I would rather see an annual review (inspection) and stock replacement of all cache components. Some items are good for decades (cots, blankets, bandaging if sealed properly etc), but some consumables (water, C rats, K rats) have a finite life. An annual review with restock also confirms that tiny livestock (two or four legged varmints) haven't depleted the stock. Doing it publicly can also be good PR while you remind the public of the risks.
[I'm not one that is convinced that domestic supplies will be unavailable for months; weeks probably... in the meantime, it's merely inconvenient access i.e. trucked water from the source. Having the military laying temporary pipelines down a street is one likely option. They have the tools, staffing and resources. The USS Ronald Reagan can supply much of LA for example, with power. The problem is timing and access to resources. Let the military 'invade' the area, logistics is what they do every day. The problem areas are rural but populations are thinner and farm folks tend to be um, creative.]
The only ways you're going to get barrels of water safe for consumption years after storage is to buy it prepackaged or remove ALL the air (to limit aerobic organisms) and seal it with no chance of leakage. Neither has any guarantee, so an annual inspection should include a visual inspection and a careful weighing of EACH barrel to detect leakage, leaving only the content quality as the unknown. An anaerobic organism (doesn't require air to propagate) could still play havoc.
While I am no expert, it seems that using reasonable precautions a SMALL amount of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach, pool chlorine or shock) or a similar agent (bromine) could be placed in the water, remove the air (overfill to the brim, let it sit a day or two for reaction bubbles to subside) and carefully sealing is not an impossible task. It should be good for a few years, BUT allowing it to aerate and off gas prior to use is critical both for safety and taste. Using a charcoal filter on the outflow may help taste too. Interestingly enough, chilled water tastes better than room temp (I prefer 37F).
If I remember correctly, one of our water tenders (fire truck with huge tank) holding 3,000 gallons would get about a cup or two of household bleach to maintain potability (and periodic purging at a dairy tank service company). Driving around the area provided the mixing. It doesn't take much and they were not sealed tanks. I've done similar on my RV, then two tanks of rinse (fill/dump twice, then fill for use), then a little vinegar to reduce the taste; but it's still there for the next couple tanks of water (bleah!). [I haul bottled drinking water. The RV water supply is only for washing and coffee. If it lives through MY level of coffee induction, you have to respect that.]
Rick, WA6NHC
Rick, WA6NHC
iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-)
On Jun 21, 2014, at 5:45 AM, "zanyonzuni@charter.net [californiadisasters]" <californiadisasters@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
Hi Rick
I'm talking about storing water in 55 and 35 gallon food grade barrels for years. Bottled water from the store when fresh is good for a few years but I'm talking about Disaster Supplies. In the upcoming predicted Ca Quake some areas could lose safe municipal water for weeks if not months. Also bleach is good for surface sterilization and cleaning.
You can buy the 1/2 and 1 oz bottles to add to water barrels but why spend $12 when a few cents of bleach will do the same thing?
John
KI6FKP
Logistice Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness
DSW - Red Cross
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