Storing and Rotating Emergency Water
One gallon per person per day — how to store it safely and keep it fresh.
Question 1
The goal
Store at least a 2-week supply of safe drinking water.
Question 2
Materials
- Food-grade containers (store-bought bottled water or water jugs)
- Unscented bleach
- Labels and marker
- Cool, dark storage space
Question 3
Substitutes
- Clean 2-liter soda bottles
- Water bricks
- WaterBOB-style bathtub liner
Where to find it
| Material | Household | Wilderness | Urban / scavenged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Containers | Soda bottles | Water bladders | Grocery store |
Question 4
Step by step
- 1
Calculate: 1 gallon (about 4 L) per person per day × 14 days. Family of 4 = 56 gallons. Add for pets and hot climates.
- 2
Easiest: buy commercially bottled water and keep it in its sealed packaging.
- 3
For DIY, use food-grade containers or soda bottles (never milk jugs — they degrade and are hard to clean).
- 4
Wash containers with soap, rinse, then sanitize with 1 teaspoon of bleach per quart of water, shake and rinse.
- 5
Fill with tap water. If your water isn't chlorinated (well water), add 2 drops of unscented bleach per liter (8 drops per gallon).
- 6
Seal tightly, label with the date, and store in a cool, dark place away from chemicals and fuels.
- 7
Replace DIY water every 6 months; store-bought by the expiration date.
- 8
Keep some water in small bottles for go-bags.
Saved steps go to My Survival Notebook.
Question 5
The science
Light and warmth promote algae and bacterial growth; residual chlorine protects water during storage. Plastics can absorb fumes from nearby gasoline or solvents.
Question 6
Dangers & limits
- Never use containers that held chemicals.
- Don't store on concrete in hot garages near fuel.
- Ration sweat, not water — drink normally.
Question 7
How you know it worked
You have a labeled, dated 14-day supply and a rotation reminder set.