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Independent, evidence-based water education · Reviewed for 2026

Household Water · Tool

Household Water Planner

Plan how much water your household needs for drinking and basic daily use across any number of people and days.

4.6 (103) Free & private — runs in your browser
Default 4 L covers drinking and basic hygiene needs

This is a planning guide for water storage and basic needs. Actual household consumption for cooking, bathing and cleaning will be much higher.

Educational estimates only — not medical, engineering or professional advice.

Whether you are preparing for a camping trip, planning ahead for a period without mains supply, or simply curious about your household's minimum water needs, this planner gives you a quick, practical estimate.

It focuses on essential water — the amount needed for drinking and basic hygiene — rather than the much larger volume used for showers, laundry and cleaning. The default of 4 litres per person per day reflects commonly cited emergency preparedness guidelines.

How to use this tool

Enter three values to get your estimate:

  • Number of people — everyone in your household, including children.
  • Days to plan for — the planning period, from a single day to a full year.
  • Litres per person per day — the default of 4 L covers drinking water and minimal basic hygiene. Increase this if your plan includes cooking, sanitation and other uses.

The result shows the total litres required and the number of standard 20 L containers needed (rounded up). For a more comprehensive storage plan, see the Water Storage Planner.

A little background

Many emergency preparedness guidelines suggest a minimum of 2–4 litres per person per day for drinking alone, with higher amounts recommended when sanitation needs are included. The 4 L default here is a reasonable middle estimate for basic planning.

For longer-term or large-scale planning, also consider water quality, container hygiene and rotation schedules. Our guide on water storage tips covers practical steps for safe home storage.

Tool FAQ

This reflects common emergency preparedness guidelines that suggest 2 L for drinking and 2 L for basic hygiene. It is a conservative minimum; actual comfortable daily needs are higher.

At the 4 L default, the plan covers drinking and minimal hygiene. If you want to include cooking, hand-washing and basic sanitation, increase the litres-per-person figure accordingly.

Twenty-litre jerry cans or water containers are a common, portable storage unit. The Water Storage Planner lets you choose from 5 L, 10 L and 20 L container sizes.

Commercially bottled water has a "best before" date, but properly stored tap water in clean, sealed containers is generally considered safe for 6–12 months. Rotate your supply and check for any odour or cloudiness before use.
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