Canned Water: The Lifesaving Resource You Can’t Overlook

Clean water plays a critical role in emergency situations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that “after an emergency, your tap water may not be available or safe to use. Use bottled, boiled, or treated water to avoid getting sick.” But during a crisis, boiling or treating large quantities of water isn't always an option, especially in the short term.

Canned, bottled, and pouched water provides safe access to drinkable water. All of these options provide safe and shelf-stable drinking water in an emergency. However, canned water has a uniquely long shelf life and is a reliable crisis preparation choice.

EmergencyKits.com offers a trusted selection of emergency water supplies tailored to various needs. Now, we’ll explore what exactly canned water is, proper storage, and when to use it.

What Is Emergency Canned Water?

Regular plastic bottles are meant for use as regular drinking water within a few months to a year of purchase. Emergency canned water is any product specially bottled and stored for use in an emergency. This isn’t the water you use after a run or during soccer practice.

This canned water is pressurized to remove all oxygen and hermetically sealed for long-term storage. The canned water available at EmergencyKits.com has a 50-year shelf life. The manufacturing process contributes to this long shelf-life and includes using rust-proof aluminum cans and an epoxy-coated interior, which prevents contact between water and metal. This coating is certified BPA-free by FDA-approved labs.

The water itself contains less than one part per million of dissolved solids due to an advanced filtration and purification process. This is possible due to the multi-stage purification method:

1. Active-charcoal filters
2. Dual reverse osmosis under high pressure
3. Six-stage micron traps
4. Two sterilizers
5. High-intensity UV light
6. Active pH balance technology
7. Nitrogen gas preservation
8. Water structuring for improved cell absorption

This water is kept at a neutral pH level, ensuring the integrity of the epoxy coating, the water's quality, and a great taste. EmergencyKits.com’s canned water is available in 24-can cases and pallets of 2,400 cans.

Types of Water for Emergencies

We covered the serious benefits of canned water above, including its unique, non-perishable properties. These kinds of beverage cans outlast other emergency water by decades. However, emergency drinking water comes in all shapes and sizes.

Below are the other types of emergency water. None offer the longevity of canned water, but they do possess special properties that are helpful in dire situations.

Bottled Water

Specialized bottled water in durable plastic packaging is one of the most practical options for emergency situations. Unlike standard plastic bottles or cans, these are designed to withstand drops and impacts, reducing the risk of breaking or bursting. They’re also resealable, making them particularly useful in long-term disaster scenarios where water must be rationed.

Additionally, these bottles are designed to float when fully filled, which can be advantageous for boat storage or water-based emergencies. With a typical shelf life of up to 20 years, specialized bottled water ensures long-lasting reliability for critical survival needs.

Carton Water

Like bottled water, carton water is also resealable but has a shorter typical life span of 10 years. It’s also more fragile than both bottled and canned water. However, these pouches can withstand a decent range of temperatures from 33°F to 125°F.

Water Pouches

Pouches are the most affordable stored water options and the lightest for transport. The water pouches available at EmergencyKits.com are triple purified, reverse osmosis, UV sterilized, and ozonated. It has the shortest shelf life of 5 years.

Proper Storage for Emergency Water Supplies

Blue Can Water is best stored at temperatures between 33°F (0°C) and 145°F (55°C). Fluctuations within this range do not affect the water's quality. Storing any water at or below freezing will damage the product and is not recommended. Store water in a cool, dry place with some level of temperature control.

Canned, bottled, and pouched water all have a tamper-proof design, so it's simple to tell whether the container has been damaged or opened. Check supplies periodically for signs of damage or use.

Rotate supplies based on expiration date as needed. If your water is nearing its expiration date, just remove it from emergency storage and drink as normal. Replace your expiring water before drinking to ensure you always have access to safe emergency water.

When to Use Canned Water in Emergencies

Drink canned water in any emergency situation where you cannot trust or don’t have access to tap water. In an emergency, there are three water priorities set by the World Health Organization. They are:

1. The provision of sufficient quantities of safe water,
2. basic sanitation arrangements,
3. and promotion of good hygiene behaviors.

These priorities require various sanitation and hygiene efforts, but all require access to safe water sources. Dehydration and death are possible if people are left without safe drinking water. Disease and unsafe living conditions are also possible without safe drinking water.

In most cases, emergency water will be used as drinking water only. Still, individuals and organizations should be stocked with enough water to support safe sanitation practices, as well. The following are situations where canned water is invaluable.

• Natural disasters: Use canned water during hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods when tap water is unavailable or contaminated.
• Extended power outages: Outages can disrupt regular water filtration systems. Canned water is a safe and sterile option when you’re concerned about tap water.
• Evacuation scenarios: During an evacuation, canned water is a helpful grab-and-go convenience option.
• Organizational needs: Schools, offices, and emergency responders can rely on canned water to serve large groups efficiently.

Why Choose Canned Water Over Alternatives

Canned water is a far superior product to regular plastic or glass-stored drinking water. While canned water may be less than ideal in an on-the-go situation, they are ideal for long-term storage and can be used in a variety of emergency scenarios.

The key benefits include:

• Shelf-life: Long shelf life and superior durability compared to plastic bottles.
• Anti-contamination: Resistance to liquid contamination from light or temperature fluctuations.
• Simple storage: Cans are easily integrated into professional-grade emergency kits.
• Recyclable: Aluminum cans can be recycled, reducing the carbon footprint of this product.

Be Prepared for Any Emergency with the Right Water

Maintain reliable water supplies to keep people safe. Proper emergency preparedness means choosing the best supplies for your exact needs. Explore EmergencyKits.com’s range of canned water and other water storage solutions and select the best option for you.

Don’t wait for the unexpected. Be proactive. Stock up on high-quality emergency water supplies today at EmergencyKits.com