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Essential Guide to Storing Water for Short-Term Emergencies: Best Practices and Tips
Having a reliable water supply is essential during a short-term emergency. Water is crucial not only for drinking but also for cooking, sanitation, and hygiene. While water is one of the most vital resources in any emergency, having access to clean water during the emergency isn’t always guaranteed. Natural disasters can disrupt water supply systems, making safe drinking water scarce. This is why it is important to have your short-term supply available should your family ever need it.
In this blog, we will explore different aspects of short-term water storage: how much water we should store, the best water storage containers for short-term use, the best water storage locations in your home, and how to maintain and rotate your short-term water supply.
How Much Water to Store for Short-Term Emergencies
According to FEMA: “Store at least one gallon per person daily. Consider storing at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. If you are unable to store this quantity, store as much as you can.” Consider any extra needs such as extreme temperatures, infants, pregnancies, and pets.
Short-term water storage typically covers a period of up to two weeks. Short-term water storage is designed to get you through short, temporary emergencies. These are the kinds of disruptions that may last anywhere from a few hours to several days. In these scenarios, it’s important to have easy access to a supply of clean water that you can rely on without complicated purification processes.
Typical Situations Where Short-Term Water Storage is Needed
- Power outages
- Boil-water advisories
- Severe weather events like winter storms or heatwaves
- Minor utility disruptions or repairs
Choosing the Best Containers for Short-Term Water Storage
When it comes to water storage, choosing the right container is just as crucial as proper storage conditions. The container MUST be food-grade and BPA-free. They are easy to store and transport in the event of a short-term crisis.
Two types of food-grade plastic containers are best for short-term storage: PET/PETE & HDPE. Let’s look at both great options.
PET/PETE Plastic
Containers made from PET/PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) aka plastic #1 are only suitable for short-term storage because they are less durable.
Examples: commercially bottled water
Commercially Bottled Water
If you’re looking for convenience, purchasing bottled water is an easy option. Aside from being properly labeled with the rotation date, bottled water does not require the same special treatment that other water storage containers require before being placed into storage. In proper conditions, bottled water can be stored for up to 1 to 2 years before it needs to be replaced. By this time, the plastic can start to deteriorate.
Do you want to store bottled water for short-term storage AND rotate through it at the same time?
If you are using bottled water daily for your drinking needs and would like to maintain a two-week supply per person at the same time, follow this strategy:
- Purchase and store the proper amount of water for each family member.
- When you grab a gallon of water for use, take it from the front and quickly purchase its replacement.
- Use the FIFO method by placing the newly purchased container in the back.
- To give yourself a little wiggle room, think about storing 2 ½ to 3 weeks of water per person instead of 2 so the minimum amount of 2 weeks will always be in storage.
HDPE Plastic
The second type of plastic that is commonly used for short-term (and long-term) water storage is made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) aka plastic #2. This plastic is durable, resistant to impact, and extremely efficient for short-term storage. These containers are opaque and are usually the color of blue.
Examples: 5-gallon jugs, water bricks, and cubes
5-Gallon Jugs
These HDPE containers are excellent for short-term storage because they’re designed to hold large amounts of water while being easy to transport if necessary. Many are stackable, making them ideal for smaller areas.
If you choose to use these containers for your short-term water storage, they must be properly cleaned and sanitized before being filled with tap water.
Containers to Avoid
Not all containers are suitable for storing water. Some are made of material prone to degradation due to light and temperature fluctuations. Others can introduce harmful contaminants and lead to bacterial growth, even after cleaning.
Examples: soda bottles, milk jugs
Which short-term container option should you use?
Both commercially bottled water and durable 5-gallon jugs (and other HDPE plastic containers) are good choices for short-term water storage. Both will work if you can accomplish the goal of one gallon per person for 14 days. Choose the option that works best for your family.
Tip: Use both!
Learn more about water storage containers
Finding the Best Storage Locations
The first test in finding the best location to store your short-term water storage is its environment. Best storage conditions are areas that are cool, dark, and dry with temperatures between 50-70 degrees. Extreme heat can cause plastic to degrade, potentially releasing chemicals into the water and affecting taste or safety. The next test is to make sure that the water supply is easily accessible. Areas that meet these two criteria include kitchen cabinets, pantries, closets, a basement, or an insulated garage.
If you’re working with limited space, water storage can be a challenge. However, with a little creativity, you can maximize your available space while ensuring you have enough water for an emergency.
Rotating and Maintaining Your Short-Term Water Supply
Rotation
Water containers, even when stored correctly, don’t last forever. To ensure that your water supply stays fresh and safe, you need to rotate it regularly.
PET/PETE Containers
- Sealed store-bought bottled water: up to 1-2 years
HDPE Plastic Containers Using Tap Water
- No water preserver added: up to 6 months
- Water preserver added: up to 5 years
Learn more about using water preservers
Maintenance
Water containers can break down over time so it’s important to perform periodic checks. Inspect your containers periodically for leaks, cracks, or any signs of degradation. If a container is damaged, replace it and discard any water that was inside.
Tip: Keeping a log or using a calendar reminder can help you stay on top of this task.
Learn more about rotation and maintenance
Conclusion
Proper water storage for short-term emergencies is one of the easiest and most critical steps you can take to protect your household during a crisis. By choosing the right containers, cleaning and sanitizing them properly, and using proper storage conditions, you can ensure that you have enough clean drinking water for any short-term emergency. With just a little effort, you can provide your family with a reliable water supply that will be ready whenever you need it most.
