It’s only when the water stops coming out of the tap that most people realize they didn’t store nearly enough clean drinking water. It’s one of the most common preparedness mistakes — and one of the easiest to fix.
Water is the foundation of every emergency plan. Without it, even the best food storage won’t matter much. Here’s how much water you actually need — and how to store it the right way.
How Much Water to Store
The general rule of thumb from FEMA and the Red Cross is simple:
1 gallon of water per person per day.
That covers about half a gallon for drinking and another half gallon for minimal hygiene and cooking.
If you’re preparing for three days — the bare minimum — you’ll need at least 3 gallons per person.
- Family of 4 for 3 Days: 12 gallons
- Family of 4 for 7 Days: 28 gallons
- Family of 4 for 30 Days: 120 gallons
It’s easy to see how the numbers add up quickly. For small homes or apartments, storing 30 days of water is borderline impossible. That’s why knowing where you’ll source additional water — and how you’ll make it safe to drink — must be part of your plan.
Where Will You Get More Water?
Emergencies rarely stick to your plan. If a long-term disruption happens, city pipes may run dry, bottled water may disappear from shelves, and local sources may be contaminated.
That’s why it’s critical to have multiple layers of backup:
- Stored water you can rely on immediately
- A plan for refilling containers from natural sources (lakes, streams, rainwater)
- A reliable filtration system to make that water safe to drink
Even if you think your stored water will stay clean for years — what if it’s not? A simple filter that removes bacteria is an inexpensive backup that could save your life. Look for portable systems that can handle hundreds or thousands of gallons, like gravity-fed or straw-style filters.
Types of Water Storage
1. Long-Shelf-Life Water (5–50 Years)
Emergency canned water, boxed water, or pouched water designed for long-term storage is the most maintenance-free option.
- Shelf Life: 5–50 years (depending on type)
- Pros: No rotation needed; sealed against contamination; easy to transport
- Cons: Higher upfront cost per gallon
These are ideal for both home storage and evacuation kits — water you can set aside and forget about until you truly need it.
2. Plastic Bottles and Jugs
The easiest and cheapest way to start, but they require periodic rotation and are more prone to leaks over time.
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Shelf Life: 12–18 months
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Pros: Low cost; easy to find; simple to store in small spaces
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Cons: Must be rotated; plastic can degrade and leak; limited long-term durability
Use store-bought bottled water or refill clean containers with tap water. Store in a cool, dark place and keep off the floor. Remember — water doesn’t expire, but the container it’s in does.
3. Large Barrels and Tanks
For households with more space, 55-gallon barrels or multi-gallon tanks provide high-volume storage and can last for years with proper maintenance. In warmer climates storage outdoors becomes an option.
- Shelf Life: 6–12 months (with bleach treatment); up to 5 years (with stabilizer)
- Pros: High capacity; excellent for long-term reserves; cost-effective per gallon
- Cons: Heavy; not portable; requires treatment and periodic checks
Place barrels on wooden pallets (never directly on concrete). Treat water with unscented household bleach every 6–12 months (1/8 teaspoon per gallon), and relabel each time. Using a carbon filter before drinking helps improve taste.
4. Water Found in Plumbing & Water Heater
If your home loses water pressure but still contains water in the pipes or water heater, that supply may serve as an emergency reserve.
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Shelf Life: Varies (dependent on source and storage conditions)
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Pros: Readily available without extra containers; a hidden source most people forget
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Cons: May be undrinkable if the city water plant malfunctions or contaminants enter the system.
To access:
- Open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater (after turning off power or gas).
- For plumbing, open the highest faucet to let air in, then draw water from the lowest faucet.
- Always filter or boil this water before drinking if the cause of the outage is unknown — contamination is a real risk during city-wide failures.
Keep It Clean
Use only food-grade containers meant for drinking water. Never reuse milk jugs or juice bottles — they can harbor bacteria even after cleaning.
Store water in a cool, dark place (under beds, in closets, or basements). Avoid garages or attics where heat shortens shelf life. Always label containers with fill or treatment dates.
Don’t Forget Pets and Hygiene Needs
Plan for at least one extra gallon per day for pets, and more if you have larger animals.
If you expect to need water for washing hands, brushing teeth, or cleaning dishes, add a few more gallons per day to your plan. Hygiene water doesn’t always have to be drinkable, but your drinking supply must always be clean and filtered.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and keep your water plan ready before the next emergency hits.