What's most important is that potable water used for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth is stored correctly, said Craig Runyan, water quality coordinator with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service . Even regular tap water needs treatment before storage. If the water source doesn't have a sediment filter, the first step is to clear the water by letting it settle for several hours. Clean storage containers by washing them thoroughly and triple rinsing with clean fresh water, he said. Rinse any cleansing agent used completely from the containers.
Plastic containers work best for storing water.
Glass also is good, but may be less desirable because it can break. Acid- based disinfectants can react with certain metals to release contaminants into the water, making it unsafe to drink. Boiling water for at least two minutes will kill most disease-causing organisms. Organisms that are harder to kill require a longer boiling period. Excessive boiling concentrates metal or chemical impurities that do not evaporate out and increases the chance of toxicity.