asking because I don't know, but why can't water be stored indefinitely? What will happen to it if it is kept sealed airtight to prevent evaporation and kept in a dark place? In my basement I have several 5 gallon jugs of water (like Hinckley & Schmitt) designed to fit on top of a water cooler. They are sealed airtight and leak proof. Why will these not store indefinitely?

[tkruse12345]

@wwwknivestowncom Good question!

[Weaponsuser]

why is it hard for you people to understand what is going on here. you will not be posioned if you mix the right part of bleach to water. the bleach, will keep the water from getting skunky.did not anyone of you family ever teach you any of these things when you were a kid? do you even know how to can food? young americans , have truly forgotten what past generations knew.

[SeasickBill]

So if there is a major disaster we should all say fuck it and drink bleach water? Im sorry but no thank you. If there is a reason you put bleach in the water then maybe you should have explained what the hell it does! When you open the water container do you just drink it up? Do you boil or strain out the bleach? My advice to everyone is not to use this method. This guy is trying to get people KILLED!

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@SeasickBill, Apparently you did not watch the video. You or anyone would be a fool to drink pure bleach as you've said in your comment. Having said that, bleach is chlorine. Chlorine is in your tap water at home. Without it, your tap water would be contaminated. The video illustrates the proper amount of chlorine (bleach) to add to water to keep it within safe levels (4 parts-per-million maximum). Next time listen or read an article before making a troll-like comment.

[solman151]

the bucket of water that u put together in the vid, how long will it last and be safe to DRINK? right now i change my water out about every 3 months or so but if this will last longer than that, that would b cool.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@solman151, Indefinitely if stored properly (sealed, cool environment, out of sunlight).

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

The term 'indefinitely' was meant to serve the purpose that water is water, is water. It won't go bad, unless it gets contaminated by an outside source. So long as the harmful bacteria and organisms have been killed, and the water is sealed from the environment, nothing will 'get in' to contaminate it further. It may taste flat after awhile, but it won't be 'bad'. Having said all that, it may be good practice to rotate your water every year, even if stored in a sealed bucket.

[Discernaoftruth]

@ModernSurvivalBlog THANK YOU! it's only common sense! People sound so dumb trying to be so "deep"

[cebimderevolver]

What about clorine tablets, would that not be easier option, and would it not do the same thing?

[ChemicalMikeUK]

water needs to be de-contaminated because fish f--k in it. p.s. love the storage tips bro, they may save lives someday!! :P

[Ascended111111]

or just buy an Ecoloblue water purifier. it takes water directly from the air and purifies the water thru reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light. Even if you live in the desert, the machine will get water from the air. Chlorine is poison. I wouldn't drink it.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@Ascended111111, Yes, chlorine is poison if you ingest it at a lethal dose, like many things. You can even die from drinking too much water at once... Chlorine is in the tap water that comes from your home faucet, although at a non-lethal dose. It prevents contamination. It's dosage is around 1 part per million in your tap water. In fact, without it, your tap water would likely become contaminated and you may even get sick and die (if bad enough).

[JanHuniche]

@Ascended111111 ... Yeah... But It requires a 300 W powersupply... !!!.

[SeasickBill]

@Ascended111111 The chlorine will burn off in a day or more.

[1994buttons]

Isn't your tap water already chlorinated??? I have always heard that you don't need to chlorinate because it already is??

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@1994buttons Yes, your tap water should already be chlorinated. Probably about 1ppm. I simply recommend to add a bit more chlorination, to ensure that the water remains 'clean' if storing for longer periods of time. Having said that, in my opinion, you're probably just fine with your tap chlorination for a number of months if stored out of the sun, etc...

[everythingisfake1973]

@ModernSurvivalBlog

and its fluorinated even worse

[fetymann]

@1994buttons Not all tap water is chlorinated. Big cities, yes, small cities, probably not. You can taste it. If not, then it's not.

[DJKNOWNRULEZ]

I would just use a water filter and then add the clorox...

[aruark6029]

Evert thing I have read or watched on youtube the amount of chlorine to be added to any water treatment requires 16 drops or a 1/4 teaspoon per 1 gallon of the water

you are going to store, I have Ten 5 gal water containers filled and I used 5-- 1/4 teaspoons per 5 gal container aruark6029@comcast.net

[brianmo180]

If you turn the faucet to hot and fill it with hot water and seal it, as the water cools off it will create a vacuum inside the bucket, which will further inhibit microbes from growing.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@Jed Clampett Jr... Of course boiling the water is the best thing you can do prior to drinking questionable water. However, with regards to common long term storage of water, you are evidently mistaken in your opinion regarding Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach). The American Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and others, recommend the formula that I have described in this video, and posts on Modern Survival Blog. Google it...

[JedClampettJr]

"Well, nix this presentation. They guy doesn't really understand what he's doing and apparently can't even read the label on the Chlorox jug. It's Sodium Hypochlorite not Hydrochloride. This is a dangerous chemical and a  powerful oxidizer almost as bad as hydrogen peroxide. You can make rocket fuel with it or 'other volatile things' that I won't mention. Sodium Hypochlorite doesn't deactivate all micro organisms, SO boil the water good before you drink it.

