Water is the most critical resource for survival—you can survive weeks without food, but only days without water. Yet water storage is often overlooked in emergency preparedness. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about storing, purifying, and managing water for emergency situations.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Basic Requirements
Minimum storage: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days Recommended storage: 1 gallon per person per day for 2 weeks minimum
Breaking Down Water Usage
Drinking: 0.5 gallons per person per day
Cooking: 0.2 gallons per person per day
Basic hygiene: 0.3 gallons per person per day
Additional Considerations
Hot climates: Increase to 1.5 gallons per person per day Pregnant/nursing women: Add 0.5 gallons per day Children: May need more than adults relative to body weight Pets: 0.25-1 gallon per day depending on size Medical needs: Factor in extra water for medications, dialysis, etc.
Water Storage Containers
Best Container Types
Food-grade plastic containers (HDPE #2 or PETE #1):
- BPA-free and safe for long-term storage
- Available in various sizes
- Lightweight and stackable
- Relatively inexpensive
Glass containers:
- Completely non-reactive
- Easy to clean and sterilize
- Heavy and breakable
- Good for smaller quantities
Avoid These Containers
Never use containers that previously held:
- Toxic chemicals
- Non-food products
- Milk or fruit juices (difficult to clean completely)
Avoid:
- Containers that aren't food-grade
- Used plastic bottles that can't be properly cleaned
- Containers with narrow openings (hard to clean)
Container Sizes and Placement
55-gallon barrels: Good for long-term storage, difficult to move when full 5-7 gallon containers: Good balance of capacity and portability 1-gallon jugs: Easy to handle, good for rotation Small bottles: Portable, good for grab-and-go kits
Water Storage Methods
Municipal Water Storage
If storing tap water that's already treated:
- Use clean containers - wash with bleach solution (1 tsp bleach per quart water)
- Fill completely - minimize air space to prevent bacterial growth
- Seal tightly and label with date
- Store in cool, dark place
- No additional treatment needed if water is chlorinated
Well Water or Non-Treated Water
For water from private wells or untreated sources:
Treat before storage:
- Add 8 drops of unscented liquid bleach per gallon
- Or use water purification tablets
- Mix thoroughly and let stand 30 minutes
- Should smell slightly of chlorine
Water Rotation and Maintenance
Rotation Schedule
Commercially bottled water: Use within 2 years Home-stored tap water: Rotate every 6 months Treated water: Rotate every 6 months
Rotation System
- Label containers with storage date
- Use oldest water first
- Replace with fresh water
- Check containers for damage or contamination
Storage Location Tips
Ideal conditions:
- Temperature between 50-70°F
- Away from direct sunlight
- Away from toxic materials
- Off concrete floors (use pallets or shelving)
- Easily accessible for rotation
Water Purification Methods
Boiling
Most reliable method for killing pathogens:
- Bring to rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes at high altitude)
- Cool before drinking
- Doesn't remove chemicals or improve taste
Chemical Treatment
Bleach (unscented, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite):
- 8 drops per gallon of clear water
- 16 drops per gallon of cloudy water
- Mix and wait 30 minutes
Water purification tablets:
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Usually kill bacteria and viruses
- May not eliminate all parasites
Filtration Systems
Gravity-fed filters:
- Great for large quantities
- Remove bacteria, parasites, and sediment
- Some remove viruses and chemicals
Portable water filters:
- Good for smaller amounts
- Various filtration capabilities
- Check what contaminants they remove
DIY sand/charcoal filters:
- Basic filtration for sediment and some chemicals
- Must still disinfect water afterward
Alternative Water Sources
Rainwater Collection
Setup:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- First-flush diverters recommended
- Food-grade storage containers
- Always purify before drinking
Legal considerations: Check local laws about rainwater harvesting
Greywater Recovery
There are safe ways to harvest greywater from places like swimming pools and water heater tanks, but they require special treatment. Visit the CDC website for guidance.
Never use:
- Toilet water
- Kitchen sink water (too contaminated)
- Water that contacted chemicals
Natural Water Sources
Potential sources:
- Streams and rivers
- Ponds and lakes
- Springs
Always treat water from natural sources:
- May contain bacteria, parasites, viruses
- Chemical contamination possible
- Multiple treatment methods may be necessary
Water Storage Systems
Centralized Storage
Large containers (30+ gallons):
- More water per space
- Requires plumbing or pump system
- Harder to move or hide
- Single point of failure
Distributed Storage
Multiple smaller containers:
- Easier to manage and move
- Can be stored in various locations
- Redundancy if one container fails
- Better for gradual use
Hybrid Approach
Combine both methods:
- Large containers for main supply
- Smaller containers for immediate use
- Portable containers for evacuation
Special Situations
Apartment Living
Challenges: Limited space, weight restrictions, lease limitations
Solutions:
- Under-bed storage containers
- Closet shelving systems
- Water bricks that stack efficiently
- Consider water delivery services
Hot Climates
Additional considerations:
- Higher consumption needs
- Faster degradation of plastic containers
- Need for cooling methods
- Increased importance of electrolyte replacement
Cold Climates
Freezing concerns:
- Water expands when frozen (can burst containers)
- Store in heated areas
- Leave expansion room in containers
- Consider rotating to prevent freezing
Water Testing
Testing Stored Water
Visual inspection: Look for cloudiness, particles, algae growth Smell test: Should not have strong odors Taste test: Should taste relatively normal
Professional testing recommended for:
- Well water before storage
- Long-term stored water
- Water from questionable sources
When to Discard Water
Discard if:
- Visible contamination or growth
- Strong chemical or foul odors
- Slimy feel
- Storage container is damaged
- Unknown storage conditions
Maintaining Your Water System
Regular Tasks
Monthly:
- Visual inspection of containers
- Check storage area conditions
- Verify accessibility
Every 6 months:
- Rotate stored water
- Clean and refill containers
- Test purification equipment
- Update storage records
Annually:
- Complete system review
- Replace damaged containers
- Update family water needs assessment
- Review and practice purification methods
Building Water Security
Phase 1: Basic Preparedness (3-day supply)
- Calculate family needs
- Purchase appropriate containers
- Store municipal water
- Basic purification method
Phase 2: Extended Preparedness (2-week supply)
- Larger storage containers
- Multiple purification methods
- Identify alternative sources
- Practice rotation system
Phase 3: Long-term Security (1+ month supply)
- Advanced storage systems
- Rainwater collection
- Multiple backup sources
- Community water planning
Conclusion
Water security is foundational to emergency preparedness. By understanding storage principles, choosing appropriate containers, maintaining proper rotation, and having multiple purification methods, you can ensure your family has access to safe drinking water in any emergency.
Remember that water storage is not a "set it and forget it" preparation, it requires ongoing maintenance and attention. Start with basic storage for your family and gradually build a more comprehensive water security system.
Take action today: Calculate your family's water needs, purchase appropriate containers, and begin storing water. In an emergency, you'll be grateful for every gallon you've prepared.