Interesting that in this file:
http://www.lifewater.org/resources/rws3/rws3m.pdfThey claim that simply "storing" water in containers for 2 days or more will reduce the level of bacteria (up to 90% for two weeks). They do say that to be sure that it is safe the water would need further treatment.
While no help in a short-term situation and only somewhat better than nothing, this info might shed some light on our concerns about long-term storage of water. Perhaps time IS on our side.
Has anyone heard of this before?