[Ascended111111]

@JedClampettJr Actually, Hydrogen Peroxide isn't "bad" for internal use. Search for Guardian of Eden H202

[GRATEFUL29]

When changing out the water after a year can I use the water, to water house plants etc...or will the bleach thats in the water kill my plants?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@GRATEFUL29 Yes, the water will be completely safe for outdoor plants. The level of chlorine (from the bleach) is very low, if properly added (less than 4 ppm). No problem with plants...

[glockfan86]

If i use a kithen water filter and pour that water into containers, will i still need to add the chlorine? If i already have stored water, can i just add the chlorine when im ready to drink it?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@glockfan86 If you will be storing it in a safe and clean manner, in a tightly sealed clean - safe container, it should be fine for awhile. Heat and direct sunlight could promote algae growth though. Depending on your water filter, a-lot, or all of the chlorine will be removed. The chlorine is what kills any harmful bacteria that may be present, but, your water filtration system 'should' eliminate this too, so, storing filtered water is OK, but probably for less overall time. Months...

[glockfan86]

@ModernSurvivalBlog Months will work for me for now. I use empty, cleaned out gallon juice containers. i will buy proper containers when funds allow, but i cant let a lack thereof keep me from having a water source. I will start adding the bleach to future stores.

[bwfarrier513]

so how long is the shelf life of the water once stored cause i know without treatment in can store water for aprox. a month before it needs to be changed out.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@bwfarrier513 A good rule of thumb is to switch it out once a year, provided that you have stored it properly and there was a sufficient level of chlorine to keep bacteria, algae or pathogens from growing. (Chlorine level should be between 2 and 4 ppm as I illustrate in this video). Store away from the sun and heat for best storage length. Water can actually store for many years if stored properly - it just might taste 'flat' after awhile.

[toddmorrow1]

Does clorination level vary over time for a given municipality? (i.e., do I need to test it each time I fill buckets, if filled on different days). Thanks.

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@toddmorrow1 I have found that the level at my own home has remained the same. I had added more water buckets to my storage months later, and the tap water was still the same at 1ppm. I would 'assume' that other municipalities will have a policy and will keep the level at whatever policy they use. That's my guess...

[853phile]

Can you tell me where you bought these items? What is the make/model of the bucket? What make/model of the chorine tester?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@853phile

The buckets that I purchased are linked in a post on ModernSurvivalBlog.

Search for 'drinking water for long term storage', to find the article.

There is a link for a chlorine test kit that will work if you search for, 'make drinking water safe with bleach'

Any 'food grade' bucket will be safe, and any swimming pool test kit will work.

Good Luck.

[MsWaxqueen]

@853phile Go to any bakery store and they will give you their buckets that had flour in.. Then go to home depo and buy a new lid so it fits really well, then use a hammer to seal it properly.

[pinetar100]

how long can you store the water

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@pinetar100, Good question. Technically it can store for a very long time (forever). However, it must maintain enough chlorine level to keep pathogens, bacteria, and algae from forming (between 1 and 4 ppm). It is better to store away from sunlight and excessive heat. As a rule-of-thumb though, It'sgenerally advisable to change out the water once a year, assuming proper storage. They say it will taste better that way too. My water storage is still under 1 year so can't offer a taste-test result

[dallasgoldbug]

@ModernSurvivalBlog what if you distill the water?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@dallasgoldbug Distilling water is effective for purification. Problem is, it requires a fair amount of energy to distill water. Distilled water is of course, safe to drink, while it may taste 'flatter' than filtered water. Storing distilled water for long term will require adding chlorine so that it will not turn algae, etc... just like regular tap water (except tap water already has a little bit of chlorine in it).

[My1968Impala]

I read/heard NOT to use Sodium Hypochlorite, but to use Calcium hypochlorite. Powdered pool shock. Thanks for the video.

[atrios28]

considering it takes 7 barrels of oil (574 gallons) to make each tire on your car, I wonder how many gallons of crude it takes to make 1 of those food grade buckets ... to say nothing of the dioxins which are a by-product of industrial chlorine production and the one of the most potent carcinogens known.. & whether or not the future is going to be so science-fictiony no matter if we pulled together as a species or not. It's reminiscent of the old nuke aphorism - the living will envy the dead

[YourTacticalGuru]

I just got a pool test kit today. It looks to be the same you have. This might be a stupid question, but on the kit where it shows the ideal chlorine level, aren't they referring to being ideal for a pool, and not drinking water?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@YourTacticalGuru, Ideal for a pool is typically between 1.5 and 5 ppm (the shades of yellow in the test kit which correspond to numbers of ppm). For drinking, just keep it under 4 ppm and you'll be fine. My own storage water has been raised to about 3 ppm (my tap was 1 ppm).

[usergently]

What would be the reaction of fluoride with clorox?

[ModernSurvivalBlog]

@usergently, The municipalities apparently still add a "safe" amount of fluoride to the water supply, as well as chlorine (clorox - same thing). I tested our tap water to measure 1 ppm chlorine. So long as the additional amount of added clorox does result in an excess of 4 ppm (pool chlorine test kit), you are safe.

[RunAMuckGirl2]

Awesome video! Just be sure to allow the bucket to off gas for about 20 minutes before putting the lid on for long term storage. :o)

[jdietz730]

i got 100 of those from a local donut shop for a buck a piece now i need to get gamma seals for them all, also you can make your own bleach with pool shock for pennies a gallon one container make hundreds of gallons of bleach and dissenfects thousands