How much water to store, and how to make water safe

Clean water is the first thing to plan for. Store enough for at least three days, and two weeks if you can.

Reviewed October 2026

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How much to store

Plan for one gallon per person per day. That covers drinking plus basic cooking and hygiene. Keep at least a three-day supply, and a two-week supply if you have room.

Store extra if anyone in the house is pregnant or sick, if you live somewhere hot, or if you have pets.

For your exact numbers, including how many cases of bottled water that comes to, use the supply calculator.

Store-bought or your own containers

Unopened, commercially bottled water is the safest choice. It is sealed, needs no preparation, and is easy to rotate. Check the date on the packaging and use the oldest first.

If you fill your own containers, use food-grade containers made for water. Camping and outdoor stores sell them in sizes that are easy to carry. If you can't get food-grade containers, choose ones that:

• have a lid that closes tightly
• are made of an unbreakable material, not glass
• ideally have a narrow opening, so you can pour without touching the water

Never reuse containers that held bleach, pesticides or any other chemical.

How to clean a container before filling it

1. Wash the container with soap and water, then rinse it well.
2. Mix one teaspoon of unscented liquid household bleach (5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite) into one quart of water.
3. Pour the solution into the container, cover it and shake so it touches every inside surface.
4. Wait at least 30 seconds, then pour it out.
5. Let the container air-dry, then fill it with clean tap water and close it tightly.

Label each container "drinking water" with the date you filled it, and replace water you stored yourself every six months.

Where to keep it

Keep stored water somewhere cool, between 50°F and 70°F, out of direct sunlight and away from gasoline, pesticides and other chemicals. In Florida that usually means an interior closet rather than the garage.

Making water safe in an emergency

If officials issue a boil-water notice, or you aren't sure your water is safe, use bottled water first. If you run out, treat tap water in one of these ways.

Boiling is the most reliable method. Bring clear water to a full rolling boil for one minute. Above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes. Let it cool before drinking. If the water is cloudy, let it settle, then pour off the clear water or filter it through a clean cloth or coffee filter before boiling.

Disinfecting with bleach works when you can't boil. Use only unscented household bleach, and check the label for its strength.

Stir the water and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before drinking. Double the amount if the water is cloudy, colored or very cold. Use a clean dropper for accurate drops.