Living in a city often means limited space, which can make it challenging to store essential supplies like drinking water. However, whether you’re preparing for a potential emergency, ensuring your daily needs, or simply looking for peace of mind, finding ways to store drinking water in a small apartment is essential. With a bit of strategy, you can create an effective water storage plan that fits your space and keeps you prepared for unexpected situations.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing drinking water in a small apartment, including how much you need, the best containers for limited space, and maintenance tips to keep your water fresh. By the end, you’ll have a practical plan that ensures you’re never caught without this essential resource.
Why storing water in an apartment is essential
Water is one of the most crucial resources for survival, yet it’s often overlooked in city living where people tend to rely on a steady municipal supply. However, emergencies such as power outages, plumbing issues, or natural disasters can disrupt water services unexpectedly. Here’s why having a water supply at home is essential for city dwellers.
Potential risks of not storing water in a small apartment
Cities often experience situations that can interrupt water access, including:
- Natural disasters: Earthquakes, hurricanes, or severe weather can damage infrastructure, sometimes leaving city residents without water.
- Municipal issues: Water main breaks or contamination events can happen, resulting in boil water advisories or complete shut-offs.
- Power outages: Many water systems rely on electric pumps, so an extended outage can interrupt your supply, even if there’s no major disaster.
By storing water, you’ll have peace of mind and ensure that you have enough for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene in case of an emergency.
Determining how much water you need to store
A general rule of thumb is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day, covering drinking, cooking, and minimal hygiene. For a basic emergency supply, aim for three days’ worth of water, but if space allows, consider storing up to two weeks’ worth for added security.
Calculating water needs for your household
To determine the total amount of water you need, consider the following factors:
- Household size: Multiply the number of people by one gallon per day.
- Pets: Dogs and cats also need water, so factor in an additional 0.5 gallons per day per pet.
- Climate and health: If you live in a hot climate or have specific health needs, you may need to store more to stay adequately hydrated.
Example calculation:
If you’re a household of two with a pet dog, you’d need:
- Humans: 2 people × 1 gallon/day = 2 gallons/day
- Pet: 0.5 gallons/day
Total: 2.5 gallons per day × 3 days = 7.5 gallons for a basic emergency supply.
Choosing the best containers for water storage in a small apartment
In a compact living space, choosing the right containers is crucial. You’ll need containers that are stackable, compact, and safe for long-term storage. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best options.
1. Food-grade plastic containers
Food-grade plastic containers are affordable, lightweight, and durable, making them ideal for small apartments.
- Pros: Widely available, easy to store, and resistant to damage.
- Cons: Plastic can impart a taste to water over time; however, this doesn’t affect safety.
- Tips: Look for BPA-free, food-grade containers specifically labeled for water storage.
2. Collapsible water containers
Collapsible containers are perfect for those who need flexible storage options. They can be filled when needed and then folded away to save space.
- Pros: Space-saving, easy to store when not in use, and lightweight.
- Cons: Less durable for long-term storage and can be punctured more easily.
- Tips: Use collapsible containers primarily for short-term or emergency storage, not for daily use.
3. Water storage cubes or stackable containers
Water storage cubes are stackable and designed specifically for efficient water storage, making them an excellent choice for apartment living.
- Pros: Stackable design conserves space; often BPA-free and durable.
- Cons: More expensive than other options and may take up more initial space when empty.
- Tips: Consider placing cubes in a closet or under a table to maximize floor space.
4. Small water bottles or jugs
While not as space-efficient, smaller individual water bottles can be convenient for single-use needs and easy to rotate.
- Pros: Easy to distribute and monitor usage, convenient for daily hydration needs.
- Cons: Not ideal for bulk storage, as they take up more space overall.
- Tips: Use these as a supplement to larger storage containers for convenience, but not as your main storage method.
Storing water in a small apartment: Practical tips
With limited space, it’s important to be creative about where you store your water. Here are some practical tips for making the most of your apartment’s layout.
Maximize vertical storage space
Think vertically when it comes to water storage. Shelves, stackable containers, and other vertical solutions can help you store more water without taking up valuable floor space.
- Use closet shelves: Add extra shelves to closets and dedicate them to water storage.
- Stack under tables or beds: Storage cubes or bottles can be placed under tables, beds, or other furniture that has empty space beneath it.
Keep water away from direct sunlight and heat
To ensure your water stays fresh, avoid placing containers near heat sources or direct sunlight, which can encourage algae growth or plastic breakdown.
- Choose cool, dark spots: Closets, pantries, and interior storage areas without windows are ideal for water storage.
- Avoid kitchens and bathrooms: Kitchens and bathrooms can be warm and humid, which isn’t ideal for long-term water storage.
Label and rotate your water supply
Labeling and rotating your water supply will help you stay organized and ensure you always have fresh water on hand.
- Label with dates: Mark each container with the date you filled it, so you know when it’s time to rotate.
- Replace every six months: Although water itself doesn’t go bad, the containers can affect taste and quality. Refresh your supply every six months.
Purifying and treating stored water
Storing water for extended periods can sometimes lead to concerns about its purity. If you’re storing tap water, adding a purification method can ensure it remains safe to drink.
Water treatment options for storage
- Bleach: Household bleach (unscented) can be used to purify water for long-term storage. Add two drops per gallon, mix well, and let it sit for 30 minutes before sealing.
- Water purification tablets: These are convenient and can be added when you’re ready to drink the water.
- Boiling: Boiling water is an effective way to eliminate contaminants if you’re unsure of its purity. However, this method isn’t practical for large quantities.
Using filters for water storage
Consider investing in a water filter, which can help you purify tap water before storing it. Filters can remove chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria, providing an extra layer of security for your stored water.
- Portable water filters: These are compact and perfect for apartment use, especially if you rely on tap water for storage.
- Charcoal filters: Many home filters use activated charcoal, which helps improve the taste and removes chlorine.
Emergency water sources and alternatives
If storing enough water proves challenging, consider other options to supplement your supply. Some compact emergency solutions are perfect for apartments.
Water pouches
Pre-packaged water pouches are compact and have a long shelf life, making them a reliable backup.
- Pros: Long shelf life (up to five years) and easy to store.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive per gallon than other methods.
- Best use: As a supplement to your main water storage.
Water purification devices
Compact water purifiers, like UV pens or portable filters, can be used with alternative water sources in an emergency.
- Pros: Lightweight and space-saving, ideal for apartments.
- Cons: Only suitable for purifying small amounts of water at a time.
- Best use: As a last resort, using available water sources when stored water runs low.
Maintenance and management of your stored water supply
Storing water is just the first step. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your supply is fresh and safe when needed. Here’s how to manage your water storage effectively.
Inspect containers for leaks or damage
Check containers periodically for cracks, leaks, or signs of wear, which can compromise the safety of your water supply.
- Replace as needed: If you notice any wear or leaks, transfer the water to a new container.
- Check caps and seals: Ensure all containers are tightly sealed to prevent contamination or evaporation.
Rotate your water every six months
To keep your water fresh, replace it twice a year. Even if you use purification methods, rotating your water supply keeps it safe and pleasant to drink.
- Set a reminder: Use your phone or calendar to remind you every six months to rotate and refill your water storage.
Storing drinking water in a small apartment may require some creativity, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategies. By selecting the best containers, using your space wisely, and following maintenance tips, you’ll have a reliable water supply that keeps you prepared for any situation. Remember, access to safe drinking water is essential, so invest a little time now to set up a water storage solution that gives you peace of mind.