We often take our household water supply for granted. However, when safe drinking water is unavailable, it is more than just an inconvenience - it can become a health emergency. Emergency-related interruptions of service may last from a few hours up to several days. Every household should have an emergency water supply available.

How much water should I store?

• Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day (one half-gallon for drinking and one half-gallon for food preparation and sanitation).  
• Hot weather can double the amount needed for drinking as the body uses more water for cooling.
• Store at least a three-day supply, but consider storing a two-week supply if space permits.
• Don't forget water for your pets! For a small pet, store one quart of water per day.  Store more for larger animals.

Can I store my tap water?

• Yes. While you can expect that water from a public water supply will be safe, remember that the container(s) used to collect and store the water must also be clean.

What containers should I use?

• Store tap water in well-sanitized, food-grade plastic with tight fitting screw-on lids.
• Avoid plastic milk containers because they may contain protein and fat residues, which might allow bacteria to grow during storage.
• Avoid using containers that will decompose or break.
• Containers not labeled for food or beverage storage could release harmful chemicals into the water.
• Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because minute amounts may remain in the container's pores.
• Some old glass jars were made with glass that contains lead, and unacceptable amounts of lead can leach into the water stored in them (even for short periods).

How should I prepare the containers?

• Wash the containers and lids thoroughly with hot tap water, dish detergent, and a mild bleach solution.
• Rinse thoroughly with hot tap water.

Should I boil the water before storing it?

• Boiling tap water before storage is not recommended. It will not prevent algae or bacterial growth that may occur during storage.
• Boiling may concentrate trace levels of other contaminants as some of the water is lost as steam.

How should I treat the water for storage?

• Be sure that the water you are using is drinking water quality.
• To treat water for storage, use liquid household chlorine bleach that contains 6% sodium hypochlorite. Do not use bleach with soaps or scents added.
• Using a clean, uncontaminated medicine dropper, fill your container with water and add the bleach according to the table below:

• Mix thoroughly by stirring or shaking the container. Let stand for 30 minutes before using.
• A chlorine odor should be detectable after the 30 minute waiting period.
• If the water does not smell like chlorine at that point, repeat the dose, mix thoroughly and let it stand another 15 minutes.

Where should I store the water and for how long?

• Store containers with treated water in an easily accessible, dark, cool, and dry place.
• Store water away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, and other chemicals.
• Stored water should be labeled with the date stored, and used or replaced every six months.

How do I keep water in opened containers safe?

• Once opened, sanitary measures are important when using the water to keep it safe and to control exposure to bacteria.
• To reduce the chance of water contamination, do not open more containers than are needed at the time.
• If electrical power is available, store opened containers in a refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use water in opened containers within one or two days.

Hidden water sources in your home:

• If an emergency catches you without a sufficient supply of stored water, you can use the water in your hot water tank, pipes, and ice cubes.  If you do not have a chemical sanitizer in your toilet tank, you can use that water as a last resort (not the water in the bowl).

With a little planning and effort, your family can be prepared for a natural disaster or other emergency with the most important necessity: a safe, adequate supply of drinking water.