How much water should I store for emergencies?

FEMA and Ready.gov recommend at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation. A 3-day supply is the minimum; a 14-day supply provides meaningful security. A family of four needs 56 gallons for a 14-day supply. Do not forget water for pets, cooking, and hygiene.

How do I disinfect water with bleach?

Use only regular unscented liquid chlorine bleach at 6 to 8.25 percent concentration. For clear water, add 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) per gallon. For cloudy water, add 16 drops (about 1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Stir and let stand 30 minutes. The water should have a slight chlorine smell. If it does not, repeat the dose and wait another 15 minutes. The EPA and CDC both recommend this method.

How long does stored water last?

Commercially bottled water has an indefinite shelf life if stored properly, though the FDA recommends following the date on the label. Tap water stored in clean food-grade containers should be replaced every 6 months. Water preserver concentrate (sodium hypochlorite solution) can extend home-stored tap water to 5 years. Store water in a cool, dark place away from chemicals.

Can I drink water from my water heater in an emergency?

Yes, your water heater tank holds 30 to 80 gallons of usable water. Turn off the gas or electricity to the heater, let the water cool, then open the drain valve at the bottom. Let air into the system by opening a hot water faucet upstairs. The water may contain sediment — filter through a clean cloth before use.

Does boiling water make it safe to drink?

Boiling water for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet elevation) kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, boiling does not remove chemical contaminants like lead, pesticides, or industrial chemicals. If chemical contamination is suspected, do not boil — the CDC advises using bottled water or a filter rated for chemical removal instead.

Water Preparedness Checklist — Store, Treat & Resupply Your Household Water

Step 1

Build your water storage. Start with what you need.

Water is the first thing you run out of and the last thing you can improvise. A reliable stored supply is the foundation of every preparedness plan.

Calculate and Store

Calculate your need: 1 gallon per person per day (drinking + basic sanitation). Add water for pets
Start with a 3-day supply. Build toward 14 days
Use only food-grade containers. Never reuse containers that held non-food liquids
Store in a cool, dark place away from chemicals, solvents, and direct sunlight

Rotation and Shelf Life

Rotate home-stored tap water every 6 months (label containers with the fill date)
Or treat with water preserver concentrate for up to 5-year storage without rotation
Commercially bottled water lasts indefinitely if stored properly. Follow the date on the label
Know your water heater capacity (30 to 80 gallons of emergency backup water)

Step 2

Learn to treat water. Three methods. Memorize all three.

When stored water runs out, you need to make found water safe to drink. Boiling, chemical treatment, and filtration each have strengths and limits.

Boiling

Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet elevation)
Kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites
Does not remove chemical contaminants (lead, pesticides, industrial chemicals). If chemical contamination is suspected, use bottled water or a rated filter

Chemical Disinfection (Bleach)

Use unscented liquid chlorine bleach, 6 to 8.25% concentration
Clear water: 8 drops per gallon. Cloudy water: 16 drops per gallon
Stir and wait 30 minutes. Water should have a slight chlorine smell. If not, repeat and wait 15 more minutes
Keep a fresh bottle of bleach with your supplies (bleach loses potency over time)

Step 3

Build your filtration capability. For when storage runs out.

A gravity-fed water filter turns questionable water into drinking water without electricity. It is the single most important piece of water equipment for long-term self-reliance.

Acquire a gravity-fed water filter (no electricity needed, processes water from almost any freshwater source)
Stock at least one set of replacement filter elements
Keep water purification tablets as a lightweight backup (good for travel and go-bags)
Identify your nearest freshwater sources: streams, ponds, lakes, rain collection points
Practice assembling and using your filter before you need it

Gear

Water essentials. Start here.

A few well-chosen items cover storage, treatment, and filtration for most situations.

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Water Preparedness Checklist. Store it. Treat it. Never run out.