How Much Water Should I Store?
You can last for weeks without food, but you can´t survive without drinking water. Without a good source of clean, drinkable water, you simply won´t survive very long. In the event of an emergency, water can be interrupted for days or even weeks. Storing an adequate supply can help.
Water Storage
The average person uses around 70 gallons of water per day. This includes bathing, washing clothes and dishes, using faucets, flushing the toilet, and other uses. Let's look at FEMA’s recommended amount of water stored per-day per-person against the normal water needs of the average person and a family of four. Keep in mind while viewing the comparison, this emergency water storage recommendation is intended solely for drinking and basic sanitation, not to cover all household water uses. The disparity shows why it's critical to store as much as you can. Ultimately, you will need to build a long-term water storage as well.
Average Person
Because the average person uses around 70 gallons of water daily, this adds up to 980 gallons in a 2-week period.
1-gallon emergency storage vs. 70-gallon regular usage
14-gallon emergency storage vs. 980-gallon regular usage
Family of Four
With a family of four, the math quadruples. And perhaps even more if you have children and more loads of laundry are necessary.
4-gallon emergency storage vs. 280-gallon regular usage
56-gallon emergency storage vs. 3,920-gallon regular usage
Water Storage
Commercially bottled water
Store-bought, ready-to-drink water is best for short-term storage. Commercially bottled water is available everywhere. Some brands may be better than others so do your homework before you buy. No matter what brand you purchase, look for BPA-free, food-grade plastic.
Popular sizes include:
- 1 to 5 gallons - home delivery
- 1 gallon - usually the best value
- 1 liter - strong plastic
- 23.7 oz - strong plastic
- 16.9 oz - single serving
Make your short-term water last longer
For best results
- Store bottled water in the original sealed container.
- Don't open a bottle until you need to use it.
- Rotate through and replace each bottle after use.
- Use the oldest first and place the new in the back.
- Do this & you will always keep your desired stored amount on hand: one gallon - per person - per day.
Storage Conditions for Store Bought Water
The ideal conditions for storing water involve a cool, dark, and dry space, with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 70°F. Avoid storing bottled water in excessively hot environments, such as a garage, as prolonged exposure to heat can lead to chemical leaching, including BPA, into the water. If such storage is unavoidable, be sure to rotate the bottles every six months to minimize risks. Always elevate water containers off the ground to prevent contamination, and keep them away from direct sunlight or harsh lighting. Use protective coverings if needed for added protection.
Water Storage
Though the best water storage conditions include a cool, dark, and dry place with temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, water can be stored in your car for emergencies—with caution. Because cars can reach extreme hot or cold temperatures, it's essential to choose the right container and store it properly.
Water Container Options
Avoid using standard store-bought plastic water bottles, as they can leach chemicals (like BPA or other plastics) when exposed to high heat in a car. Instead, consider more durable and temperature-resistant options:
Stainless Steel: These containers are resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme temperatures without compromising water quality.
BPA-Free Plastic: These containers are lightweight, and the heavy-duty plastic helps prevent harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) from leaching into the water.
Polymer-foil Pouches: These specialized emergency water pouches are made from a specially designed polymer-foil material that can withstand both heat and freezing conditions.
Rotation
Water preserver concentrates can extend the shelf life of properly treated water up to 5 years, as long as the water is stored correctly. These preservatives help prevent bacterial, viral, mold, and fungal growth.
If storing water in fluctuating or high temperatures (such as your car), rotation is recommended every 3–6 months, even if a preservative is used, to ensure water remains fresh and safe.
Storage Location
- Keep water containers out of direct sunlight, preferably in the back of the car or under a seat.
- In hot climates, cover containers with a light-colored blanket or towel to help reflect sunlight and reduce heat exposure.
- In cold climates, store water in the trunk inside a cooler or insulated bag to help prevent freezing.