Emergency Water Plan

Tier 1: 72-Hour Kit (Go Bag)

Water you can grab and go. For evacuations or short-term disruption.

• Amount: 3 gallons per person (1 gallon/day × 3 days)
• Container: Store-bought bottles or filled reusable containers
• Rotation: Every 6-12 months (store-bought) or every 6 months (self-filled)
• Location: Near exit, in go-bag, or vehicle

DIY: 3 × 1-gallon jugs per person, or 12 × 1-liter bottles. Rotate with regular water use.

Tier 2: 30-Day Reserve (Home)

Water stored at home for extended utility outages or contamination events.

• Amount: 30 gallons per person minimum (1 gallon/day × 30 days)
• Container: 5-7 gallon jerrycans, 55-gallon drums, or IBC totes
• Rotation: Every 6-12 months, or treat with preservative for 5-year storage
• Location: Cool, dark area. Garage, basement, closet

Family of 4 = 120 gallons minimum. That's two 55-gallon drums or 24 five-gallon jerrycans.

Tier 3: Long-Term Supply

For situations extending beyond 30 days. Requires source + treatment capability.

• Sources: Rain catchment, well, nearby surface water, spring
• Treatment: Multiple methods (filter + chemical + boil backup)
• Storage: Large tanks (275-330 gallon IBC, 500+ gallon cisterns)
• Sustainability: Can you refill? Where from?

Long-term requires both storage AND a resupply plan. Storage runs out eventually.

What to Include

• Water: 3 gallons per person in portable containers
• Filter: Portable water filter (Sawyer, LifeStraw, Katadyn)
• Purification: Chlorine dioxide tablets or drops (Potable Aqua, Aquatabs)
• Container: Collapsible 1-5 gallon container for collecting more
• Heat source: Camp stove + pot for boiling (backup method)

Container Options

Storage Calculation

Total gallons = People × Days × Gallons/person/day

Example: 4 people × 30 days × 1 gallon = 120 gallons minimum

For comfort (cooking, hygiene): Multiply by 2-4×

Container Options

55-gallon drums are the sweet spot for most homes. Two drums = 110 gallons. Add siphon pump ($10).

Filling & Treatment

• Tap water: Already treated. Add preservative for long storage, or rotate every 6-12 months.
• Preservative: Water preserver concentrate (5-year shelf life). Follow label dosage.
• DIY treatment: Add 1/8 teaspoon unscented bleach per gallon before sealing.
• Label: Write fill date on each container with permanent marker.

Simple Rotation (Every 6 Months)

1. Mark rotation dates on calendar (spring/fall time change works well)
2. Use stored water for gardening, cleaning, or drinking
3. Refill containers with fresh tap water
4. Re-treat if using preservative
5. Update fill date label

Tie rotation to daylight saving time. "Spring forward, fall back = swap water."

Extended Storage (1-5 Years)

• Use commercial water preserver (stabilizes for 5 years)
• Store in opaque, food-grade containers away from light
• Keep in cool location (50-70°F ideal)
• Inspect annually for leaks, algae growth, odor

If water smells bad, looks cloudy, or has algae - don't drink it. Re-treat or discard.

Identify Your Sources NOW

Before emergency, know where you'll get more water:

• Home: Water heater (40-80 gal), toilet tanks (not bowls), pipes
• Neighborhood: Nearby stream, lake, pond (map it)
• Public: Public fountains, spigots, swimming pools (treat before drinking)
• Rain: Roof catchment potential (calculate square footage)

Water Heater Drain

1. Turn off power/gas to water heater (prevent damage when empty)
2. Turn off cold water supply valve (prevent contaminated backflow)
3. Open hot water tap somewhere in house (air inlet)
4. Attach hose to drain valve at bottom, or collect from valve directly
5. Water may be hot - use caution

First few gallons may be rusty. Let it run clear before collecting.

Everyone Should Know

• Where stored water is located
• How much each person gets per day (rationing rules)
• Where to find more water if stored supply runs out
• How to purify water (at least one method)
• Who makes water decisions (conservation, rationing)

Utility announces boil notice

1. Stop drinking tap water immediately
2. Activate 30-day reserve (don't wait for store runs)
3. If must use tap: boil 1 minute, or use filter + chemical
4. Conserve water - no lawn watering, car washing
5. Monitor official channels for all-clear

Evacuation ordered

1. Grab 72-hour kit (includes 3 gal/person)
2. Fill additional containers if vehicle space allows
3. Know destination water situation (shelter? family? hotel?)
4. Bring filter and purification tablets for resupply

Stored water depleted

1. Drain water heater (40-80 gallons)
2. Drain toilet tanks (not bowls) - 1.5-6 gal each
3. Collect from designated outdoor source (pre-mapped)
4. Implement strict rationing: 1 liter/person/day minimum
5. Activate purification methods for all collected water