Emergency Water Calculator

How to store emergency water properly

Water is the most critical resource in any emergency. A person can survive weeks without food but only days without water. Here are the basic recommendations from the WHO and FEMA:

Recommended amounts

• Adults: at least 1 gallon per person per day (drinking + basic hygiene)
• Children: at least 0.75 gallons per day (lower body weight but faster dehydration)
• Hot climate: needs increase by up to 50% in summer, especially during heat waves
• Pets: add 0.25–0.5 gallons per animal per day

Storage tips

• Use food-grade water containers in 5 or 7 gallon sizes: easy to handle and stackable
• Store in a cool, dark place away from chemicals
• Rotate tap-filled containers every 6 months
• Sealed commercial bottled water keeps 1–2 years with no issues
• Label each container with the fill date

Alternative sources in an emergency

If your supply runs out, you can use rainwater, water from your hot water heater, or cisterns. Always treat water from uncontrolled sources with purification tablets, portable filters, or by boiling for at least 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet).