đź’§ Key Numbers
1 gallon per person per day minimum for drinking and sanitation. Store at least 3 days' supply (72-hour kit) or ideally 2 weeks' supply for extended emergencies.
Why Water Preparedness Matters
You can survive weeks without food, but only about 3 days without water. In emergencies, municipal water can become contaminated, infrastructure can fail, or you may need to evacuate to locations without clean water access.
Common scenarios where water preparedness is critical:
- Water contamination events
- Municipal water system failures
- Drought conditions
- Flooding (paradoxically contaminates water)
- Extended power outages (affects pumping stations)
- Any evacuation scenario
Water Preparedness Guides
How Much Water to Store
Calculate exactly how much water your household needs for different timeframes and scenarios.
Storage Containers
Best containers for short and long-term water storage, from bottles to large tanks.
Purification Methods
Boiling, chemical treatment, filtration, and UV—when to use each method.
Filtration Systems
From portable filters to home systems—understanding your options.
Rainwater Collection
Setting up rainwater harvesting for emergency water supply.
Emergency Water Sources
Finding and safely using water from natural and urban sources.
Rotation Schedule
Keep your stored water fresh with a simple rotation system.
Quick Start: Water in 4 Steps
Step 1: Calculate Your Needs
1 gallon per person per day Ă— number of people Ă— number of days. Start with 3 days minimum, aim for 14 days.
Example: Family of 4 Ă— 14 days = 56 gallons minimum
Use Water Calculator →Step 2: Choose Storage
Options by budget and space:
- Budget: Store-bought bottled water (rotate yearly)
- Mid-range: Food-grade 5-7 gallon containers
- Comprehensive: 55-gallon drums or IBC totes
Step 3: Add Purification Backup
Even with stored water, have purification capability:
- Portable water filter (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw)
- Water purification tablets as backup
- Knowledge of boiling (1 minute rolling boil)
Step 4: Set Rotation Reminder
Commercially bottled water lasts indefinitely if stored properly. Home-stored water should be rotated every 6-12 months. Set a calendar reminder.
Recommended Water Gear
Portable Water Filters
Essential for any go-bag. Filters thousands of gallons.
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Storage Containers
Food-grade containers in various sizes for home storage.
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Bathtub Water Storage
Fill your bathtub with 100 gallons of clean water when disaster strikes.
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Related Scenarios
Water preparedness applies to many emergency situations:
Water Tools
đź’§ Water Calculator
Calculate storage needs for your household.
🔄 Rotation Tracker
Track water and food rotation schedules.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general educational information. Water quality and safety depend on many factors. When in doubt about water safety, use purification methods or seek alternative sources. In emergencies, follow guidance from local health authorities.