Most people underestimate how much water they actually need in an emergency. When taps run dry — after an earthquake, hurricane, or infrastructure failure — your stored water is all you have.
Here's how to get it right.
The Basic Rule: 1 Gallon Per Person, Per Day FEMA and the Red Cross both recommend a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day. For a family of four over 72 hours, that's 12 gallons minimum. For two weeks, it's 56 gallons.
That number goes up if you have:
- Pets (add ½ gallon per small dog or cat per day)
- Infants or nursing mothers
- Anyone with a medical condition
- Hot climate or physical exertion
How Long Should You Store For? A 72-hour supply is the bare minimum. Most emergency management agencies now recommend a 2-week supply for serious preparedness. Start with 3 days, then build toward 14.
Best Containers for Water Storage
- Food-grade plastic jugs (1–7 gallon) — affordable, widely available
- Large barrels (30–55 gallon) — best for long-term home storage
- Pre-filled water pouches — great for grab-and-go kits, 5-year shelf life
- Avoid milk jugs — they degrade and leak over time
How Long Does Stored Water Last? Commercially sealed water lasts indefinitely if unopened. Tap water stored in clean containers should be rotated every 6–12 months. Label containers with the fill date.
Purification as a Backup Even with stored water, always have a backup:
- Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide)
- A portable water filter (removes bacteria and protozoa)
- Boiling — effective but requires fuel
Don't Forget Non-Drinking Uses Sanitation, cooking, and wound cleaning all require water. Factor in at least an extra ½ gallon per person per day for these uses.
Start building your water supply today. Browse our
