How much water should I store per person?

Store a minimum of one gallon per person per day, with two weeks (14 gallons per person) as your baseline target. For a family of four, that means 56 gallons at minimum for two weeks, or 84 gallons for a comfortable supply.

How long does stored water last?

Commercially sealed bottled water can last for years. Water stored in food-grade containers from your tap should be rotated every six months unless treated with water preserver drops, which extend safe storage to five years.

Can I store tap water for emergencies?

Yes. Tap water from a treated municipal system is safe to store in clean, food-grade containers. Fill completely, cap tightly, label with the fill date, and store in a cool, dark location. Rotate every six months if untreated.

What is the best way to purify water at home without electricity?

A gravity-fed water filter like the Big Berkey is the most practical option. It requires no power or plumbing. For backup, boiling water for one minute kills biological contaminants, and unscented bleach (8 drops per gallon) provides chemical purification.

Where should I store emergency water in my house?

Store in a cool, dark, temperature-stable interior location like an interior closet or basement shelf. Keep containers off bare concrete. Split supply between at least two locations so no single event can wipe out everything.

Guide

Water Storage Basics: How Much You Need and How to Store It

You need one gallon of water per person per day, and a minimum of two weeks stored at home. This guide covers what to store, where to put it, how to rotate it, and what to do if it runs out.

Claire Weston

24 Mar 2026

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