Water Emergency Storage
In any emergency preparedness plan, water is non-negotiable. Yet far too often, families invest in food storage and first aid kits while overlooking the critical question: how will we ensure our water for emergency storage is clean, accessible, and ready when we need it most? If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our full Emergency Preparedness Water Guide to understand how much water your household should have on hand — then come back here to learn how to store it correctly.
Why Proper Water Storage Matters
Water that sits too long — or is stored carelessly — can quickly become unsafe to drink. We’ve heard stories of families who thought they were prepared, only to find their water undrinkable when the time came. Plastic broke down, bacteria multiplied, or containers leaked. What started as peace of mind became a last-minute scramble for clean water.
Think of water for emergency storage as the foundation of your preparedness, not just a detail on a checklist. It’s the piece that supports everything else: cooking, sanitation, hydration, and even peace of mind.
Choose the Right Containers
Not all containers are created equal. Here’s how the most common options compare:
| Container Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Food-grade plastic jugs | Seals tightly, safe for long-term storage | Bulkier, takes up more space |
| 55-gallon barrels | Great for bulk storage, BPA-free options | Heavy and hard to move without equipment |
| Stackable 5-gallon jugs | Easy to carry and store | Requires more frequent rotation |
| Repurposed bottles | Budget-friendly | May not seal well or sanitize completely |
Some families also repurpose large juice or soda bottles after a thorough cleaning — a practical option if you’re working with a limited budget.
Where to Store It Safely
Water doesn’t do well in heat or sunlight. Choose a cool, dark space like a basement, closet, or even under a bed. If you’re working with limited space, get creative. A row of jugs under your couch or in unused corners of a pantry can still make a difference.
Avoid outdoor sheds or attics unless they’re temperature-controlled. Heat can degrade plastic and promote algae growth, especially in transparent containers.
Make It Last: Rotation and Treatment
Water isn’t something you want to forget about until you need it. To keep your stored water fresh and safe:
- Rotate stored tap water every six months
- Label containers with the date they were filled
- Use water preservative drops or unscented household bleach
- Follow exact treatment ratios — never eyeball
- Keep printed treatment instructions near your supplies
Do a dry run once a year. Pretend there’s a water outage. See if your system holds up — and if your family knows how to access and use your emergency water.
Be Ready to Use It
You’ve stored the water. Now, make sure you can use it. A siphon pump for barrels or a basic spigot makes access easy. You don’t want to be lifting 40 pounds of water when the lights are out.
Also: test your containers periodically. Even the best plastic can crack with age. A small leak could quietly ruin your efforts if left unchecked.
And beyond access, think about purification. Have a backup plan: purification tablets, filters, or the ability to boil water. Include your family in practice drills so they’re confident, not confused, if disaster strikes.
Hope Starts with Readiness
At Hope Force International, we’ve seen firsthand how families struggle when clean water isn’t available — and how lives are changed when it is. You can be part of that change.
If you want to do more than prepare your own home, consider getting trained as a Hope Force Reservist. You’ll be equipped to serve before and after disasters strike.
And if you’d like to support others on their worst day, please donate to help disaster survivors. Your generosity helps us respond faster, serve longer, and bring hope when it matters most.
