The standard rule of thumb for emergency preparedness, recommended by agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FEMA, is to store a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. This calculation is the foundation for determining how much water for 3 days your household will need. Following this guideline, a three-day supply for one person would be three gallons. This supply is meant to cover both drinking and sanitation needs during an emergency where tap water may be unavailable or unsafe.
The Standard: 1 Gallon Per Person Per Day
The one-gallon-per-person rule is a simple but effective benchmark. This amount is typically broken down to allocate approximately half a gallon for drinking and the other half for essential sanitation and food preparation. During a disaster, clean water is critical not just for hydration but also for preventing illness through proper hygiene. This includes:
- Drinking: Staying hydrated is the top priority for survival, as the body cannot function long without water.
- Food Preparation: Rehydrating freeze-dried foods or preparing simple meals requires clean water.
- Personal Hygiene: This includes handwashing, brushing teeth, and other basic sanitation needs.
Adjusting Your 3-Day Water Calculation
While the basic calculation is a solid starting point, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your household's specific needs may require you to store more than the minimum. Several factors can increase the amount of water required to maintain health and safety.
Factors that Increase Water Needs
- Climate: Individuals in hot or humid environments will sweat more and require additional water to stay hydrated.
- Activity Level: Engaging in intense physical activity will increase your fluid loss and necessitate a larger supply.
- Health Conditions: Individuals who are ill, have a fever, or are pregnant or breastfeeding will require significantly more water.
- Age: Children and the elderly can be more susceptible to dehydration and may have different hydration needs.
- Pets: Don't forget your furry family members. The general rule for dogs is about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
How to Safely Store Your Water
Proper water storage is essential to ensure your supply remains safe to consume over time. You have a couple of options: purchasing bottled water or storing your own tap water. Both require careful handling to maintain quality.
Best Practices for Water Storage
- Use Food-Grade Containers: Always use clean, sanitized, food-grade containers for storing water. Avoid reusing containers that previously held juice or milk, as they can retain residue and promote bacterial growth.
- Cool, Dark Location: Store containers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the plastic and promote algae growth.
- Label and Date: Label all containers with the storage date to easily track when they should be replaced.
- Rotate Your Supply: Replace stored tap water every six months. Commercially bottled water has an expiration date and should be rotated accordingly.
Emergency Water: Purchased vs. Stored Tap
Choosing between buying bottled water and storing your own treated tap water depends on factors like budget, convenience, and preference. The following table compares the two methods to help you decide.
| Feature | Purchased Bottled Water | Stored Tap Water |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Higher. Cost per gallon is significantly higher than tap water. | Lower. The only costs are for food-grade containers. |
| Convenience | High. Ready-to-go, no preparation needed beyond purchasing. | Lower. Requires time and effort to fill, sanitize, and manage containers. |
| Shelf Life | Long. Typically has a long shelf life, often over a year, with an expiration date. | Shorter. Requires rotation every six months to maintain freshness. |
| Container Type | Standard plastic bottles, often not reusable for long-term storage. | Can be stored in durable, reusable food-grade containers (e.g., 5-gallon jugs). |
| Control | None over the water source or packaging material. | Full control over the quality of your water and storage vessel. |
Your Step-by-Step 3-Day Water Plan
- Calculate Your Total: Count every person and pet in your household. Multiply that number by 3 gallons. Add extra gallons for potential increased needs (e.g., illness, hot climate).
- Acquire Containers: Purchase or reuse appropriate food-grade storage containers. For a family of four, you will need at least 12 gallons of storage capacity.
- Prepare and Fill: Sanitize containers if you're using tap water. Fill them completely to minimize air space, and seal them tightly.
- Label and Store: Clearly label each container with the contents and date. Place them in a cool, dark, and secure location, such as a pantry or garage.
- Rotate: Add a reminder to your calendar to rotate your water supply every six months for stored tap water or by the expiration date for bottled water.
Conclusion: Your 3-Day Water Supply
Preparing for emergencies with a proper water supply is one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure your family's safety and well-being. By following the simple formula of one gallon per person per day and considering any additional factors, you can confidently create a stockpile that meets your needs. Storing a 3-day supply is the minimum recommended, but considering a longer duration, such as two weeks, can offer even greater peace of mind. For more information on general preparedness, you can visit Ready.gov.
