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Water is the first supply to disappear in hurricanes, floods, and winter storms. Here's how to store it safely.
How Much to Store
| Duration | 1 person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 72 hours | 3 gallons | 12 gallons |
| 2 weeks | 14 gallons | 56 gallons |
Add extra for pets, cooking, and hygiene.
Best Containers
- FDA-approved plastic or glass — never old milk jugs (hard to sanitize)
- Collapsible containers for apartment storage
- Bathtub bladders (WaterBOB) fill in the 72-hour window before storms
- Food-grade 55-gallon drums for serious long-term storage
Step-by-Step Storage
- Clean containers with dish soap, rinse thoroughly
- Fill from municipal tap (already treated)
- Optional: add 8 drops unscented bleach per gallon
- Seal tightly, label with date
- Store in cool, dark place away from chemicals
- Rotate every 6 months
During Floods
- Move stored water to upper floors
- Assume floodwater is contaminated — use filters or boil
- A countertop Berkey handles bacteria and parasites without electricity
Bottom Line
Store what you can, filter what you must. Stored water + portable filter covers both short outages and extended contamination events.
Recommended Products
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can you store tap water?
- Properly stored tap water in food-grade containers lasts 6 months. Label dates and rotate on schedule.
- Should I add bleach to stored water?
- For clear tap water, 8 drops of unscented bleach per gallon preserves storage. Filter or boil before drinking if unsure.
- How much water for a family of four?
- Minimum 12 gallons for 72 hours (1 gal/person/day). Two-week shelter-in-place: 56+ gallons plus filtration backup.
Disclaimer: Content is for informational and educational purposes only. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 (US/Canada) or your local emergency services. PrepareStorm is not a government agency and does not provide emergency dispatch.