You can go a surprisingly long time without food, but water is a different story. If your pantry is overflowing with canned goods but you haven’t thought through your water supply, you’re missing the most important part of household preparedness.
Water is essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and basic comfort—yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked items when people get ready for storms or short-term disruptions. A little planning now prevents a lot of stress later.
Step One: Know How Much You Actually Need
A good guideline is one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and essential tasks. But that doesn’t include the “real life” needs—coffee, quick cleaning, handwashing, or basic hygiene. For most households, two gallons per person per day is a more comfortable target.
Multiply that by how many days you want to be prepared for, and you’ll quickly see why planning matters. Water builds up fast, so having a clear goal helps you store the right amount without feeling overwhelmed.
Step Two: Choose the Right Containers
Proper containers make all the difference. Skip old milk jugs—they break down quickly and aren’t ideal for long-term use. Instead, use food-grade plastic containers or containers specifically designed for water storage.
For short-term readiness, bottled water is perfectly fine. It’s easy to store, rotate, and transport. For longer-term storage, 5- to 7-gallon jugs or purpose-built storage containers are more efficient. Larger barrels, such as 55-gallon models, also work well if you have the space. Keep everything sealed and stored out of direct sunlight.
Step Three: Treat Your Water When Needed
If your water comes from a treated municipal source, you can usually store it directly without additional treatment. If you’re storing well water or water from a non-treated source, purifying it first makes storage safer. Using a small amount of unscented household bleach—following established safety guidelines—helps keep water safe for extended periods.
It’s a simple step, but it makes long-term storage far more reliable.
Step Four: Refresh Your Supply Every Six Months
While water itself doesn’t expire, containers can gradually develop odors, stains, or slight degradation over time. Label each container with the date you filled it and replace the stored water twice per year.
There’s no need to waste it—use the older water for cleaning, rinsing outdoor items, or watering plants, then refill the containers with fresh tap water.
Step Five: Have a Backup Filtration Option
Stored water is great, but filtration gives you an added layer of confidence. Gravity filters, portable pumps, and certified bottle filters can make questionable water safer to drink in situations where you need additional options.
It’s also helpful to keep purification tablets or a small bottle of disinfectant designated for water treatment. They take up almost no space and provide extra reassurance.
Step Six: Store It in the Right Place
Keep your water supply in a cool, dark, easily accessible location. Basements and interior closets are ideal. If using a garage, ensure the temperature stays within a reasonable range—extreme heat or cold can shorten the lifespan of containers.
Choose locations that are easy to reach so you can rotate and refresh your supply without hassle.
Final Thoughts
Water storage doesn’t have to be complicated. A few good containers, some basic organization, and occasional rotation can provide peace of mind during storms or temporary disruptions.
While others rush to grab bottled water at the last minute, you’ll already have what you need on hand—organized, fresh, and ready to use. With a thoughtful plan, staying prepared becomes simple, comfortable, and a whole lot less stressful.