Last, rinse with clean water. Once you clean and sanitize the container, fill it with water you know is safe and screw the cap on tightly. This safeguard will make sure every family member knows which containers are for drinking and which aren't. Store the containers upright in a cool, dry place. Because direct sunlight and heat gradually weaken plastic containers, store them away from heat and light to prevent possible leaking.
Water is heavy, so store the containers on a strong shelf or in a cabinet.
To improve the taste of water stored for a long time, pour it back and forth from one clean container to another before drinking. A freezer is also a good place to store water for a long period. You probably won't have enough freezer space to store all the water you will need in an emergency, but storing at least some is a good idea. If you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in your freezer frozen until power is restored. This answer depends on the source of your drinking water, which probably comes from a public water supply, bottled water, or an untested source such as a private well or spring.