STORING WATER
IN 2 LITER POP BOTTLES
Two thousand years ago when Christ walked the Holy
Land, water for drinking, cooking or home use came from community
wells, usually in the center of towns and villages. We have all
seen pictures of women carrying large clay jugs of water upon their
heads. In some parts of the world this is still being done! This,
incidentally, was considered woman's work and beneath the dignity
of a man. Well, too bad for all you men now. With drought coming
upon the land, man, woman and child might all be toting water about
and glad to have some water stored away!
STORING WATER IN RECYCLED BOTTLES
In general, there are three types of recycled bottles
which will work for water storage: 2 liter pop bottles, plastic
juice containers, and gallon bleach containers. These can be reincarnated
as "water jugs."
Unless punctured, these containers will hold water
for years if necessary. Plastic juice containers are the
best of the lot for storing water, as they have a handle on top
and a mouth wide enough to permit refilling from a National Guard
water tank truck. The small opening on soda bottles and lack of
a handle are distinct disadvantages, but filling them does give
people a sense of hope, some stored water, and that is important.
Gallon size milk plastic containers are not
recommended except for an extreme emergency, when nothing else is
available, as they are porous and degrade in sunlight - by law!
CLEANING JUICE BOTTLES
Rinse each 2 liter, half gallon or gallon juice
container after use. Fill three quarters full of clean water, add
a quarter teaspoon of dishwasher detergent, then shake vigorously
and let soak. Shake several times more, then empty and rinse thoroughly
with fresh water until completely rinsed and clean.
Refill with fresh tap water, adding 4 drops of
chlorine bleach per gallon (2 drops of bleach for 2 liter or ½ gallon).
Cap tightly. Store upright in a sturdy box. These water containers
will now store for years.
USING WHITE 'PUREX' GALLON JUGS
These jugs are clean and sterilized, and
even have a convenient carry handle. Just fill them with water,
let soak, empty and fill with fresh water. Enough molecular chlorine
remains in the walls of the jug to keep the water safe.
AERATING STORED WATER
No matter which method is used for storing water
in plastic bottles, the water will taste flat after prolonged storage.
To enliven the quality, oxygen must be restored to the water. This
is easily accomplished by pouring the water from one sanitary container
into another, back and forth several times. As the water passes
through the air and splashes into the other pot, air is absorbed
by the water and it again tastes fresh. At the same time, any lingering
chlorine aroma is dissipated by aeration.
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