Safe storage is mostly about habits: the right container, a tight cover, regular checks and treating the water before you drink it.
Start with the right container
The book's basic requirement is a container that is opaque and UV-resistant, to prevent algae growing in the water. If you use concrete or steel, line it with a food-grade liner. Avoid containers that previously held anything other than food or water, because residues can be hard to remove.
Everyday habits
- Keep it covered and closed. Debris, insects and animals are the most common ways contamination gets in.
- Keep it cool and shaded. Warm, bright conditions favour algae and bacteria.
- Take water out cleanly. Use a tap or a dedicated clean dipper rather than dipping hands or dirty containers.
- Inspect regularly. Look for cloudiness, smells, sediment or a green tinge and clean the tank when needed.
- Use older water first. Rotating stored water avoids letting one batch sit for months.
Test the water
The book's water tip is to test your water at least once a year, even if it looks and tastes normal. Water quality can change with the seasons and with changes in nearby land use, so a clear tank does not guarantee a safe one.
Storage is not treatment
The book is clear that collected water is still impure and needs to be properly filtered and purified before use, and that impurities can include metals such as copper, iron and arsenic as well as dirt. Even a simple home filter is not a guarantee, which is why the book also recommends boiling water before drinking. Read more in filtration vs purification.
If you are unsure
If water smells, looks unusual or has been contaminated, do not drink it. Treat it as unsafe until it has been tested and, if necessary, treated or replaced.
For the full picture of collecting, storing and treating water, see the Off-Grid Water guide. If you want a broader foundation, Off Grid Survival for Beginners walks through the main systems in order.