Emergency water: how much to store and how to make it safe
▶ PLAY FINTON FREEWater is the first supply to run out in a long outage. City water depends on electric pumps, and when the power stays off, pressure drops and tap water may not be safe. In Finton, the tap keeps running for about a day after the grid fails. Real systems vary, so plan for the worst.
How much should you store?
| Household | 3 days | 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3 gal | 14 gal |
| 2 people | 6 gal | 28 gal |
| 4 people | 12 gal | 56 gal |
| 6 people | 18 gal | 84 gal |
Storing water
- Unopened store-bought water is the simplest option. Keep it in a cool, dark place.
- If you fill your own containers, use clean, food-grade containers with tight caps, and label them with the date.
- When trouble is coming but the tap still works, fill extra jugs, pots and a clean bathtub. Bathtub water is best kept for flushing and washing unless it is treated.
- Your water heater tank also holds tens of gallons in an emergency.
Making water safe
- Boil: a rolling boil for one minute (three minutes above 6,500 feet) kills germs. Let it cool before drinking. See the CDC boil water guidance.
- Filter: a quality portable filter removes bacteria and parasites. Many do not remove viruses or chemicals.
- Tablets or drops: follow the label exactly, including the wait time.
- Cloudy water should be settled and strained through a clean cloth first.
- Boiling and filtering do not remove fuel, chemicals or toxins. Never drink water that may be contaminated by floodwater or fuel.
Collecting rain
A tarp, a downspout and a barrel can catch hundreds of gallons from a single storm. Treat rainwater before drinking it. In Finton, linking a rain barrel to your gutter, and then adding a filter or tablets, is one of the five homestead needs you can meet.
How much water do I need per person per day in an emergency?
At least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene, according to Ready.gov. Store more for hot climates, pets, and anyone who is sick, pregnant or nursing.
How long should I boil water to make it safe?
Bring it to a rolling boil for one minute, or three minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet, then let it cool.