Introduction
Greetings to our readers! In today’s world, access to clean water is not always a guarantee. It is essential to have safe drinking water that is free from contaminants to prevent waterborne diseases. One way to ensure a continuous supply of safe water is by canning it. Canning water is a process that involves packing and preserving water in airtight containers to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
In this article, we will guide you on how to can water, the advantages and disadvantages of this method, and answer frequently asked questions related to canning water. So, let’s get started!
How to Can Water
Canning water is a straightforward process that involves minimal equipment and effort. Follow the steps below to can water:
Step 1: Gather Equipment
The first step in canning water is to gather the equipment needed for the process, which includes:
| Equipment | Amount |
| Water | As much as desired |
| Canning jars with lids and rings | As many as needed |
| Large pot with a lid | 1 |
| Canning rack | 1 |
| Jar lifter | 1 |
Make sure that all equipment is clean and free from any visible damage or cracks.
Step 2: Prepare Jars and Lids
Before canning, jars and lids must be sterilized to ensure that no harmful bacteria or microorganisms contaminate the water. Follow these steps to prepare jars and lids:
Clean Jars
Wash jars, lids, and rings with hot soapy water and rinse them thoroughly with clean water. You can also use a dishwasher to clean the jars. Ensure that no residue remains inside the jars.
Sterilize Jars and Lids
Place jars and lids in a large pot filled with water. Heat the water to a boiling point and let the jars and lids boil for at least 10 minutes to sterilize them. The boiling time for high altitude areas should be adjusted accordingly.
Keep Jars and Lids Warm
Keep the sterilized jars and lids warm until they are ready to be filled with water. You can keep the jars and lids in the hot water or cover them to keep them warm.
Step 3: Fill Jars with Water
After sterilizing the jars, fill them with water. Ensure that you leave a 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion during the canning process. You can also add a pinch of salt to each jar to improve the taste.
Step 4: Seal Jars
After filling the jars with water, wipe the rims with a clean cloth to remove any water or debris. Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings tightly to seal them. Make sure that the rings are not too tight to allow for air to escape during the canning process.
Step 5: Canning Water
Place the jars in a canning rack and lower them into a pot of boiling water. The jars should be covered with at least 1-2 inches of water. Cover the pot and let the jars boil for the recommended time based on your altitude.
For elevations below 1000 feet, the recommended processing time is 10 minutes for half-pint and 15 minutes for pint to quart sizes. For elevations between 1000-6000 feet, the processing time needs to be increased according to your altitude. For elevations above 6000 feet, the processing time should be adjusted again. Check with your local extension office or USDA guidelines for the correct altitude adjustments.
Step 6: Remove Jars from Water
After the processing time has elapsed, turn off the heat, and remove the pot’s lid. Allow the jars to rest in the pot for 5 minutes to cool down before removing them from the pot. Use a jar lifter to remove the jars from the pot and place them on a clean towel to cool.
Step 7: Check Jars’ Seal
After the jars have cooled down, check the seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops up and down, the jar is not sealed correctly. You can store unsealed jars in the fridge for up to a week. If the jar is correctly sealed, store them in a cool, dry place.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Canning Water
Advantages
Canning water has several advantages, such as:
Long Shelf Life
Canned water has a long shelf life of up to five years. This means that you will have a continuous supply of safe drinking water even during emergencies.
Cost-Effective
Canning water is a cost-effective method of preserving water. You can use any jars that you have available at home, and you don’t need to purchase expensive equipment to preserve water.
Portable
Canned water is easy to store and transport. You can take it with you on camping trips, picnics, or any outdoor activity that requires a clean water supply.
Disadvantages
Despite its advantages, canning water also has some disadvantages. These include:
Risk of Contamination
If the jars, lids, or equipment used in canning water are not properly sterilized, there is a risk of contamination. This can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and microorganisms, which can cause waterborne diseases.
Extra Storage Space
Canned water takes up extra storage space. If you have limited storage space, canning water may not be a viable option.
Resource-Intensive
Canning water requires heat to sterilize equipment and properly seal the jars. This process can be resource-intensive, especially if you are canning large quantities of water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you can any type of water?
Yes. You can use any safe drinking water source to can water. However, avoid using salty or mineral-rich water as it can affect the taste of the canned water.
2. Can I reuse jars and lids?
No. Jars and lids are designed for one-time use only. Reusing jars and lids can increase the risk of contamination and cause seal failure.
3. Can I can water without a pressure canner?
Yes. You can use a regular canner to can water as long as the processing time and temperature are correct for your altitude.
4. How long can I store canned water?
Canned water has a shelf life of up to five years if stored in a cool, dry place.
5. Can I add flavorings to water before canning?
Yes. You can add flavorings such as lemon or lime juice before canning water to improve the taste.
6. Can I use plastic containers to can water?
No. Plastic containers are not recommended for canning water as they can melt or deform during the canning process.
7. Can I can water in glass jars?
Yes. Glass jars are the most common containers used for canning water as they are strong and can withstand high temperatures.
8. Can I use canning salt to can water?
Yes. Canning salt is recommended for canning water as it has no additives that can affect the taste or clarity of the water.
9. Can I can water in quart-sized jars?
Yes. You can use quart-sized jars to can water. However, the processing time may need to be adjusted based on your altitude.
10. Can I store canned water in the freezer?
No. Canned water should not be stored in the freezer as it can cause the jars to break or crack.
11. Can I can sparkling or carbonated water?
No. Sparkling or carbonated water should not be canned as they can cause the jars to explode during the canning process.
12. Can I use a dishwasher to sterilize jars and lids?
Yes. You can use a dishwasher to sterilize jars and lids. However, ensure that the dishwasher uses high-temperature settings for sterilization.
13. Can I open a canned water jar after it has been processed?
Yes. You can open a canned water jar anytime. However, ensure that the jar’s seal is intact and that the water smells and tastes good before drinking it.
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided valuable information on how to can water, the advantages and disadvantages of this method, and answers to frequently asked questions. Canning water is a simple process, and it ensures that you have a continuous supply of clean drinking water even during emergencies.
Remember to follow the recommended processing time and temperature for your altitude and ensure that you properly sterilize all equipment before canning water.
Stay safe and always have a supply of safe drinking water!
Closing or Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used as such. Always consult with a professional before canning water or taking any actions based on the information in this article.
The author and publisher of this article assume no liability for any damages or losses incurred by the reader as a result of following the instructions or suggestions in this article.
