You'll hear preppers talk about "cycling" or "rotating" their water. It just means using your stored water and refilling it on a schedule, so what you'd drink in an emergency is always fresh.
How often?
- Plain tap water you bottled yourself: every 6 months.
- Water with a water preserver added: up to 5 years. Write the date on the container.
- Cases of store-bought water: use them in your daily life and replace them within a year or two.
The easy way to remember
Cycle your water when the clocks change for daylight saving time, twice a year. Same day you check your smoke alarm batteries.
How to do it without wasting a drop
- Use the old water for plants, the garden, laundry, mopping or flushing.
- Wash and rinse the container. For drums, a little dish soap and a rinse is enough.
- Refill with fresh tap water. If you're on well water, treat it first.
- Add a water preserver if you're storing long term.
- Write the new date on it and on your log.
I made a free water storage log to track it. Print it and tape it inside the closet where you keep your water.
Need containers? See the levels on my Water page.