Essential Guide to Water Storage & Conservation

Why Water is Your Top Priority in an Emergency

The human body can survive for weeks without food, but only 3 days without water. Dehydration sets in quickly, leading to fatigue, confusion, and even organ failure. In a crisis, water isn’t just for drinking—it’s also needed for cooking, hygiene, and first aid. Unfortunately, during emergencies like hurricanes, earthquakes, or power outages, water supplies can become contaminated or cut off entirely. That’s why storing and conserving water should be at the top of your preparedness checklist.

How Much Water Do You Need for a 72-Hour Emergency?

The general rule of thumb is to store 1 gallon of water per person per day. This accounts for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. For a 72-hour (3-day) emergency, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 person: 3 gallons

• 2 people: 6 gallons

• Family of 4: 12 gallons

If you live in a hot climate, have pets, or are caring for someone with medical needs, you may need to store more. Don’t forget to account for unexpected situations, like extended outages or additional people seeking shelter.

How to Store Water for Emergencies

Storing water isn’t as simple as filling up a few bottles and calling it a day. Proper storage ensures your water remains safe and drinkable when you need it most. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Choose the Right Containers

• Food-Grade Plastic Containers: Use BPA-free containers specifically designed for water storage. Look for containers labeled “food-grade” or “FDA-approved.”

• Glass Jars: Glass is non-porous and won’t leach chemicals, but it’s heavy and breakable. I would actually not recommend buying a whole bunch of glass containers just for this purpose...but if you already have them, you may as well use them, and it does not hurt to clean and reuse glass containers from other food products or mason jars, which I do myself.

• Water Storage Barrels: For larger quantities, consider 55-gallon barrels made for long-term water storage. It is very useful to have at least one or two of these in storage for protracted emergencies.

• Avoid Milk Jugs or Non-Food-Grade Containers: These can harbor bacteria and degrade over time.

2. Clean and Sanitize Containers

Before filling your containers, wash them with soap and water, then sanitize with a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach per quart of water. Rinse thoroughly.

3. Fill and Seal Containers

• Fill containers with tap water. If your tap water is already treated, no additional treatment is needed.

• Seal containers tightly and label them with the date of storage. Date labeling is important because you will want to replace the water every six months.

4. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

• Keep water away from direct sunlight and chemicals (like gasoline or pesticides).

• Ideal storage locations include basements, closets, or under beds.

5. Rotate Your Water Supply

Stored water should be replaced every 6 months to ensure freshness. Use the old water for non-drinking purposes, like watering plants or cleaning, and refill with fresh water.

Alternative Water Sources in an Emergency

If your stored water runs out, you’ll need to know where to find alternative sources. Here are some options:

1. Water Heaters

Your home’s water heater can hold 30-50 gallons of clean water. To access it:

• Turn off the power or gas to the heater.

• Open the drain valve at the bottom and collect water in a clean container.

• Be careful though, minerals from the metal boiler tank can leach into the water.

2. Toilet Tanks (Not Bowls!)

The tank of your toilet (not the bowl) contains clean water that can be used for drinking if necessary.

3. Rainwater

Collect rainwater using clean tarps, buckets, or barrels. Be sure to filter and purify it before drinking.

4. Natural Water Sources

Rivers, lakes, and streams can be lifesavers, but the water must be purified before consumption. Details on how to filter and purify water from natural water bodies will be covered in future blog posts.

How to Conserve Water During a 72-Hour Emergency

When water is limited, every drop counts. Here are practical tips to stretch your water supply:

1. Prioritize Drinking Water

• Hydration is your top priority. Avoid sugary or salty foods that increase thirst.

• Drink small sips throughout the day rather than large amounts at once.

2. Limit Water for Hygiene

• Use hand sanitizer instead of washing hands with water. Hand sanitizer is another of those essential items to stock up on, especially for emergencies such as pandemics.

• Brush teeth with a small cup of water instead of running the tap.

• Take “sponge baths” using a damp cloth instead of showering.

3. Reuse Water When Possible

• Collect water used for rinsing fruits or vegetables and reuse it for plants or cleaning.

• Use leftover drinking water to flush toilets.

4. Minimize Cooking Water

• Opt for no-cook meals like granola bars, canned goods, and dried fruit.

• If cooking is necessary, use as little water as possible and reuse it for other purposes.

5. Fix Leaks Immediately

A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water over 72 hours. Tighten taps and repair leaks as soon as possible.

How to Purify Water in an Emergency

If you run out of stored water and need to use alternative sources, purification is essential to remove contaminants. Here are four effective methods:

1. Boiling

• Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitudes).

• Let it cool before drinking.

2. Water Filters

• Use a portable water filter or filtration system designed to remove bacteria, parasites, and debris.

• Popular options include LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini, and Berkey filters.

3. Bleach Purification

• Add 8 drops of unscented household bleach (6% sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water.

• Stir and let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking.

4. Water Purification Tablets

• Follow the instructions on tablets like Aquatabs or Potable Aqua.

• These are lightweight and easy to carry in a bug-out bag.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, people often make mistakes when storing and conserving water. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Not Storing Enough Water: Underestimating your needs can leave you dehydrated.

2. Using Improper Containers: Non-food-grade containers can contaminate your water.

3. Forgetting to Rotate Water: Stale water can develop an unpleasant taste or harbor bacteria.

4. Ignoring Alternative Sources: Knowing where to find water is just as important as storing it.

5. Wasting Water: Careless use can deplete your supply faster than expected.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Hydrated

Water is the cornerstone of survival, and in a 72-hour emergency, every drop counts. By storing enough water, knowing how to conserve it, and understanding how to purify alternative sources, you can ensure your family stays hydrated and healthy during a crisis. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—start building your water storage plan today. Remember, preparedness isn’t just about having the right supplies; it’s about having the knowledge and confidence to use them effectively.

Pro Tip: Share this guide with your friends and family to help them prepare, too. The more people who are ready, the stronger your community will be in the face of an emergency.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to handle a 72-hour water emergency with confidence. Stay safe, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay hydrated!