How Much Water Do I Need?
The minimum recommendation is 1 Gallon* of drinking water per person per day. If possible, commercially bottled water is the best option, however the ability to store / scavenge your own water is a good second option.
This article is compiled from information provided by the International Red Cross on water treatment and storage.
You should store at least one gallon of water per person for three days. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary, depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.
To determine your water needs, take the following into account:
• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.
• If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary. In very hot temperatures, water needs can double.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
How Should I Store Water?
It is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water, in order to prepare the safest and most reliable emergency water supply. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by” date. Store in cool, dark place.
Preparing Your Own Containers of Water
It is recommended you purchase food grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage.
Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.
If you chose to use your own storage containers, choose a 2 litre plastic soft drink bottles and not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.
Storing Water in Plastic Soda Bottles
Follow these steps for storing water in plastic soda bottles.
Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Mix the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Let the water stand for 30 minutes before using.
A slight chlorine odour should be noticeable in the water, if not, add another dose of bleach and allow the water to stand another 15 minutes. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so you can know when you filled it. Store it in a cool, dark place.
Water can also be treated with water purification tablets that can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Water that has not been commercially bottled should be replaced every six months.
Safe Sources
- Melted ice cubes
- Liquids from canned goods such as fruit or vegetables
- Water drained from pipes. To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your home at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from the lowest faucet in the home
- Water drained from the water heater. To use water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve at the tank and turning on the hot-water faucet. After you are notified that clean water has been restored, you will need to refill the tank before turning the gas or electricity back on. If the gas is turned off, a professional will be needed to turn it back on.
Unsafe Sources
- Radiators Hot water boilers (home heating systems)
- Water from the toilet bowl or flush tank
- Water beds. Fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water unsafe to use
- Swimming pools and spas. Chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated for safe drinking but can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning and related uses.
Emergency Outdoor Water Sources
If you need to find water outside your home, you can use these sources. Containers like WaterBrick allow you to easily and more efficiently collect water from these outdoor sources. Be sure to treat the outdoor water before drinking it.
- Rainwater
- Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water
- Ponds and lakes
- Natural springs
Avoid water with floating material, an odour, or dark colour.
Use saltwater only if it is distilled first.
Never drink flood water.
More information on water treatment is available at www.redcross.org
(* All volumes quoted in this article are U.S. volumes. Please see conversion table below.)
Volume conversions:
1 US Gallon = 3.79 Litres
1 US Quart = 0.95 Litres
1 US pint = 0.47 Litres
