Canning water......yes, water

RustBeltCowgirl

As we've had several topics on preparedness, from weather through other issues; having water stocked is a big factor.

In this article, Ashley walks us through how to can water and why.

https://practicalselfreliance.com/canning-water/

blevinandwomba

To be honest, I don't think I've heard of this, but it makes total sense.

I like the idea she mentioned of canning water when you are canning something else and have extra room.

karenjanicki

It seems odd to me. I mean it might last a long time but that would take up an incredibly large amount of space in comparison to stacking cases of bottled water or using large holding tanks.

blevinandwomba

@karenjanicki The main benefit, as I understand it, is avoiding the use of plastic, as it breaks down over time and can affect the quality of your water.

tilathehunn

Living in California water storage is a necessity since we live in "earthquake country". Canning water is intriguing. Since it is recommended we store a gallon a day per person...minimum 3 days, better 5 to 7. I use the gallon jugs from white vinegar and bleach bottles and rotate them. The theory of the jugs is the small amount of residual acts as a preservative to suppress the growth of mold.

marjstratton

My mom canned water way back in the 1950's and 60's. I believe she put some lemon juice in it. Yes, we lived in earthquake country (Seattle) but I think it was more because of the political climate with the cold war that she was doing it.

tomandcara

I agree with @blevinandwomba. Storing water is glass is because storing it plastic decreases the quality of the water. Lots of research on BPA and it's negative effects on our health.

Torey

Please do not use recycled bottles for water storage unless the bottles are food grade/food safe plastics. Other plastics may contain other chemicals that easily leach out; BPAs being only one of the chemicals. Its one thing to use a small amount of chlorine to disinfect water but storage in non-food containers is a whole different ball-game. There are instructions on bleach bottles stating not to use them for any other purpose. The SDS for Chlorox and several other brands states the same. When you use bleach to sanitize a container it is only swished around for a few seconds; it doesn't sit in the container and permeate the plastic. Water can also be sanitized by boiling before use to avoid the use of chlorine altogether.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/creating-storing-emergency-water-supply.html#:~:text=DO%20NOT%20USE%20containers%20that,bleach%2C%20pesticides%2C%20etc.)

This link has a chart with how much bleach to add for sanitizing, if that is how you choose to sanitize your water. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss439

Most times you can store water in plastic (food safe) jugs for 6 months. If I needed water to last longer, I might consider canning it. The idea of adding jars of water to fill a partially full canner is a good one. But I am fortunate enough to live beside a lake and in the winter we could melt snow if necessary so water storage has never been an issue for us.

karenjanicki

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/889726#Comment_889726

That makes sense. I have been concerned about it myself. Would a water filter remove plastic breakdown?

happy-trails

This could be very useful! Especially if one does not live near a body of water and have a portable system to clean/filter the water. I think it would be a great idea to have canned water in our vehicle as an emergency supply as well. We could easily get stuck in a snow storm here, and need water. Thank you for this post.

tomandcara

@karenjanicki Here is an interesting link that says BPA can be filtered out: https://www.clearlyfiltered.com/blogs/blog/what-is-bpa-is-it-bad-for-me

karenjanicki

Thank you!

nicksamanda11

I saw this post a few weeks ago. I really like Ashley's website and go to hers first for most things I look up that are homesteady (if that's even a word😁). I would love to just have a whole room devoted to canned things- including water. I like the idea. I haven't done it yet but maybe when I can my fish broth tomorrow I'll can a jar of water for fun😇.