When it comes to prepping, food gets all the glory. But water? Water is the silent hero—absolutely critical and yet too often overlooked. You can survive three weeks without food, but barely three days without water. Whether you’re bracing for a natural disaster, grid failure, or long-term societal disruption, a solid water storage plan isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why Water Storage Matters
Clean, drinkable water is something we take for granted—until it’s not there. A frozen water line, power outage, or contaminated municipal source can leave you dry in hours. In a true long-term emergency, the average person needs at least two gallons per day, per person, for drinking and basic hygiene. That adds up fast.
How Much Water Should You Store?
For short-term disruptions (up to 2 weeks), the general recommendation is:
- 2 gallon per person, per day
- 28 gallons per person minimum for two weeks
For serious preppers planning for months or longer, aim for 120 – 240 gallons per person or more. The more self-reliant you want to be, the more storage you’ll need.
Best Water Storage Options
1. Store-Bought Bottled Water
- Easy and convenient
- Great for short-term use or quick evacuation
- Shelf life: 1–2 years (rotate annually)
2. 5-Gallon Jugs
- Easy to transport
- Great for rotating fresh water every few months
- Consider food-grade plastic only (BPA-free)
3. Water Barrels (55 Gallon)
- Ideal for long-term storage
- Use with a siphon pump and purification tablets
- Store in a cool, dark location on a raised platform (to prevent mold and chemical leaching)
4. IBC Totes (275–330 Gallons)
- Excellent bulk option for homesteaders
- Must be cleaned thoroughly and used with food-grade liners or previously food-safe contents
5. Rainwater Collection
- Legal in many areas (check your local laws)
- Combine with a filter system for safe consumption
- Use first-flush diverters and fine mesh screens to keep debris out
6. Bathtub Water Storage (e.g., WaterBOB)
- Last-minute storage solution during storm warnings
- Holds up to 100 gallons in a standard bathtub
- Great for short-term emergency response
Don’t Forget Water Treatment
Even if you’ve stored water, it must stay potable. Rotate your supply every 6–12 months unless it’s factory-sealed. For long-term storage:
- Use water preserver drops (e.g., stabilized oxygen)
- Boil water (rolling boil, 1–3 minutes)
- Use household bleach (unscented, 1/8 tsp per gallon)
- Keep a gravity-fed filter system on hand (e.g., Berkey, Sawyer, or Lifestraw Family)
Bonus Tip: Diversify Your Water Sources
Don’t rely on a single storage method. A combination of stored water, filtration systems, and natural sources (like wells, creeks, and rain catchment) creates true water resilience.
Bottom Line: If you’re serious about preparedness, water storage deserves your full attention. It’s not glamorous—but when the taps run dry, you’ll be grateful you made the effort.
Stay ready. Stay hydrated.
