Emergency Water Storage Calculator and Checklist

How Much Emergency Water Should You Store?

FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend storing at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 3 days, and preferably 2 weeks. Hot climates, high activity, pregnancy, or medical needs increase this amount.

Quick Water Storage Calculator

Use the calculator tool on this page to estimate your household needs. Then use the checklist below to plan storage, treatment, and rotation.

Water Storage Checklist

• Store 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3 days, goal 2 weeks+).

• Include extra for pets, cooking, and hygiene.

• Use food-grade containers, keep them cool and dark, and rotate every 6–12 months.

• Have a treatment method (tablets or boiling) for found water.

• Label containers with fill date.

Recommended Products

Shop water storage containers and purification tablets in our Water category. Popular options include collapsible carriers and Potable Aqua tablets.

What to buy here

Storage first, then tablets.

5-gallon carrier: https://www.preppershop.com/product-page/rothco-5-gallon-collapsible-water-carrier-47f1e6

Datrex water pouches: https://www.preppershop.com/product-page/datrex-emergency-water-64-pack

Potable Aqua tablets: https://www.preppershop.com/product-page/potable-aqua-water-purification-tablets-c5c001

All water gear: https://www.preppershop.com/category/water