Learn essential water storage techniques for Chilean households, including container selection, sizing calculations, sanitization procedures, and safe storage practices.
Calculate water needs based on Chilean hazard scenarios. Standard recommendation: 1 gallon per person per day. For a family of four in Santiago: 12 gallons minimum for 3 days, 56 gallons for 2 weeks. Include extra for children, pregnant individuals, pets, and hot climate conditions.
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Food-grade HDPE containers (resin code #2) offer the best balance of safety, cost, and portability. Avoid containers that held toxic chemicals. Stainless steel provides durability for larger stationary storage. Glass works for small quantities but presents breakage risks during earthquakes.
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Keep water cool, dark, and secure. Ideal locations: interior closets, pantries, basements. Avoid garages due to heat and chemical vapors. Store heavy containers on stable shelving. Label each container "Drinking Water" with fill date. Maintain 10-21°C (50-70°F) when possible.
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Wash with dish soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly. Sanitize using 1 teaspoon unscented bleach per quart water. Shake to coat all surfaces, wait 30+ seconds, drain and rinse. Air dry or fill immediately. This prevents microbial contamination during storage.
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Santiago and other municipal tap water is generally safe for storage when properly containerized. Fill containers completely to minimize air exposure. Cap tightly to prevent contamination. No chemical treatment needed before storage if using treated municipal water under normal conditions.
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Chilean coastal and high-altitude regions require special considerations. Use opaque, UV-stabilized tanks outdoors. Elevate containers slightly off ground. Position spigots low for easy dispensing. Add rodent-proof covers. Avoid areas with chemical storage or extreme temperature fluctuations.
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Match container sizes to your Chilean household needs and storage space. Personal bottles (1-2L) for grab-and-go kits. 5-gallon containers (~40 lbs when full) for household reserves. 55-gallon drums for two-week supplies. Consider weight when full and available storage locations.
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Beyond stored water, Chilean households have emergency sources. 40-gallon water heaters, melted ice, clean toilet tanks (not bowls), and canned goods liquids. All require treatment before drinking. Clear ice from before the crisis is most useful. Avoid radiators and boiler water.
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Chile's diverse climate affects storage. Northern Atacama region requires UV-protected, heat-resistant containers. Central Chile needs temperature-stable storage during heatwaves. Southern regions require freeze protection. High-altitude cities (>1,500m) should consider altitude effects on disinfection needs.
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