WATER PURIFICATION & STORAGE

Reliable Solutions for Safe, Clean Water in Any Emergency

Whether you’re preparing for natural disasters, power outages, or long-term emergencies, clean water is your most essential resource.

This collection brings together trusted water filters, purification tablets, storage containers, and emergency water solutions designed to help you secure, treat, and preserve safe drinking water for your family.

Jump to Section:

⭐ Guide to Safe Water Storage – Essential tips for storing, treating, and rotating safe emergency water.

⭐ Water Treatment Basics – Quick methods for making water safe—filters, tablets, and bleach ratios.

⭐ SHOP Water Storage Containers – Food-grade containers for long-term water storage.

⭐ SHOP Water Filters – Reliable home and emergency water filtration options.

⭐ SHOP Personal Filters – Compact filters for travel, hiking, and emergency kits.

⭐ SHOP Purification Tablets – Lightweight tablets to purify water fast in any emergency.

⭐ Learn more in the Journal of Civil Defense – In-depth articles on water safety and emergency readiness.

FREE Download: TACDA Water Storage Guide

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Guide to Safe Water Storage — Be Ready for Any Emergency

Safe, clean water is the most important resource in any disaster. Whether facing a short-term power outage or a long-term disruption, having dependable water storage ensures your family can drink, cook, clean, and stay healthy when the unexpected happens.

Below is a practical guide to help you choose the right containers and build a reliable water storage plan.

Why Store Water for Emergencies?

During disasters, water systems can fail without warning. Pipes break, contamination enters the system, or electrical outages stop municipal pumps. The CDC recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day, but during a crisis, needs can quickly exceed that.

Storing water provides:

✔ Clean drinking water during boil notices or contamination
✔ Water for cooking and washing
✔ Stability during supply chain or power outages
✔ Peace of mind knowing your home has a reliable reserve

Having your own stored water means you are not dependent on stores, deliveries, or working utilities during an emergency.

How Much Water Should You Store?

The Best Containers for Water Storage.

Choose containers that are:

Food-grade
BPA-free
Designed specifically for water storage
Easy to transport, lift, and seal
Resistant to algae growth and contamination

Common options include:

55-gallon drums — long-term bulk storage
5–7 gallon jugs — portable and manageable
Stackable water bricks — modular, space-efficient
Emergency water storage totes — ideal for shelter-in-place
Collapsible containers — backup, lightweight options

Always avoid containers that previously stored chemicals, juice, or milk.

Where Should You Store Emergency Water?

Water should be stored in:

Cool, dark areas
Indoors if possible
Away from direct sunlight
Off the garage floor (use pallets or shelving)
Somewhere accessible during an emergency

Good locations include:

Basement
Utility room
Interior closet
Under beds
Pantry
Temperature-stable garage (not extreme heat)

Avoid storing water in areas where summer heat exceeds 90+ degrees for long periods.

How Often Should You Rotate Stored Water?

Water Treatment Basics

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Bleach-to-Water Ratios for Emergency Water Storage

When storing tap water for long-term use, or when disinfecting questionable water during an emergency, you can safely treat it with unscented, regular household bleach. This helps prevent microbial growth and keeps stored water safe for drinking.

Only use bleach that lists 6% sodium hypochlorite or 8.25% sodium hypochlorite on the label.
Do not use splash-less, scented, thickened, or color-safe bleach.