Last updated: November 2026
Storms, boil-water notices and main breaks can cut off safe tap water with little warning. Water is the most important thing to have in an emergency kit. Here’s how much to store, how to store it safely, and what to do if you run out.
How much water should you store?
Emergency agencies recommend one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking, cooking and basic hygiene, with at least a three-day supply. Many experts suggest two weeks at home if you have the space. Store more for hot climates, pregnant or nursing people, people who are ill, and pets.
| Household | 3 days | 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3 gallons | 14 gallons |
| 2 people | 6 gallons | 28 gallons |
| 4 people | 12 gallons | 56 gallons |
Best containers
- Unopened commercially bottled water is the easiest option; keep it in its original sealed container.
- Food-grade water storage containers (look for food-safe plastic), from small jugs to 55-gallon drums.
- Avoid milk jugs, which break down and are hard to clean, and containers that held chemicals.
How to store drinking water long term
- Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and chemicals like gasoline or pesticides.
- Label each container with the date.
- Replace self-filled water every six months.
- Keep a little unscented household bleach on hand for treating water.
How to make water safe in an emergency
- Boiling is the most reliable method: bring water to a rolling boil for one minute (three minutes at high altitude).
- Bleach: if you can’t boil, add 8 drops of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of clear water, stir, and wait 30 minutes. It should have a slight chlorine smell.
- Filters designed for camping or emergencies remove many germs; check what each one is rated for.
Hidden water sources at home
- Your water heater tank (turn off the power or gas first and let it cool).
- Ice cubes and water in canned fruits and vegetables.
- Pipes: open the highest faucet, then collect from the lowest one.
- Never drink water from toilet bowls, waterbeds or swimming pools without treatment, and never from radiators or hot-water heating systems.
FAQ
How much water should I store for an emergency?
At least one gallon per person per day for three days; two weeks if you can.
How long can you store water?
Commercially bottled water keeps until the date on the label. Replace water you’ve bottled yourself every six months.
How much bleach do I put in a gallon of water?
8 drops of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of clear water, then wait 30 minutes.
Related reading
Sources: Ready.gov and state emergency management guidance on water storage; CDC guidance on making water safe in an emergency.
