To avoid poisoning yourself, there are specific good containers to store water in. Some vessels should never be used to gather water, but few of us know this, which is why water poisoning is a common occurrence. Plastics with BPA & milk jugs are examples of containers not to store water in at home.
This topic becomes even more critical when you consider that we tend to make do with whatever we come across when a catastrophe hits. So, while we prep ahead, we should be able to identify the things that may harm us. Let’s see some of the containers safe enough to collect water with.
4 Good Containers To Store Water In
Juice Jugs
Unlike milk jugs unsuitable for long-term water storage due to the rustiness that follows, juice jugs are thick plastics that do not rust. Lids covering milk jugs are typically very tight, and thanks to the plastic’s sturdiness, the risk of damaging it due to a nail snag or corner bump is low. If you’re finding it hard to get every taste of sugar out of the jug, I advise using bleach or chlorinated water to do the washing.
Note that all sizes of juice jugs (whether small–, medium– or large-sized) are safe for storing water in.
5-gallon Buckets
The uses for these buckets never end, do they? I find the idea of water storage in these buckets likable, as they are stackable, opaque, and designed to store liquids. They tick every box, save for portability, but even that isn’t a problem. It may be nice to have a reservoir of water if there’s any need for a large amount of water, say if you want to prepare a huge pot of soup.
Ensure that these buckets are food-grade before buying. You can get these buckets for free in grocery stores, restaurants, and bakeries in some cases. As they are typically used to store pickle juice, the smell may remain in the container if you’re getting for free. Therefore, you are advised to wash well with a few drops of bleach or chlorinated water left overnight for maximum purification.
Soda & Water Bottles
Pop bottles are good water storage containers. They are available in varying sizes, ranging from 8 ounces to 2.5 liters. There is apparently sufficient versatility. They are always reusable, but be sure to wash carefully before reusing. To wash well, use warm, soapy water.
55-gallon drums
These are the same as 5-litre buckets, with the only difference being the significant difference in sizes. For a start, ensure the drum is food-grade and has not been used to store any non-food item. They are always available online, so you can order and have them delivered to your doorstep. As an alternative, you can get at a cheaper amount from a solar distribution company, as it is what their syrups are bought in. A second hand 5-gallon drum will be cheaper but require quite some effort to clean.
This is a useful collection container for rainwater.
Concluding The Good Containers To Store Water In
Don’t you think it would be painful to drink water from an unhealthy container after the stress of collecting? Using good containers to store water in will save you from drinking contaminated liquid after your efforts. Fortunately, most of these four containers are often available around our homes. Just pick the one you’re sure is food-grade to use.