Water · Water Storage
Add them at fill time. Your stored water stays safe for up to 5 years. Here is what these products are, what makes them different from bleach, and when you actually need them.
The basics
Long-term water storage drops are stabilized sodium hypochlorite solutions formulated specifically for treating potable water at the time you fill your storage containers. The best-known product is Water Preserver Concentrate — an EPA-registered formula that, when added to sealed food-grade containers at fill time, maintains water safety for up to 5 years.
The active chemistry is sodium hypochlorite, the same ingredient as household bleach. The difference is stability and concentration. Water Preserver is a pH-balanced, high-purity sodium hypochlorite formulation tested over 10 years of continuous sampling by California EPA. Standard household bleach degrades in 6 to 12 months and is not formulated for this purpose. Storage drops are specifically engineered and tested for long-term residual chlorine maintenance.
Critical limitation: these products are storage preservatives, not purifiers. You must start with potable tap water — clean, treated municipal water or a tested, confirmed-safe well. Storage drops prevent microbial regrowth in sealed containers during storage. They do not purify contaminated water, treat water from unknown sources, or compensate for a compromised container. For treating field or questionable water, use chlorine dioxide tablets or drops instead.
Water Preserver Concentrate: 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water. Seal the container immediately after adding. Store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight. The 5-year shelf life applies to sealed containers at room temperature. One 16-ounce bottle treats up to 110 gallons. For most households with one or two 55-gallon barrels, one bottle covers the full volume.
Yes, but with a shorter effective window. The EPA recommends 8 drops of 6% unscented bleach per gallon for short-term storage (up to 6 months). For annual rotation, this is a reasonable approach. For 5-year storage without rotation, Water Preserver Concentrate is the more tested product.
Where to buy
Water Preserver Concentrate is the standard in this category. Available on Amazon and through emergency preparedness retailers. The full product guide is on the Water Preserver page.
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