Potable water tank

[Royboy]

What is the best way to sterilize and how long can water be held before it is necessary (recommended) to do so?

[polarlyse]

We drink the water from our tank so I like to think we take pretty good care with it. When planning on our run towards home I try to let the tank run down to somewhat less than half full. I add a little bleach ( maybe 1/4 c or so) to let it slosh around on the way home. Once home I run the sink faucets to let it flush through the lines and drain the tank. This is all I've done and things seem to be in pretty good shape. When filling the tank away from home I always taste the water before filling just to make sure it's good water. I always travel with some water even if not full.

[Adventure.AS]

WATER – CHLORINE BLEACH RATIO FOR PURIFYING DRINKING WATER
(Bleach containing 5-6% Sodium Hypochlorite)
numbers are ’rounded’
1 Quart water, 2 drops bleach
1 Gallon water, 8 drops bleach
5 Gallons water, 1/2 teaspoon bleach
10 Gallons water, 1 teaspoon bleach
50 Gallons water, 5 teaspoons bleach
*
WATER – CHLORINE BLEACH RATIO FOR PURIFYING DRINKING WATER
(Bleach containing 8.25% Sodium Hypochlorite)
numbers are ’rounded’
1 Quart water, 1 drop bleach
1 Gallon water, 5 drops bleach
5 Gallons water, 3/8 teaspoon bleach (or three 1/8th teaspoons)
10 Gallons water, 3/4 teaspoon bleach
50 Gallons water, 3.5 teaspoons bleach