Quick answer: Use a dated inventory and a repeatable handling routine. Unopened commercially bottled water is CDC’s preferred reliable emergency source. If you fill suitable containers yourself, prepare the container correctly and keep the drinking water protected during storage and dispensing.
Choose the routine before adding capacity
For bought water, record the manufacturer’s date and instructions. For self-filled containers, record the preparation and fill date. CDC advises replacing self-stored water every six months. Use separate inventory fields for those two cases rather than treating one date rule as universal.
A practical ledger needs only location, container size, usable volume and the next action. Mark “check,” “replace” or “missing” specifically so another household member can complete the task.
Prepare a refillable container
CDC’s container procedure uses washing and complete rinsing, followed by a sanitizing solution of one teaspoon of unscented household bleach containing 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite in one quart of water. Close and shake so the solution contacts all inside surfaces; wait at least 30 seconds, empty it, let the container air-dry and fill with clean water.
This is a container-sanitizing solution, not a drinking-water treatment dose. Use the specified product and follow its handling label. Do not mix cleaning chemicals or substitute a different concentration by guessing.
Give each container a visible place in the inventory
Label self-filled drinking-water containers with the date. Arrange them so the next one requiring replacement can be reached without unloading the entire reserve. Put a tray or other suitable leak-management arrangement where appropriate, while keeping inspection access.
Store according to the water and container instructions. Choose a location away from sunlight and chemical storage; CDC recommends a cool storage area. A convenient location is useful only if the storage conditions and supports suit the supply.
Keep dispensing clean
Use a serving method that does not require putting hands into the container. Keep caps and the dispenser from touching dirty surfaces. If an unfamiliar person needs the supply, a short instruction card can identify the drinking-water containers and the separate non-drinking supply.
After opening or using a container, record the actual remaining quantity. The original package size is not the current reserve if half the water has already been consumed.
Use a small rotation session
- Compare the ledger with the containers present.
- Check dates, seals and visible damage.
- Replace the supply requiring action according to its instructions.
- Update volume and next-check fields.
For a supply interruption, use the water-outage action plan. For the total amount, use the water calculation. For physical handling and closures, use the container selection guide.