Emergency storage guide for households
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As part of a shift towards a more mindful emergency water storage in Europe, the Dutch government has advised its residents to keep an in-house supply of basic necessities that can last for at least three days. Below, we outline the ways in which you can store tap water at home as part of your emergency preparedness water supply.
Tap water quality is highly dependent on where it is stored, how it is stored, and for how long. If done incorrectly, the quality of your tap water can become compromised. Let’s take a look at different options for tap water storage duration and make sure that we know how to store tap water safely.
The easiest way to store tap water is by keeping it in a chilled, dark place. Please note that tap water shelf life under these conditions is a maximum of 3 days. Exceeding this number risks its quality to degrade quicker.
To avoid the risks outlined above, you can store your tap water in a refrigerated space. Just pour it into a sealed jug or bottle and keep it stored for up to 7 days.
If you need to store tap water for a longer time, freezing it is your best bet. Simply fill your bottle and store it in the freezer for up to a year.
Even if you have stored tap water, accidents can happen. That’s why it's essential to know how to purify water at home.
One of the most tried and true methods is boiling the water for at least one minute. If that’s not an option, use a purification tablet. Please note that they can leave an aftertaste of chlorine, so it is recommended to use a water filter afterwards to get rid of the unpleasant taste. Of course, water filters can be used on their own, but combining these methods ensures a higher level of purification.
Knowing the basics of storing tap water safely allows you to reuse bottles instead of constantly buying new ones – keeping you prepared for any scenario without worrying about the “what-ifs”, while helping reduce plastic waste.