Why This Skill Matters in an Emergency

In emergencies, access to clean water can be severely limited. Storing water in your bathtub can provide a significant reserve, ensuring you have enough for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. This guide will walk you through the process of preparing your bathtub for water storage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Clean the Tub

Start by thoroughly cleaning the bathtub with a mixture of one part bleach to nine parts water. Scrub all surfaces, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely. This step is crucial to remove any dirt, soap residue, or other contaminants that could compromise the quality of your stored water.

Disinfect

Fill the tub with water and add one tablespoon of unscented household chlorine bleach for every ten gallons of water. Let it sit for two hours before draining. This process kills any remaining bacteria or viruses that might be present in the tub.

Store Water

Once the tub is clean and disinfected, fill it with clean water. You can use tap water, bottled water, or water from a safe source. Fill the tub to the top to maximize storage capacity. Avoid using water from sources that may be contaminated with chemicals or pathogens.

Cover

Cover the tub with a clean, heavy-duty plastic sheet or a lid to prevent contamination. Ensure the cover is sealed tightly to keep out dust, insects, and other contaminants. A properly sealed cover is essential to maintain the quality of your stored water.

Label

Clearly label the tub with the date and type of water stored. This helps you keep track of when the water was stored and ensures you use the oldest water first. Proper labeling is important for managing your water supply effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not Cleaning Properly: Failing to clean the tub thoroughly can lead to contamination of your stored water.
  • Overlooking Disinfection: Disinfecting the water in the tub is crucial to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Improper Covering: A poorly sealed cover can allow contaminants to enter the water.
  • Ignoring Water Quality: Only store water from safe sources to avoid health risks.

Variations and Tips

  • Add Ice: If you live in a cold climate, you can freeze some of the water in plastic containers before filling the tub. This will help keep the remaining water cool and prevent it from freezing.
  • Use Water Pumps: Invest in a submersible pump designed for clean water to easily access the water stored in the tub.
  • Rotate Water: Regularly rotate your water supply to ensure freshness. Aim to replace the water every six months.

Related Techniques

  • Water Purification Tablets: Keep a supply of water purification tablets to treat water if needed.
  • Emergency Water Filters: Portable water filters can be used to purify water if your stored water becomes contaminated.
  • Water Storage Containers: In addition to the bathtub, consider using other containers like plastic bottles or barrels for water storage.

Summary

Using your bathtub for emergency water storage is a practical way to ensure you have enough water during a crisis. By following these steps, you can safely store water for future use, ensuring you have access to clean water when needed.

TLDR: Clean, disinfect, and fill your bathtub with water for emergency storage. Cover it properly and label the date. Rotate water every six months.

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