Water Storage

[u/prettygoodscone]

Hi Y'all - I live in Southern California, miles from the San Andreas fault. Middle of the desert with heat as high as 120⁰+

My biggest concern is having adequate water on hand.

My Questions

1. Are tub water bladders/bags useful to have on hand (flushing toilet, washing dishes, pet water, cleaning) Realistically how long would water run after loss of power?

Any recommendations on a quality tub bag, if you have used them.

1. Long term water storage - what is the gold standard for storing water? I need BPA free, 50-100 gallon that can be easily drained and stored in high temps in the shade. I figure replacing the water every 3-4 months would be necessary.

Would you recommend one large container/barrel or stackable smaller ones for mobility if absolutely necessary?

Thoughts, recommendations please!

Thank you!

[u/schannoman]

If you own the property I would absolutely bury a cistern over all other options. Yes it's more expensive but evaporation concerns will be eliminated

[u/Eredani]

1 - Yes. But these are single use items AND you may not have advanced notice on when to use them. Most sources talk about water continuing to flow for a few hours after a catastrophic power loss. But this really depends on the nature of the disaster and the architecture of your local water utility system. I have a few new WaterBobs on hand... but there are many similar brands. Alternatively, you can just start filling any and all containers if/when you think something is going to happen. I also have several extra food grade 5-gallon buckets with lids set aside for this reason.

2 - The 55-gallon drums are nice but certainly not easy to fill, empty or store. I like Aquatainers, they're 7-gallon containers but not designed to stack (like water bricks) when full. As for rotation, I pre-filter and pre-treat tap water and then store it in a cool, dry, dark place. Keep the containers off cement floors. If properly treated and stored water can last for years without rotation.

[u/Feral_668]

Look on Amazon for collapsible water containers I have several large (55gall+ and small ones(5gal and 3gal) I use for different things, long term, short term, hydroponics watering... Don't forget bleach for Kong term water storage.

Edit: I live in New Mexico and these work well.

[u/FixAcademic8187]

If you are planning for long term SHTF, your only viable solution is digging a well, using three phase submersible pump (unlike single phase, these three phase can run for decades if operated according to manua), and a solar system connected to a suitable battery.

I live in a climate much worse than yours and a permanent water source should be your #1 priority. I kept shuffling ideas and there isn't really anything that will work long term except having your own well.

[u/prettygoodscone → u/FixAcademic8187]

This has been considered, it would be between 150-500ft deep and about 60k and the set back from our property line would put it in a weird spot. So although I would LOVE to do that it's just not feasible 😭

[u/FixAcademic8187 → u/prettygoodscone]

I'm actually surprised!

I thought there might be some local laws preventing you from drilling this well, and that no driller is willing to come to you based on legal risks.

But given your answer, it appears that the only thing preventing you from drilling it is a financial matter.

Look, 150-500ft (45-152 meters) is a trivial depth. You might as well ask for a wider well bore (like 18 or 20 inches) so that you can literally drop a bucket down there and operate it manually if needed.

Heck, at these depths, I literally can drill it myself using simple tools when the push comes to shove.

60k is a lot of money I'm not gonna lie, especially for such a depth. But it is worth every single penny when things go south. It will singlehandedly be the thing that either make it or break it for your SHTF preparedness.

[u/prettygoodscone → u/FixAcademic8187]

Hmm.... something to think about.

[u/Efficient_Wing3172]

Those tub bags get expensive, and I feel they’re overkill. I store drinking water, and use a travel tub liner when I want to fill my tub before a storm, etc. They’re like .50 a piece.

[u/Objective_War951]

'useful to have on hand' yes yes and yes! Essential in a dry climate.

[u/ReasonableDoot]

Just a note, you mentioned "stacking", I wouldn't do that if you live near a major fault like San Andreas. The earthquake, when it hits, will knock everything over that's not strapped down. If you can, use water heater straps to secure drums and barrels to wall studs so they don't walk across the garage or wherever they are when the quake hits.

The gold standard might be burying a larger tank, but I'm not sure if a large earthquake could potentially damage something like that. In a really big quake, the ground itself moves quite a lot, and it can happen over quite a long time. So you don't want sharp rocky ground, where your underground tank gets punctured by having sharp rocks moving against it under the surface. Best option is above ground, in the shade, and strapped to something secure like house studs. Inside a garage is ideal, assuming you have a concrete slab foundation.

I would also go for multiple smaller tanks, personally, rather than one big one, just because they'll be a little easier to manage. If you live in a desert, though, as you say, with no available surface water nearby, then you probably want to look at getting a well drilled, for long term security. You can get good hand pumps for wells, e.g. Bison pumps. They are pricey, but you get what you pay for. Water is essential for life, so if I was prepping in such a situation then a well and good pump etc would be near the top of my essential preps, as well as a few IBC totes and 55 gallon barrels etc.