How Much Water?

• It is recommended that you store a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. For drinking alone, each person should have at least ½ gallon of water. Cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene can take up the other half gallon. Physical condition, age, activity and climate can increase the amount of water a person needs.
  
  

Storage Containers

• 55-gal by clhend
  
  You should only store water in food-grade containers or containers that are made of PETE plastic. There are drums, buckets and jugs specially-made for water storage. These are usually made of heavy blue plastic and have tight-fitting lids. Do not store water in plastic milk jugs as these are designed to eventually breakdown in landfills. You can use 2-liter soda bottles that have been washed and sanitized.
  
  

Preparation

• Before adding water to a container, it should be thoroughly cleaned, rinsed and sanitized. Use a dish soap and water solution to clean the container, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soapy residue. Next sanitize the container using a quart of water to which you've added 1 teaspoon of unscented household chlorine bleach.
  
  

Water

• If you are filling the containers with tap water from a municipal water source that has been treated with chlorine, there is no need to add anything else to the water. If you are filling the containers with well water or untreated water, simply add four drops (1/8 of a teaspoon) of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of water, or 220 drops (3 6/8 teaspoons) to a 55-gallon drum.
  
  

Storage

• Filled water containers should be stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Do not store with containers of pesticides, kerosene or gasoline. Make sure that the floor of the storage area is strong enough to support the weight; 8 pounds per gallon or 440 pounds for a 55 gallon drum.
  
  

Storage Time

• For the best taste, water should only be stored for six months. The taste of stored water can be improved by aerating or adding oxygen back into the water. This is done by pouring the water back and forth between two containers. Once a container is opened, take care to keep from touching the lip or inside of the cap and possibly contaminating the water with harmful bacteria.