Reverse Osmosis
, abbreviated as RO, is a filtration method that involves removing molecules, impurities and ions from drinking and aquarium water. Many types of bottled water are manufactured using this purifying method. Typically, water filtered by reverse osmosis is stored in one- to five-gallon-sized containers. However, you can make and store larger amounts of water in plastic garbage cans. It is recommended that you store extra drinking water in case of a natural disaster or emergency. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Purchase a food-safe rubber trash can. These garbage cans are not made with the same chemicals as non-food-safe cans, which contain chemicals to kill and prevent mold and mildew from forming in and along the plastic. Rubbermaid and Brute are two companies that manufacture food-safe trash cans.
2. Run the water through a reverse osmosis system. Depending on the type of system you own, you can set up the system so the filtered water is transported directly into the trash can, or you can catch the water in a smaller-sized container and then pour it into the trash can.
3. Secure the lid tightly over the trash can. If the lid is ill-fitting, air and bacteria can get into the water, making it unfiltered and possibly undrinkable.
4. Store the can in a climate-controlled, room-temperature area, out of direct sunlight. Storing the can in cold can cause freezing, which can cause the garbage can to crack; storing the trash can in heat can damage and weaken the plastic, as well as promote the spread of any bacteria that has entered the water.
5. Store the water for no longer than three months. If at any time the water appears to be cloudy or there is a noticeable smell once the lid is removed, do not drink the water. Although not common, bacteria can enter the trash can when the lid is removed to remove water and can contaminate the water.
Tags: garbage cans, into trash, reverse osmosis