Emergency water storage is the practice of keeping treated, sealed drinking water on hand before a disaster disrupts municipal supply. FEMA's 1 gallon per person per day is a survival minimum; 2 gallons per person per day is more realistic once you account for cooking, hygiene, and pets.
Written by Mike, a union power lineman with 22 years on the job and mutual aid plus storm restoration deployments after Sandy, California wildfires, Texas winter storms, and Gulf Coast hurricanes.
FEMA recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. — Ready.gov — Water
FEMA recommends 1 gallon per person per day as a minimum. In practice, 2 gallons per person per day is more realistic once you account for cooking, basic hygiene, and pets. For a family of 4 building a 2-week supply, that's 112 gallons.
Commercially sealed water has a shelf life of about 2 years but remains safe longer if stored properly. Tap water in clean, sealed containers stays safe for 6–12 months in a cool, dark location. Rotate every 6–12 months.
Yes — rinsed 2-liter soda bottles are one of the best DIY water storage options. They're food-grade PET plastic and seal well. Avoid milk jugs — protein residue promotes bacterial growth. Label with the fill date and store away from light and heat.
At 2 gallons per person per day: one person needs 28 gallons for 2 weeks. A family of 4 needs 112 gallons. Two 55-gallon barrels plus a filtration backup like a Berkey covers stored supply and treatment.