How much water should I store per person?

Store at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Plan for a minimum of 3 days supply, but ideally 2 weeks or more for emergency preparedness.

What containers are best for water storage?

Use food-grade plastic containers (HDPE or PET) that are specifically designed for water storage. Avoid containers that previously held milk, juice, or other beverages as they can harbor bacteria. Glass containers are also suitable but are heavy and breakable.

How long can stored water last?

Commercially bottled water can last indefinitely if stored properly. Home-stored tap water should be replaced every 6 months. Store water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and chemicals.

Should I add chemicals to stored water?

If storing tap water that is already treated with chlorine, no additional treatment is needed. For untreated water, add 2 drops of unscented household bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) per liter of water, mix well, and let stand for 30 minutes before sealing.

Water Storage - Guides

Proper water storage is key to maintaining its quality and suitability for consumption. Improperly stored water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and other dangerous microorganisms. Below you will find a comprehensive guide on all aspects of water storage.

Golden rule of storage

Minimum supplies: 14 liters of drinking water per person (7-day supply at 2L/day). Recommended: 56 liters per person (4-week supply). Optimal: 100+ liters per person for longer periods including hygiene needs.

1. Choosing the Right Containers

Recommended containers:

PET bottles (polyethylene terephthalate) - best for long-term storage. Look for recycling symbol with number 1 or PETE/PET marking. Ideal are mineral water bottles (5L, 6L, 10L) - safe, sealed, and designed for drinking water contact.
HDPE containers (high density polyethylene) - marking #2, also safe. Often white or semi-transparent. Available in various sizes: from 20L to 200L. Work well as larger storage containers.
Specialized water containers - professional tanks designed for drinking water storage. Often have food certifications and are made from materials that don't affect water taste. Available in sizes from 50L to 1000L+.
Barrels and IBC tanks - for larger supplies (1000L). Ideal for families or small communities. Requires appropriate space and protection from light.

Containers to avoid:

Milk or juice bottles - difficult to clean thoroughly, residues can cause bacterial growth. Material often lets through more light, promoting algae growth.
Containers from chemicals or cleaning products - even after thorough washing, harmful substances may remain. Never use containers from non-food products.
PVC (#3) or polycarbonate with BPA containers - can release harmful chemicals into water, especially at higher temperatures.

2. Preparing Containers for Storage

Cleaning procedure:

Step 1: Initial rinse
Rinse the container with warm water to remove visible contaminants and dust.
Step 2: Wash with detergent
Wash the container thoroughly with mild detergent (preferably unscented). Use a brush for hard-to-reach areas.
Step 3: Disinfection
Prepare solution: 1 teaspoon of sodium hypochlorite (plain bleach without additives) per 1 liter of water. Fill the container with this solution, shake and leave for 30 seconds. Ensure the solution covers the entire inner surface, including the cap.
Step 4: Thorough rinsing
Rinse the container with clean drinking water at least 3-4 times until there is no chlorine smell. This is a crucial step - bleach residue can affect water taste and safety.
Step 5: Drying
Leave containers to dry in a clean, well-ventilated place. Don't use towels - they can transfer bacteria.

3. Filling Containers

Water source: It's best to use municipal tap water - it's already treated and chlorinated, which increases its shelf life. If using well water or another source, it should first be boiled or passed through an appropriate filter.

Water disinfection before storage

If you're unsure about water quality or it doesn't come from municipal supply, add a small amount of sodium hypochlorite: 2 drops per 1 liter of water or 8 drops per 4 liters. Use only plain hypochlorite (5-6% concentration) without fragrances or other additives. Mix and wait 30 minutes before sealing the container.

Filling procedure:

Fill the container with water directly from the tap or other clean source
Leave about 5% of capacity as air space (especially in larger tanks) - water can expand with temperature changes
Tightly screw or close the container, making sure it's sealed properly
Mark the container with waterproof marker: filling date and water source
If using chlorine disinfection, wait at least 30 minutes before fully closing to let the chlorine work

4. Storage Conditions

Optimal conditions

• Temperature: 10-21°C (50-70°F) ideal
• Dark place, away from sunlight
• Dry, well-ventilated space
• Away from cleaning products and chemicals
• Stable surface (floor, shelves)
• Easy access for supply rotation

What to avoid

• Direct sunlight
• Temperatures above 30°C (86°F)
• Places prone to freezing
• Contact with concrete (use pads)
• Proximity to gasoline, paints, solvents
• Humid rooms without ventilation

Why light is the enemy: Sunlight, and even artificial lighting, promotes algae growth in water. Algae are usually not harmful to health, but they change the taste, color and overall water quality. Therefore, always store water in a dark place or in opaque containers.

5. Storage Time and Rotation

Recommended rotation periods:

Tap water in sealed containers: 6-12 months
Chlorine in tap water acts as a natural preservative
Commercially bottled water: 2 years or more
According to manufacturer's expiry date, often much longer
Well water (treated): 3-6 months
Lack of chlorine means shorter storage period

FIFO rotation system (First In, First Out): Always use water that was stored earliest first. During rotation:

Use old water for watering plants, cleaning or other household purposes
Wash and disinfect the container again
Fill with fresh water
Mark the new date
Place at the end of the storage queue

6. Labeling and Organization

Good organization allows you to quickly find water in an emergency and effectively manage rotation.

Information to put on the container:

✓ Filling date (day/month/year)
✓ Water source (tap, well, etc.)
✓ Whether water was disinfected (yes/no)
✓ Volume (makes supply calculation easier)
✓ Planned rotation date

Use waterproof marker or self-adhesive labels secured with clear tape.

7. Special Situations

Storage in winter conditions:

Water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and expands, which can crack containers. If you must store water in places exposed to frost:

• Leave at least 10% air space in the container
• Use thicker HDPE containers (they are more flexible)
• Consider thermal insulation for containers
• In extreme cases, add a small amount of propylene glycol (food-safe)

Storage in small apartments:

If space is limited, consider creative solutions:

• Under the bed (flat containers)
• In closets (vertical bottle arrangement)
• Behind furniture
• In basement or attic (if conditions are suitable)
• 1.5-2L bottles in kitchen cabinets

Water Storage

Water Storage Basics