does water go bad?

[The_Blob]

Originally Posted by NaeKid

What about water stored in a camper's fresh-water holding tank. What is the extent of life expectancy of water sitting in there. Will bacteria drain-away when the tank is emptied, or, would the bacteria have the ability to "stay alive" even when dry for extended periods of time?

You could always use a quart of mild OTC (3%-5%) Hydrogen Peroxide solution to rinse out the tank after emptying it.

[sailaway]

Originally Posted by The_Blob

You could always use a quart of mild OTC (3%-5%) Hydrogen Peroxide solution to rinse out the tank after emptying it.

Thanx Blob, I am just about to get my campers fresh water holding tank cleaned and running again after 30 years. (if it's any good.) I don't think I would use it for potable water though unless I boiled it. The container is an old metal one. I may even replace it in the future as finances permit. I was thinking of cleaning it with Chlorine and then Hydrogen Peroxide. The last thing I want is some water born bacteria. I guess if it doesn't kill ya it will only make U stronger

[erdocsg]

so the amount that leechs out of the containers i guess would be minimal, if we are in a survival situation... the water preservers that they sell i'm assuming are just bleach, or if not, just one or 2 drops of household bleach into 2 gallons of water, how long do you think it would keep it good for? a year or two?

[illiniman]

could a person bury a 500 gallon plastic water tank like they sell at farm supply store and store water for a period of time it would be like a cistern would haul water from town so would be treated

[Brimso357]

Firstly, water gets contaminated if stored for long time.

Secondly, if you have to store, do not use plastic containers. The chemicals of the plastic contaminates the water a lot.

[kyfarmer]

I know folk's that have used plastic 1500 gal tank's from roof water, treated with bleach for years with no problem. They use a low voltage pump and have hot and cold running water, While on the grid after a few years. They still use the tank's. Wells have nasty water down there. Good for garden that's about it. They may grow a third eye a few years from now but the oldest one i know of is 10 years. Still uses it today but does use bottle for drinking. I would suppose a new filter system would not hurt.

[Bigdog57]

It depends a lot on the plastic too. Some leech enough to really taste it within a short time. Others impart no taste for weeks or longer.
Generally, if the bottle has the "1" recycle code, it's good for potable water. A "2" or "5" is better for dry food storage.

I currently use the blue Coleman Water Cubes (7 gallons) for water storage, as well as one gallon bottled water jugs and Arizona Tea jugs (really heavy duty!) - but am planning to soon add a couple 60 gallon tanks from Tractor Supply. My home is on municipal water, with no well - a few times our water has been airy or dirty from line maintenance. Bottled water comes in handy then!

[Winter]

I have four 55 gal. barrels that I fill and empty every 6 mos and don't have any problems with them.

[sailaway]

Originally Posted by Winter

I have four 55 gal. barrels that I fill and empty every 6 mos and don't have any problems with them.

Do you drink or use any of this water? What kinds of drums do you use? food grade? Where did you get them?

[Winter]

I haven't drank the water in the barrels yet. I have only owned them for 8 mos. I purchased them at a container distributor here in Indiana for $48 ea.
I told them I was using them for storing water for drinking and other uses and they said they were fine for this. They are the same blue barrels you see for sale on all the preparedness sites. I filled them up all the way and pushed out as much air as I could and then capped them. I would like to purchase some of the treatment bottles that supposedly will let you store water for 5 years. I read and researched that water in barrels would be fine for six mos. without any additives whatsoever. I hope I have read this right. I have thought about treating with bleach and try to store for a year before changing them out. I would love to hear any suggestions on this because I am still new at water storage and everything else for that matter.