Creating & Storing an Emergency Water Supply

Creating an emergency water supply for you and your family is an essential part of emergency preparations.

Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. You should consider storing more water than this for hot climates, for pregnant women, and for persons who are sick.
Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet. Try to store a 2-week supply, if possible.
Observe the expiration date for store-bought water. Replace non-store bought water every 6 months.
Store a bottle of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach (label should say it contains between 5-6% and 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite) to disinfect your water, if necessary, and to use for general cleaning and sanitizing.

Make sure you have a Disaster Supplies Kit. Be sure to include sanitation and hygiene items, such as liquid soap, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene supplies.
Pack the items in easy-to-carry containers and label them clearly. Duffle bags, backpacks, and covered trash receptacles are good candidates for containers.
Store the containers and the rest of your kit where they are easily accessible.
Print water-related CDC flyers to keep in your kit:
- Make Water Safe
  - Make Water Safe [PDF – 1 page] (English)
  - Cómo desinfectar el agua [PDF – 1 page] (Español)
- Drink Safe Water
  - Drink Safe Water [PDF – 1 page] (English)
  - Beba agua que sea segura [PDF – 1 page] (Español)