Water
How much water to store per person
Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, for at least 3 days, and work toward a 2-week supply if you can. A family of four needs 12 gallons for three days and 56 gallons for two weeks.
The one number to remember
One gallon per person, per day. That gallon covers drinking and basic sanitation, and it's the figure Ready.gov and the CDC both use.
A gallon is about 3.8 litres. The CDC asks for at least 3 days of it, and a 2-week supply where you have the room.
How much for your household
Multiply people by days. Here it is worked out.
| People | 3 days | 2 weeks (14 days) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 gal (about 11 L) | 14 gal (about 53 L) |
| 2 | 6 gal (about 23 L) | 28 gal (about 106 L) |
| 3 | 9 gal (about 34 L) | 42 gal (about 159 L) |
| 4 | 12 gal (about 45 L) | 56 gal (about 212 L) |
| 5 | 15 gal (about 57 L) | 70 gal (about 265 L) |
| 6 | 18 gal (about 68 L) | 84 gal (about 318 L) |
Based on 1 gallon per person per day (CDC, Ready.gov). Litres rounded. The water calculator adds pets and hot weather for your home.
Who needs more
The gallon is a minimum. Store extra for:
- Pets. The CDC and Ready.gov both say to keep extra water for them. Count each animal when you plan.
- Pregnant and nursing mothers, children, and anyone who is sick.
- Hot weather. Ready.gov notes that in very hot temperatures, water needs can double.
- Hot climates generally, per the CDC.
How to store it
Store-bought water is the simplest. Ready.gov suggests keeping it sealed in its original container in a cool, dark place. To bottle your own, follow these steps.
01Pick the container
- Use FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers where you can.
- Otherwise, pick one with a tight lid, made of unbreakable material, ideally with a narrow opening.
- Avoid glass.
- Never use a container that once held toxic chemicals, liquid or solid.
Source: CDC
02Clean and sanitize it
- Wash the container with soap and rinse it well.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach (5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite) into 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
- Pour it in, cover, and shake so it touches every inside surface.
- Wait at least 30 seconds, pour it out and let the container air-dry.
Source: CDC
03Fill, label, shelve
- Fill with clean tap water and seal it.
- Label it "drinking water" with the date you filled it.
- Store it somewhere cool (50°F to 70°F), out of direct sunlight.
- Keep it away from toxic substances such as gasoline and pesticides.
Source: CDC
How long stored water keeps
It depends on who bottled it.
| Water | Replace it |
|---|---|
| Store-bought, still sealed | By the expiration date on the bottle |
| Bottled yourself from the tap | Every six months |
CDC and Ready.gov.
A rotation that sticks
The date on the label is what makes rotation work.
Pick two dates six months apart that you already notice, such as the clock changes in spring and fall, and swap your home-bottled water then. Use the old water for plants or cleaning, then wash, sanitize and refill.
For store-bought cases, put new ones at the back of the shelf and drink from the front. Then the oldest bottles get used before their date.
When the tap stops or turns unsafe
Your stored supply goes further if you know what else in the house you can use.
- Drink and cook with bottled, boiled or treated water, and use it for hygiene too where you can.
- If officials report a problem with the mains, you may need to shut off your home's main water valve so contaminants stay out of your pipes.
- Pool and spa water is for washing and cleaning only. Don't drink it.
- Water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals can't be made safe. Leave it.
- River, lake and rain water must be treated to kill germs before you drink it.
- Follow what your local officials say about water precautions where you live.
Questions people ask
How much water should I store for a family of four?
12 gallons covers three days. A two-week supply is 56 gallons. Add more for pets, hot weather, or anyone pregnant or sick.
Does tap water go bad in storage?
The CDC says to replace water you bottle from your home every six months. Sealed store-bought water lasts to its expiration date.
Can I use milk jugs to store water?
The CDC's first choice is an FDA-approved food-grade water storage container. Failing that, it asks for a tight-closing lid and unbreakable material, so pick a container that meets both.
How much water does a dog need in an emergency?
Federal guidance says to store extra water for pets without giving a fixed amount. Ask your vet what your animal drinks in a day and multiply by the days you plan for.
Where is the best place to store emergency water?
Somewhere cool, between 50°F and 70°F, out of direct sunlight and away from gasoline, pesticides and other chemicals.
Can I drink soda or coffee instead?
Ready.gov advises against counting carbonated or caffeinated drinks in place of water.
Read next
Sources
- CDC: How to Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
- Ready.gov: Water
- CDC: How to Find Clean Water in an Emergency
- Ready.gov: Build a Kit Pet food and extra water for pets.