To properly store water in plastic containers, ensure they are completely filled to eliminate air space and placed in a cool, dry location, keeping them far from potential contaminants.
How to Properly Store Water in Plastic Containers
Storing water correctly in plastic containers is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety, especially for emergency preparedness or long-term use. Following specific guidelines helps prevent contamination and ensures your water remains potable.
Key Principles for Safe Water Storage
Adhering to these fundamental rules will significantly enhance the longevity and safety of your stored water.
1. Optimal Filling Practices: Eliminate Air Space
One of the most important steps is to fill your plastic containers to the very top.
- No Air Space: The goal is to leave no air space within the container. Air contains oxygen, which can promote the growth of microorganisms over time and potentially degrade the water quality. A completely full container reduces this risk significantly.
2. Ideal Storage Environment: Cool and Dry
The location where you store your water containers plays a vital role in preserving the water.
- Cool Location: Store containers in a cool location. This helps to inhibit bacterial growth and prevents the plastic from potentially leaching chemicals into the water due to heat.
- Dry Location: A dry location is also essential to prevent mold or mildew growth on the outside of the containers and to maintain the integrity of the plastic itself. Avoid damp basements unless properly dehumidified.
3. Avoiding Contamination Sources: Protect Against Vapors
Plastic, though durable, can be permeable to certain vapors. This means that strong-smelling substances can potentially affect the water inside the containers.
- Away from Petroleum Products: Keep water containers away from petroleum products such as gasoline, motor oil, or paint thinners. Vapors from these substances can permeate the plastic.
- Away from Insecticide Products: Similarly, store water away from insecticide products and other household chemicals. Their fumes can compromise water quality.
- Away from Strong Odor Food or Perfumed Products: Even seemingly harmless items like strong-smelling foods (e.g., onions, garlic) or perfumed products (e.g., air fresheners, cleaning supplies) should be kept separate. Vapors from these substances could permeate the plastic and affect the water, imparting undesirable tastes or odors.
Why Proper Storage is Crucial
The emphasis on filling containers completely and isolating them from certain products stems from the permeability of plastic. Plastic polymers, while robust, are not entirely impermeable. Over time, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from nearby substances can penetrate the plastic walls through a process called permeation. This allows external odors and chemical residues to enter the water, making it unpalatable or even unsafe.
Quick Reference: Water Storage Do's and Don'ts
| Aspect | Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|---|
| Container Filling | Fill completely to the top | Leave any air space |
| Storage Temperature | Store in a cool place | Store in warm or hot areas |
| Storage Humidity | Store in a dry location | Store in damp or humid environments |
| Proximity | Store in a dedicated, isolated area | Store near petroleum products or insecticides |
| Store near strong odor foods or perfumed products | ||
| Contamination Risk | Protect from chemical and aromatic vapors | Expose water to environments with strong chemical fumes |
By following these straightforward guidelines, you can effectively store water in plastic containers, ensuring it remains clean and safe for its intended use.
