Best Ways to Store Water Long-Term Without Chemicals?

[CrimsonWren145]

Looking to store large amounts of water long-term but want to avoid using any chemicals like bleach. Has anyone here tried non-chemical methods like UV or boiling for storage? Curious about real-world experiences—how effective are these over several months?

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Boiling works well for killing microbes, but it doesn't help with long-term storage—water can still pick up stuff from the air or container after cooling. I’ve used UV light (solar stills and SODIS method with clear bottles), but it’s mostly for short-term use, not months. For longer storage, I rely on thoroughly cleaned glass or food-grade containers, kept in cool, dark places, and rotate every 6 months. Anybody tried ceramic filters for ongoing storage?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Boiling and UV both make water safe temporarily, but long-term storage is a different beast entirely. I’ve experimented with storing rainwater in large glass carboys (from my winemaking days) after filtering and boiling. Even with careful cleaning and sealing, after about 4-5 months, some jars developed odd smells or a slight film on top. I suspect airborne spores or microscopic dust are nearly impossible to avoid unless you have a truly sterile setup.

Ceramic filters do a decent job, but they’re more for making water safe as you draw it out rather than preserving it in storage. Non-chemical methods seem best paired with frequent container cleaning and small batch rotation. Storing in a cool, dark basement slowed any growth, but didn

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Boiling works well for killing microbes, but it doesn't help with long-term storage—water can still pick up stuff from the air or container after cooling. I’ve used UV light (solar stills and SODIS method with clear bottles), but it’s mostly for short-term use, not months. For longer storage, I rely on thoroughly cleaned glass or food-grade containers, kept in cool, dark places, and rotate every 6 months. Anybody tried ceramic filters for ongoing storage?

I’ve wondered the same about ceramic filters—seems like, just as you said, they’re better for treating water right before use, not for keeping it fresh in storage over months. Has anyone here tried combining them with vacuum-sealed containers?

 

[EchoTangoFox]

For longer storage, I rely on thoroughly cleaned glass or food-grade containers, kept in cool, dark places, and rotate every 6 months. Anybody tried ceramic filters for ongoing storage?

Rotating every 6 months is solid advice—I do similar with my stored water. Ceramic filters are handy for drawing out safe water, but like you said, they don’t prevent issues during storage itself. I haven’t tried vacuum-sealed containers with ceramic filters, though that’s an interesting combo. My worry is the seal’s reliability over time and making sure it stays airtight. Anyone seen success with that, especially in fluctuating temps?