Emergency Water Preparedness
How to Clean and Sanitize Water Storage Containers
A step-by-step CDC-based procedure for preparing food-grade containers before filling them with emergency drinking water.
Direct answer
Use a food-grade container made for water. Wash it with soap and rinse completely. Sanitize with 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach containing 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite mixed into 1 quart of water; close and shake so all inside surfaces are contacted, wait at least 30 seconds, then empty and let it air-dry before filling. Follow CDC instructions and the container maker’s directions.
Questions This Guide Answers
Do I need to wash a water container before sanitizing it?
Wash a water-storage container with soap and rinse it completely before sanitizing. The CDC procedure includes both cleaning and sanitizing; a clean-looking container does not replace those steps.
Full guidance: CDC container sanitation steps · Sources: CDC — Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
How do I sanitize an emergency water container with bleach?
After washing and fully rinsing the container, use CDC’s sanitizing mixture: one teaspoon of unscented liquid bleach containing 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite in one quart of water. Close and shake the container so the mixture touches all inside surfaces, wait at least 30 seconds, then empty it and let it air-dry before filling with safe water. This is a container-sanitizing procedure, not a drinking-water treatment dose.
Full guidance: CDC container sanitation steps · Sources: CDC — Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
Can I use the container-sanitizing bleach recipe to treat drinking water?
Do not use the container-sanitizing mixture as a dose for drinking water. Sanitizing an empty vessel and disinfecting water are different procedures with different quantities and instructions; use the full drinking-water disinfection guide when treatment is needed.
Full guidance: CDC container sanitation steps · Sources: CDC — Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
Which bleach should I use to sanitize a water-storage container?
For the CDC container procedure, use unscented liquid household chlorine bleach labeled 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite. Do not substitute scented, splashless, color-safe or cleaner-added products; follow the complete sanitation procedure and the container manufacturer’s directions.
Full guidance: Official guidance and source · Sources: CDC — Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
How do I keep stored water clean when dispensing it?
Pour stored water or use a clean, dedicated spigot instead of dipping hands or cups into the supply. Keep the outlet and cap clean and close the container after use to reduce recontamination.
Full guidance: Keep stored water clean after filling · Sources: CDC — Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
CDC container sanitation steps
- Wash the container with soap and rinse it completely with clean water.
- Mix 1 teaspoon unscented liquid household bleach (5%–9% sodium hypochlorite) in 1 quart of water.
- Pour the solution into the container, close it, and shake so the sanitizer contacts all interior surfaces.
- Wait at least 30 seconds, then pour the solution out.
- Let the empty container air-dry before use.
- Fill with water from a safe source and close tightly.
Do not confuse this container-sanitizing mixture with a dosage for treating drinking water. They are different procedures.
Choose the right container
CDC recommends FDA-approved food-grade water containers. A suitable vessel has a tight closure, durable unbreakable construction, and preferably a narrow opening that limits hand contact. Do not use containers previously used for toxic chemicals such as bleach or pesticides. “Food grade” must describe the container’s material and intended use, not just a seller’s vague claim.
Keep stored water clean after filling
Keep caps and openings clean. Do not dip cups or hands into stored water; pour it or use a dedicated clean spigot. Store the vessel out of sunlight and away from chemicals. Mark the fill date, and replace self-filled water every six months under CDC’s current guidance. See container size and handling considerations.
Official guidance and source
The procedure above follows the CDC emergency water supply instructions. Bleach formulations and concentrations matter. Never substitute scented, color-safe, splashless, or cleaner-added bleach for the unscented liquid bleach specified for this method.
Common mistakes
- Using a beverage jug that is not designed for long-term water storage.
- Using a container that held chemicals.
- Skipping the complete soap rinse before sanitizing.
- Using the container-sanitizing recipe as an in-water treatment dose.
- Touching clean interior surfaces or leaving the container open.