Start with your household
A water plan should cover drinking, food preparation, and basic hygiene. The CDC recommends storing at least one gallon per person per day for three days, and a two-week supply if possible. For four people, the three-day starting point is 12 gallons. Allow more for pets, hot weather, and individual needs.
Choose storage you can manage
Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest, most reliable emergency source. For containers you fill yourself, choose food-grade water storage containers; never reuse containers that held toxic chemicals. Label drinking water with the storage date, replace self-filled stored water every six months, and keep it cool, away from sunlight and chemicals.
Read the CDC emergency water storage guidance for container preparation and detailed instructions.
Storage and filtration have different jobs
Storage gives you water when your normal supply is interrupted. A filter needs a suitable water source and must be chosen for the contaminants it is designed to reduce. Compare the exact model’s test results, operating requirements, and replacement schedule. Avoid assuming that every filter makes every water source safe.
Before choosing a system
- Capacity: how many people and days should it cover?
- Placement: will the filled container fit, remain accessible, and be supported safely?
- Use: how will you refill, dispense, clean, and rotate the water?
- Maintenance: what replacement parts or cartridges are needed?
- Total cost: include freight, accessories, and ongoing maintenance.
Our water-resilience collection is coming soon. Tell us about your household plan, or use our backup power planning guide to plan your essential devices.