The Ultimate Guide to Storing Water in Your Car

When it comes to emergency preparedness, storing water in your car is a vital concern. Whether you are traveling long distances or preparing for potential disasters, having access to clean, safe water is crucial. However, not all storage methods are equal. There are significant drawbacks to using plastic or glass bottles, which can deteriorate or break under the car's fluctuating temperature. So, what is the best way to store water in your car? This guide will help you find the right solution for your needs.

Problems with Common Storage Methods

When it comes to storing water in your car, there are several common methods that come with their own set of challenges. Plastic bottles can deteriorate over time, while glass bottles may freeze and break. Glass storage containers are also heavy, which increases the risk of breakage during transport. Even if you have a durable container, the interior temperature of your car can fluctuate wildly, leading to water condensation and potential mold growth.

How to Safely Store Water in Your Car

The best way to store water in your car is within a sealed container to prevent it from making the seats and/or the floor wet. Additionally, it is important to keep the water within reach to ensure you can access it when needed. The best location for storing water is in the trunk of your car, ideally inside a dry cooler for added insulation.

Choosing the Right Water Storage Solutions

While it is important to keep water clean and safe, you have options for storing it in your car that are both effective and convenient. Stainless steel water bottles are highly durable and can be stored without worrying about them deteriorating or leaking. You can often find these bottles cheaply at second-hand stores like Goodwill, making them a cost-effective choice. I personally use stainless steel bottles and place drops of DoTERRA lemon oil to keep the water fresh and bacteria-free. Make sure to change the oil periodically to maintain its effectiveness.

For emergency preparedness, it is recommended to keep a backup water filter on hand. This ensures that if you run out of stored water, you can have a reliable alternative. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a get home bag or emergency kit in your car as standard practice.

Ensuring Water Safety

To ensure the water in your car is safe to drink, it is crucial to avoid storing it in direct sunlight as this can lead to contamination. The sell-by date on the bottle should be checked to ensure the water is still within its safe consumption period. In most cases, bottled water is safe to drink, and the risk of dying from a vehicle accident is much higher than the risk of drinking stored bottled water.

I purchase a budget-friendly brand of bottled water at about 17 cents per quart. The water is stored in a cool, dark place, and I add a couple of drops of DoTERRA lemon oil to keep it fresh. Remember to change the oil periodically to maintain the water's safety and freshness.

Handling Extreme Situations

For those who need to rely solely on water stored in their car in extreme situations, it is important to have a backup plan. Moreover, if you find yourself "camping out" in your car, there may be situations where you need to drink water from creeks or lakes. In such situations, boiling the water is the safest method to disinfect it. However, this takes time and fuel. Therefore, it can be wise to have a water filter, coffee filters, a collapsible water bladder, and chlorine dioxide tablets in your car kit as a backup.

Chlorine dioxide is a preferred choice for water disinfection because it is less sensitive to temperature and pH levels. It also enhances the taste of the water and is easy to store in small, flatfoil packets. Coffee filters are used to remove particles from the water, which is crucial for ensuring reliable disinfection.

Filters that disinfect water are a great option, but they tend to be expensive and bulky. Boiling is the most effective method, but chemical disinfection works well for short-term use while traveling.

Conclusion

In summary, the best way to store water in your car is within a sealed container, ideally a stainless steel bottle. Safely and effectively storing water in your car can greatly increase your preparedness and safety in various situations. Always ensure the water quality and maintain regular checks to keep your supplies ready for any emergency.