Cheap and easy water storage ideas

You know those big bags that you can put in a tub and fill up for emergencies? That's great but if you don't have time to prepare before something happens, like a earth quake all of a sudden it doesn't help much.

So, would it work to take a device like that and fill it up, add the right amount of bleach, seal it up and cover with a blanket to keep the sun off of it and store it long term? Like if you have a spare tub that is never used.

I'm trying to figure out ways to get my dad and sisters family some water storage, they live by a creek but at certain times of the year it runs dry.

Does anyone know of a way to store water long term using simple and cheap containers? Old jugs and 2 liter bottles are great but could take a while to save up. Anyone know of a good way to get used containers online that don't require a second mortgage on the house?

Has anyone ever tried a 5 gallon bucket with a food grade bag of some sort lining the bucket?

I'm sure there are tons of things I have never thought of, that's why I love places like this forum.

 

If you use the bathtub storage containers the water is usually good for about four weeks. After that you would need treat or filter the water. Your also not supposed to reuse them because there is no way to dry the inside, which increases contamination. I haven't tried using the bucket liners, but imagine that you might face some of the same issues. You might try doing a search for used food grade barrels and buckets. Lots of companies sell these and you can sometimes get a good deal. I saw 55 gallon drums that were food grade for around fifty dollars when I was looking for rain barrels.

 

If you add bleach wouldn't that allow it to store much longer? You can store water over a year in barrels if you disinfect it and keep it air tight.

 

I use 15, 30, and 55 gallon food grade barrels, or new ones.
I don't use bleach. I don't use iodine tablets. If needed, I'll filter and boil or run the water thru the berkey filters (after pre-filtering).

 

I think the problem is with how thin the liners are in the bathtub containers. I would also wonder how long they will last in general.

 

I've invested in water filtration systems to generate potable water on demand. The LifeSaver Jerrycan is the best small, non-electric filtration system that I've found so far.

I'm still looking for a good (high capacity) non-electric water distiller. Most of the campfire types that I've found seem to be too small for heavy use.

 

That's a good idea too about the water distillers, can you post back when you find a good one?

I have a Berky for my wife and I but I'm trying to get my dad and sisters family setup with something, even a small distiller for 7 people would work, so maybe a minimum of 7 gallons a day.

Anyone have info on making a distiller or good ones to buy? The good thing about a distiller is you don't have to worry about running out of filters, I don't think.

Does distilling remove all impurities including chemical and diseases?

 

Distillers do not use filters and they purify water nearly 100%. Unfortunately, it appears to be a somewhat slow process without some major equipment. Best I've found so far (StoveTopStill by ClearDome) only produces about 5 cups of distilled water for every 2.5 hours of boiling water.