EASY BK DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Australia
How to Store Water in 220 litre water barrels with a water preserver concentrate.
A natural disaster or other emergency could cut off water access for weeks. Storing your own supply addresses your most important need in this situation. Although water does not "go bad" in the same way that food does, it can breed harmful bacteria if you do not purify it or store it in safe conditions. The other risk is chemical contamination, either from certain types of plastic containers, or from chemical vapors that pass through the walls of the water containers.
Of course some of you may have rain water tanks, remember this water also needs filtering, there are several varieties of filters available.
But for those without tanks...
- This method utilises 220 litre food grade barrels and a water preserver that will keep your drinking water safe for up to 5 years, the cost per barrel is minimal. For those who want smaller amounts, then bulk bottled water may be of use (however this would be much more expensive).
Water Preserver concentrate:
Water does not store well, it has a use by date of about 6 months and it goes stale.
But you can use this Water Preserver Concentrate to preserve already good clean tap water for 5 years without having to constantly empty out and refill your barrels.
- It's main purpose is to preserve clean water for long term storage. It is made to be a perfect companion with large food grade water barrels such as 220 litre drums. Of course, you can use other food grade containers too. Water Preserver Concentrate does NOT purify bad or contaminated water.
Where to purchase water preserver concentrate online: https://www.u-buy.com.au/product/8U649E-55-gallon-water-preserver-concentrate-5-year-emergency-disaster-preparedness-survival-kits-emergency. AU$30
OR: I purchased from this company in America, it was cheaper if you bought in bulk. They are a very good, reliable, friendly supplier, https://preparemylife.com/ Cost approx. $20 Australian.
Supplier Tami will give us a discount price of $12 US dollars if you buy in bulk.
Tami Says: The most important thing to remember is that you want the water preserver you are adding to your barrel, that it gets distributed evenly throughout the water.
Then make sure you fill it to the top without any air or if you do need to leave air, gently rock the barrel (after it is sealed up) so that the treated water touches every inside surface of the barrel.
​I have done a lot of research into safe water storage. I am personally using the methods below. It was important to me to offer a method that was suitable for most people (many souls don't have access to a rain water tank). Also both water purification types are very affordable and according to my detailed online research they both come highly recommended.
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The average person needs 4 litres of water each day, half for drinking and half for food preparation and hygiene. Increase this number to 1.5 gallons (5.5 L) per person or more for children, and sick people, and for anyone in a hot or high-altitude climate.
Instant water purification
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There are many suppliers in Australia. Approx AU $30
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Removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics, etc...
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Durable and ultralight: weighs only 2 ounces.
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Download .pdf file.
Do not ues a garden hose as it is not sterile.
Storing your own drinking water safely in food grade barrels for up to 5 years:
TO USE WATER CONCENTRATE: First, sterilise your drums (download the .pdf file on how to do this properly) then put clean water (tap water is just fine) in the sterilised barrel along with the Water Preserver Concentrate. (see label for quantities).
When used correctly, it is guaranteed by the manufacturer to keep water drinkable for 5 years.
NOTE: is it essential to use a food grade hose to fill your drums (not garden hose as they are full of bacteria).
These drums are available either new or used (some used for shipping olives) across Australia, just do a Google search, ask your supplier how long do the barrels last for. If buying second hand or refurbished, do ask the seller to be specific as to what was in the drums and tell them that you want them to store drinking water for human consumption.
There are other types of water purification systems available, it is good for you to do your own research that suits you or your family. See the SURVIVAL SUPPLIES Tab at the end of this website.
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