Household
Children use slightly less than adults. Each cat or dog needs roughly 1/2 gallon per day. Larger animals (horses, livestock) require much more.
How long do you want to prepare for?
2 weeks is the current Red Cross and many state emergency management recommendation. FEMA recommends 3 days as an absolute minimum.
Use level
FEMA recommends 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. Standard adds limited cooking and washing. Full assumes normal toilet flushing and showers (requires a well or stored bulk water).
Storage container
5-gallon BPA-free jugs are the sweet spot for most households – manageable weight, easy to rotate, fits under stairs or in closets.
Storage requirement
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8.3 lbs per gallon
Rotate stored water every 6-12 months. Use food-grade BPA-free containers stored in a cool, dark spot away from gasoline, pesticides, or strong odors (the plastic can absorb fumes). Tap water from a chlorinated municipal supply needs no treatment when stored properly. Well water or untreated sources should be filtered and treated with bleach (8 drops of unscented household bleach per gallon) or boiled before drinking.