Emergency Water Storage and Purification: What You Need to Know
Cynthia KolfWhen disaster strikes, nothing matters more than water. Not food. Not electricity. Not even a stocked pantry.
If the tap stops running—or what’s coming out isn’t safe—you’ll need clean water to survive.
We often take it for granted, but water is your #1 emergency supply.
This post walks you through exactly how much you need, where to store it, how to purify it, and what to do if your supply runs low.
Whether you're brand new to prepping or refreshing your plan, let’s make sure you’re ready.
Why Water Comes First
You can survive for weeks without food, but only three days without water.
And in a crisis, water does more than keep you hydrated. You need it to: Cook food Wash your hands and face Brush your teeth Clean minor wounds Flush the toilet (if the water system still works).
If a hurricane, power outage, or water main break hits, clean water may become scarce fast.
Having your own supply gives you peace of mind—and could save your life.
How Much Water Do You Need?
The general rule: one gallon of water per person per day.
That includes drinking and light hygiene.
At a minimum, store a 3-day supply for every person in your household. That’s 3 gallons per person. But if you can, aim for a two-week supply.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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1 person, 3 days = 3 gallons
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2 people, 14 days = 28 gallons
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4 people, 14 days = 56 gallons
Don’t forget your pets! Dogs need ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound, per day. Cats need about ½ cup per 5 pounds of body weight.
How to Store Water the Smart Way
You don’t need a bunker full of water barrels—just a few smart choices. Here are the best ways to store water safely:
- Store-Bought Bottled Water Easy, portable, and already sealed. Keep a case or two on hand and rotate every year.
- Water Jugs or Barrels Use food-grade plastic containers—like 1-gallon jugs or 5-gallon blue containers made for water storage. Label them with the fill date. Skip milk or juice jugs. Even when cleaned, they break down and leak—nobody wants a puddle of water in their closet.
- WaterBricks are durable, BPA-free plastic containers designed to store water, food, or other emergency supplies. Each brick holds about 3.5 gallons of water, making them easy to carry, stack, and store in tight spaces.
- Want to go big? Consider a 55-gallon water barrel with a siphon pump. Great for long-term use, especially if you have space in a garage or shed. Please note: a full barrel is heavy! A 55-gallon water barrel weighs over 400 pounds when full—that’s not something you’ll be dragging around in an emergency. Make sure to: place it where you plan to store it long-term, keep it on a raised platform (like a wooden pallet) to prevent contact with concrete, and use a siphon pump to extract water easily without tipping the barrel.
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Small Water Pouches Perfect for go bags, glove boxes, or purse kits. These lightweight, sealed pouches have a 5-year shelf life.Tip: Store water off the ground (not directly on concrete) and away from chemicals or strong smells. Even sealed containers can absorb odors.
Real-Life Example: What We Do at Home
At our house, we use several different methods to make sure we’re covered. We always keep a case of 8-ounce bottled water on hand for daily use and emergencies. We also have a case of canned emergency water (good for up to 50 years), and a case of small 4-ounce water packets with a 5-year shelf life—perfect for go bags and car kits.
When hurricane season rolls around, we add a few gallon jugs of water to our stash. I’m currently exploring WaterBricks and a WaterBOB for extra storage. Oh—and we also have a rain barrel out back, which I just remembered because it’s raining right now!
How to Purify Water if You Run Out
If you run out of stored water, don’t panic—but be smart. Never drink water from an unknown source without treating it first. There are several ways to purify it:
- Boiling: Bring water to a full, rolling boil for 1 minute (or 3 minutes at high altitudes). Let it cool before drinking.
- Water Purification Tablets: Easy to use and great for travel. Most kill bacteria and viruses. Just follow the directions on the package—usually a tablet per liter or quart of water.
- Bleach: Use unscented household bleach (6–8% sodium hypochlorite). Add 8 drops per gallon of clear water, stir, and let sit for 30 minutes. If it smells like chlorine, it’s safe to drink. If not, repeat. Never use scented, color-safe, or bleach with added cleaners.
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Portable Water Filters: A LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini, or similar filter is perfect for bug-out bags or hiking. Most remove 99.9999% of bacteria and parasites.
Where to Find Water in an Emergency
Most water heaters hold 30–80 gallons. Turn off power, open the drain valve at the bottom, and collect what you need.
The clean water in your toilet tank (not the bowl!) may be usable—but only if no cleaners or chemicals were added, like blue cleaning tablets or deodorizers.
Use buckets, barrels, or even a plastic sheet to catch rain. Always purify before drinking.
Keep It Fresh: Water Storage Tips
Stored water doesn’t last forever. Here’s how to keep it safe and ready:
- Rotate bottled water and tap-stored water every 6–12 months.
- Use clear labels with dates.
- Store containers in a cool, dark place
- Use tightly sealed lids to prevent contamination
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And if you ever wonder if water is still good—when in doubt, purify it again.
One More Thing
Don’t Wait Too many people wait until a storm is on the news before grabbing bottled water. By then, shelves are empty, and stress is high.
Start now. Even one extra gallon in your pantry is a step toward safety.
You don’t need to do everything at once.
But today, set aside a few gallons.
Order a few extra water pouches. Make a list of what you’d need if the tap stopped working for a week.
Water is the foundation of all preparedness. Start there, and you’ll already be ahead of the game
Bonus Content
Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas. You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon supplies as well as supplies we sell in our Sunshine Preppers store.
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To make your prepping journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie each post, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.
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