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Independent, evidence-based water education · Reviewed for 2026

Household Water · Tool

Water Storage Planner

Work out how much water to store for emergencies, with a flexible container size to match what you have available.

4.6 (98) Free & private — runs in your browser
Default 4 L for drinking and basic hygiene

Stored water should be rotated every 6–12 months and kept in clean, food-grade containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

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

Having a supply of clean water set aside for emergencies — whether a short-term outage, a natural disaster or a planned period off-grid — is a practical step that many preparedness guides recommend.

This planner calculates the total storage volume you need and translates it into a number of containers at your chosen size. It also reminds you of the rotation schedule that keeps stored water fresh and safe.

How to use this tool

Adjust the four inputs to fit your situation:

  • Number of people — everyone who will rely on the stored supply.
  • Days of emergency supply — many guides suggest at least 3 days; 7–14 days provides more resilience.
  • Litres per person per day — 4 L covers drinking and basic hygiene. Increase for a more comfortable supply that includes cooking and sanitation.
  • Container size — choose 5 L, 10 L or 20 L to match the containers you have or plan to buy.

For a broader view of household water needs, the Household Water Planner covers day-to-day planning alongside emergency supply.

A little background

Emergency water storage is most effective when containers are food-grade, opaque (to reduce algae growth), clearly labelled with a fill date and stored in a cool, dark place away from chemicals and direct sunlight.

Rotating your supply every 6–12 months ensures the water stays fresh. Commercial bottled water or purpose-made emergency water pouches have longer shelf lives if you prefer a lower-maintenance option. Our guide on water storage tips goes into more detail on safe storage practices.

Tool FAQ

Many emergency preparedness bodies recommend a minimum of 3 days. A supply of 7–14 days provides considerably more resilience for longer disruptions or if you care for vulnerable household members.

Use food-grade plastic (look for HDPE or the recycling symbol 2), glass or stainless steel containers with tight-fitting lids. Avoid containers that previously held non-food products, as residues can leach into water.

In most cases, treated municipal tap water can be stored directly in clean containers without additional treatment. If your local water quality is uncertain, consult your water supplier or local public health guidance.

Discard stored water if it looks cloudy, has an unusual smell or taste, or if the container shows signs of contamination. When in doubt, throw it out and refill with fresh water.

Only if the container is food-grade and has not previously held any chemical, cleaning or non-food product. Thorough cleaning with soap and water followed by a brief rinse with diluted bleach solution can help, but new purpose-made containers are safer.
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