How to Store Water in Bleach Bottles

Natural disasters such as winter storms, tornadoes and earthquakes can leave you without electricity and other basic needs. If your water supply is fed by an electric pump, you could also be left without water. Water storage guidelines concerning bleach bottles should be followed to avoid being infected by the development of harmful bacteria that can accumulate with improperly stored water supplies. It is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that 1 gallon of water per person per day be stored for a total of three to five days in case of emergencies.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the label of the empty bleach bottles, and make sure that the only active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite. Other active ingredients will make the storage containers unsuitable. Fill the bottles with water and let them sit for a couple of days.

• 2

  Drain the bleach bottles and refill them with fresh water. Seal the bottles tightly and label them with the date they were stored. Replace water storage bottles every six months.

• 3

  Select a storage place away from lawn equipment and harmful chemicals such as gasoline and pesticides. The vapors from nearby chemicals can leak through plastic over time. Place the storage containers in a dark area with a consistently cool temperature.