Consumer Product Frequently Asked Questions
How is Reliance Products involved with PUR Purifier of Water?
Reliance has been selected by Procter & Gamble to be the exclusive distributor for PUR Purifier of Water in North America. The product will be available for purchase at a number of Outdoor and General Merchandise retailers as well as through a variety of Emergency Preparedness organizations. Contact Reliance for more information on availability of PUR Purifier of Water in North America.
Where can I find more information on PUR Purifier of Water?
PUR Purifier of Water is a breakthrough technology in water purification and has a number of advantages over other water treatment products. Click here for more information on this product.
What is the recommendation for storing water at home for an emergency?
It is recommended that every household store a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day for at least a three day period. For a family of four, for example, this would mean storing a minimum of 12 gallons of potable water.
What containers should I use for long term storage?
The Aqua-Tainer, Hydroller, Aqua-Lux, 5G Water Container and all collapsibles are great for storing water, but you may find the Aqua-Pak and Water-Pak are ideal as they can be stacked when they are full.
Why would I use water containers for storing water instead of storing bottled water?
Bottled water is an alternative for storing water at home for an emergency. The average shelf life of bottled water is two years, depending on the conditions of the area in which the water is stored. Storing the bottles in less-than-ideal conditions can affect the appearance and taste of the water over time. While we recommend that water stored in our containers should be changed out every 90 days, there is no packaging waste involved in refreshing this water – or in consuming it. Given the proper care, our reusable containers have an infinite useful life. Small, one-time use water bottles produce waste any time they are consumed or changed out.
For how long can I store water in a Reliance container?
This will depend on the quality of the water in your area; however, we recommend that you change your stored water at least every 90 days.
Do I need to treat my water before I store it for the long-term?
Culinary water (tap water) is what is usually stored for long term storage. If you have a clean, opaque container that light cannot get through and your water is bacteria-free when you store it, you probably don't need to treat it further. Under these conditions the water actually gets more pure as it is stored. However, for most of us there is no guarantee that our culinary water is bacteria-free and we prefer to treat our water in some way as a precaution when we store it. Several methods have traditionally been used to purify water for long term water storage:
Two percent Tincture of Iodine -- To use this add 12 drops per gallon of water. Note: pregnant or nursing women or people with thyroid problems should not drink water with iodine.
Chlorine Bleach -- Household bleach can also be used. This should contain a 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite without soap additives or phosphates. Use 1/8 teaspoon (about 5-8 drops) per gallon of water.
Another alternative is to treat the water as it is consumed, rather than before it is stored. PUR Purifier of Water and the LifeGuard Bacteria Filter are examples of methods that effectively treat water for safe consumption.
For how long can I use the same water container?
There is no limit to how long a water container can be used providing it is properly maintained and cleaned between uses. The container is made from food-grade plastic and this does not change over time.
My water tastes funny after storing it in my water container. Why is this?
This is likely due to a build-up of dissolved solids from previous water storage and from bacteria growth on the inside of your container. It is not caused by the plastic.
You can try cleaning your water container as recommended below; however, if your container has not been cleaned for a long time this may not work. If this is the case you will need to replace your water container and maintain and clean it as recommended below.
How can I clean the inside of my water container?
We recommend that you rinse the inside of your water container with baking soda and water a few times between each use.
Vinegar and water can also be used for this same purpose.
IMPORTANT: Do not use vinegar and baking soda at the same time.
It is important that the inside of the container be completely dried before storing it empty to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Can I store gasoline or other chemicals in my water container?
No. Your water container is designed and built to store water and other consumable beverages. It should never be used to store or transport anything else.
Are Reliance water containers made from food-grade material?
Yes. All Reliance water containers (both rigid and collapsible) are made from food-approved plastic. These containers can be found by following the Hydration link on the Consumer Main Page.
I have a water container with a spigot on it and I am finding it difficult to turn the spout. Is there anything I can do to correct this?
Yes. Remove the spout from the stem and ensure that it is free from dirt that could interfere with performance. Apply a drop of cooking oil to the spout and reassemble. This may need to be repeated periodically.
IMPORTANT: Ensure you take note of which direction the spout and stem are to be assembled. If they are put together backwards the spigot will leak.
Can I clean my spigot cap in the dishwasher?
No. The components are not dishwasher safe and should be washed by hand. Even though the Aqua-Clear container is dishwasher safe, the cap for this container can still not be cleaned in the dishwasher.
I have a hole in my Fold-A-Carrier. Is there anything that can be used to patch the hole?
There is nothing that can safely be used to patch a hole. Since the container is intended for storing drinkable water any chemicals in adhesives could be transferred into the drinking water.
Can I stack my Aqua-Tainer when it is filled?
No. This container can only be stacked when it is empty.