Collect a 2 week’s supply of emergency water storage (1 gallon per person per day). Buy 55 gallon barrels, get several 5-6 gallon jugs, or fill up empty soda/juice bottles. Make sure it is food grade plastic, but not milk jugs as they deteriorate too quickly!
Key Points
- Most sources recommend 1 gallon of water storage per person, PER day, for 3-14 days for DRINKING. Make sure to consider storing enough for pets and cleaning/cooking as well.
- Store water in “FOOD GRADE” or PETE plastic containers (stay away from milk jugs, but soda or juice bottles are suitable).
- Water Bricks are another good option. They are a heavier duty solution, can be stored outside, and can be stacked 3/4 bricks high. With a 3.5 gallon capacity they are transportable and easy to use in an emergency.
- Store water away from too much light or heat. Dark containers are ideal.
- Clean, sanitize, and rinse all containers prior to use.
- Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
- Store water in multiple sizes of containers to suit different emergency needs
- Do not store water containers directly on concrete as the chemicals can leach into your water through the plastic. Place on cardboard, wood pallets, or other materials.
- Non-chlorinated water (most municipal water is chlorinated) should be treated with unscented liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite). See the chart below for appropriate amount to add to water.
- Boiling is the safest way to clean water, however you can also use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms.
- Rotate your water storage at least once every year
- Alternate water sources include: Hot water heater tank, toilet tanks, water pipes, ice in freezer, canned foods, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes, melted snow and ice, rain water, etc.
Diagrams/Charts
More Information
Helpful Products
 | Water Pouches: These portable mylar pouches are perfect for 72 hour kits and to stash in your car. With a 5 year shelf life they are a great little emergency item. |
 | WaterBricks: 3.5 gallon capacity bricks that can stack. Durable plastic that can store inside or outside. Great for storing in small spaces like closets or under beds. |
 | Berkey Water Purifiers: High quality filters that both purify and filter water. Useful for emergency water storage as well as every day drinking water. |
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Hi there! I’m Jodi. I created Food Storage Made Easy to help make food storage and emergency preparedness feel simpler and more doable. This site is home to the tips, recipes, checklists, and resources I’ve created and shared over the years.