Water Storage Basics: Keeping Safe Drinking Water on Hand

Water is the fastest emergency supply to become a problem. Power outages, contamination events, burst pipes, and natural disasters can cut off access instantly. This guide shows exactly how much water to store, the safest containers to use, where to keep it, and how long it remains good.

To pair this with food planning, see Non-Perishable Food Basics.

1. How Much Water You Actually Need

The bare minimum:

• 1 gallon per person per day
• 3 days minimum recommended
• 2 weeks is a far safer target

This includes drinking, basic cooking, and minimal hygiene.

2. The Best Water Storage Containers

Safe, durable container types:

• Store-bought bottled water (safest, longest shelf life)
• BPA-free food-grade jugs
• 7-gallon “Aqua-Tainer” style containers
• 55-gallon water drums (for long-term storage)

Avoid repurposed milk jugs—they degrade and leak quickly.

3. Where to Store Water

Water needs stable conditions. Store it:

• In cool areas away from sunlight
• Off concrete floors if using large drums
• In closets, under beds, or garage shelves

Heat shortens shelf life. Direct sunlight grows algae.

4. Purifying and Treating Water

Most commercially bottled water needs no treatment. If you’re filling your own containers:

• Sanitize the container with a bleach-water mixture
• Use clean, filtered tap water
• Add purification tablets if storing long-term

For short-term contamination events, filters and tablets are useful but don’t replace stored water.

5. How Long Stored Water Lasts

Stored water doesn’t “expire,” but quality changes:

• Bottled water: safe for years if unopened
• Tap-filled containers: rotate every 6–12 months
• Treated containers: rotate yearly

If water smells off, boil it before use.

6. Extra Tools Worth Having

These help during long emergencies:

• Portable water filter
• Purification tablets
• Collapsible containers for replenishing supply
• Bucket + bleach for emergency sanitation

7. Water for Pets

Pets need storage too:

• Dogs: roughly 1 ounce per pound per day
• Cats: about ½ cup per day

Store extra if you have multiple animals.

8. The Bottom Line

Water storage is simple: clean containers, cool locations, and a realistic supply that lasts several days. Bottled water is easiest; drums and jugs work if maintained. Build your base supply now—once water stops flowing, it’s already too late.