Keeping water "safe"

[lcas-271]

One of the posts here was talking about using water dispenser bottles for water storage. The point was brought up that UV rays are great for sanitation. Most of us have heard or seen the UV light disinfectants so it has me curious.

Of course there is a difference between UVA and UVB. What I'm curious about is if the UV rays from a common blacklight would work to disinfect water. My idea would be to us a closet to hold several 5gal water bottles and have a blacklight mounted in the closet. Once a month or so turn the light on to "disinfect" the water.

Any ideas on whether this idea would work or am I confusing the UVA and UVB.

LCAS-271

[Monel]

I would not trust that. Just store with chlorox added. You can always add more later and let it stand long enough to work. Then if you leave the water open to the air the chlorine will evaporate off. Would be advisable to filter it through a Berky filter too. I have seen water bags made for sanitizing water in the sun. They have a capsule half filled with some kind of wax. When the wax melts and runs to the bottom of the capsule the water is good. I need to see if I can find the link. I would like to get a few. They were not expensive.

[protus]

One of the posts here was talking about using water dispenser bottles for water storage. The point was brought up that UV rays are great for sanitation. Most of us have heard or seen the UV light disinfectants so it has me curious.

Of course there is a difference between UVA and UVB. What I'm curious about is if the UV rays from a common blacklight would work to disinfect water. My idea would be to us a closet to hold several 5gal water bottles and have a blacklight mounted in the closet. Once a month or so turn the light on to "disinfect" the water.

Any ideas on whether this idea would work or am I confusing the UVA and UVB.

LCAS-271

If the water stored is tap water or treated h20. Then it will last.
UV light does infact kill the nasties. Both via the sun and items like steripens etc.
The issue is UV light also breaks down plastics over time.......

the other issue with water cooler jugs is the lid/cap.
Now...if you must use those style, and want to cheap. Places like walmart etc have the water bottle section where they sell those jugs for around 5-7$ which is cheaper than those crappy aquatainers, but cheaper than blitz cans or military water jugs.
Those ones from wallymart have a screw on lid.

like packing food , sometimes you will need to spend that extra 1-2$ to ensure that your stocks are not only "there" when you need them but suitable for consumption.
YMMV

[Flagwaver]

I found an inexpensive water filtration system.

I'm glad you brought up this topic. Water storage is so important.

I ran across a water filtration system that has been successfully used in 3rd world countries and disaster areas. It is inexpensive, but it looks like it has been thoroughly researched and endorsed by respected institutions.

You can check the system out at

http://shop.monolithic.com/collections/emergency-preparedness/products/just-water-ceramic-drip-filter

There are links on the page that show the system's capabilities.
*I do NOT work for the company.