Essential Water Storage for Beginners: 7 Steps I’d Take If I Were Starting Over

This is the sixth article in the series of what I would do differently if I started prepping today with the knowledge I gained over the years. The other five articles are linked at the end of this article.

As a new prepper, one of the most critical aspects of emergency preparedness is ensuring an adequate water supply. Water is essential for survival, and without it, even the most well-stocked bunker becomes useless. Here are seven insights to help you build a robust water plan for various scenarios.

1. Start with the Basics: Bottled Water Storage

For beginners, the easiest way to start building your water supply is by stocking up on bottled water. Here are some tips to make the most of this strategy:

• Purchase cases of bottled water and store them in a cool, dark place inside your home.
• Avoid storing water bottles in garages, sheds, or outdoor spaces, as temperature fluctuations can affect water quality and container integrity.
• Implement a rotation system, treating your water storage like any other part of your food storage. Use the “first in, first out” principle to ensure you’re always consuming the oldest water first.  But remember, bottled water really doesn’t go bad if you store the water bottles correctly.

While bottled water is an excellent starting point, it’s important to recognize that this method alone may not be sufficient for long-term scenarios. That’s why it’s crucial to develop a more comprehensive water strategy.

2. Familiarize Your Family with Water Filtration Systems

Investing in a quality water filtration system is an essential step in water preparedness. One popular option among preppers is the Berkey water filter, known for its effectiveness and reliability. However, simply owning a filtration system isn’t enough. Here’s what you should do:

• Set up your water filtration system in an easily accessible location in your home.
• Encourage family members to use the filtered water for drinking and cooking on a regular basis.
• Make using the filtration system a habit, rather than waiting until an emergency situation arises.

By incorporating water filtration into your daily routine, you ensure that everyone in your household is comfortable with the process and understands how to use the equipment effectively. This familiarity will be invaluable during a crisis when stress levels are high and clear thinking is crucial.  I also highly recommend the Hydroblu Versa Flow water filter.  You can view the video below (and download a help sheet) on how you can turn it into an emergency family water filter.

3. Identify Local Water Sources

While having stored water is important, it’s equally vital to know where you can find water in your local area if your supplies run out. Here are some considerations:

• Locate nearby natural water sources such as rivers, creeks, or lakes.  
• If you live in a rural area, determine if you have access to a well on your property.
• For those in suburban or urban areas, be aware of man-made water features like retention ponds.
• Pro-Tip – Use an online map to identify potential water sources.

It’s important to note that not all water sources are created equal. For example, retention ponds in suburban areas, while abundant, often contain runoff from streets and yards. This water is likely contaminated with oil, chemicals, and other pollutants, making it unsafe for consumption without extensive filtration and purification.

If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a natural spring or artesian well you’ve got a valuable resource at your disposal. These sources often provide clean, drinkable water with minimal treatment required.

4. Develop a Closed Water Storage System

For those looking to increase their water storage capacity beyond bottled water, consider setting up a closed water storage system. This method allows you to store a significant amount of water while maintaining its quality. Here’s how you can create such a system:

• Obtain several 55-gallon food-grade drums.
• Position the drums horizontally on a sturdy structure. VIDEO or purchase
• Connect the drums to each other and to your home’s water supply using appropriate plumbing.
• Install an inlet at the top of the system connected to your water source and an outlet at the bottom for dispensing.

This setup allows you to fill the entire system from your home’s water supply, creating pressure that enables easy dispensing through a hose or spigot. Depending on the number of drums you use, you can store hundreds of gallons of water in a relatively compact space.

5. Plan for Long-Term Water Collection

While stored water is crucial for short to medium-term emergencies, true long-term preparedness requires the ability to collect and purify water indefinitely. Consider these options:

• Install a rainwater collection system on your roof, ensuring you have the necessary filtration and purification methods in place.
• If you have the space and resources, consider digging a well on your property.
• Learn about and practice various water purification methods, including boiling, chemical treatment, and UV purification.

6. Adapt Your Strategy to Your Living Situation

Your water preparedness strategy will largely depend on where you live:

• Rural areas often have advantages like wells, ponds, or streams that can provide a long-term water supply.
• Suburban preppers might have more space for large water storage systems but may face challenges with finding clean natural water sources.
• Urban preppers will likely need to focus more on efficient storage methods and portable filtration systems due to space constraints and limited access to natural water sources.

Regardless of your location, it’s crucial to have multiple water sources and methods of purification at your disposal.

7. Don’t Forget About Non-Drinking Water Needs

While drinking water is the priority, don’t overlook your need for water for sanitation and hygiene. In a long-term emergency, you’ll still need water for:

• Flushing toilets
• Washing hands and bodies
• Cleaning dishes and clothes
• Basic cleaning around your living space

For these purposes, you can use water that might not be potable. Consider storing water in 5-gallon buckets or filling bathtubs when you know a crisis is imminent. This water can be used for non-drinking purposes, preserving your clean drinking water supply.

Final Thoughts

Water preparedness is a cornerstone of any solid emergency plan. By starting with bottled water storage and gradually building up to more advanced systems like closed storage and rainwater collection, you can ensure that you and your family have access to clean water in various emergency scenarios.

Remember, the key to effective water preparedness is diversification. Don’t rely on a single method or source. Instead, develop a multi-faceted approach that includes storage, filtration, purification, and collection strategies. Practice using your equipment regularly, and involve your entire family in the process.

Lastly, always be on the lookout for ways to improve your water preparedness. As you gain experience and knowledge, you’ll likely find new methods and technologies that can enhance your water security. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay hydrated!

Peace,
Todd

1. Changes I’d Make If I Began Prepping Today!
2. Backward Engineering Your Preparedness Plan
3. Start Your Preparedness Journey: A Beginner’s Guide to Two-Week Emergency Readiness
4. Your EDC – Having the Right Things!
5. How to Stock Up Your Emergency Food Supply Today!
6. Essential Water Storage for Beginners: 7 Steps I’d Take If I Were Starting Over
7. Critical Decisions: Firearms or Home Security for Self-Defense and Safety?
8. Rethinking Preparedness: Beyond Doomsday Scenarios
9. The Importance of Backup Power – Start Here Now!
10. You’ll Never Have Enough! What Should You Do?