Prepare For Water Shortages During Disasters
Natural disasters don’t just knock out power lines—they cripple critical infrastructure, including water systems. And when water stops flowing, daily life quickly spirals into survival mode. Whether you’re facing a hurricane, wildfire, blizzard, or earthquake, the risk of water shortages is immediate and severe.
Before diving in, get familiar with the fundamentals in our Emergency Preparedness Water Guide. It outlines how much water to store and why it matters. This guide builds on that foundation by showing you how to plan for—and outlast—water disruptions during a disaster.
Why Natural Disasters Trigger Water Shortages
Most people assume water will always be available. But modern water systems rely on power, pressurized pipes, and clean source inputs—all of which can be compromised in a crisis.
- Floods inundate treatment plants and spread raw sewage into clean water lines.
- Wildfires destroy above-ground water delivery infrastructure and contaminate open reservoirs with debris and ash.
- Blizzards and ice storms freeze pipes and prevent delivery of bottled water to rural or suburban areas.
- Earthquakes rupture underground pipes and isolate entire neighborhoods from functioning water systems.
- Hurricanes can knock out power to water pumps and flood municipal systems with stormwater.
Each disaster brings a unique threat to water access. Some knock out supply. Others taint the water itself. All require a solid, adaptable plan.
How Much Water Do You Actually Need?
FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day, but that’s only for drinking and minimal hygiene. In practice, most people use 2 to 3 gallons per person per day when you account for:
- Food preparation
- Basic hygiene (tooth brushing, hand washing)
- Sanitation needs (flushing toilets or cleaning surfaces)
- Emergency medical use
For a family of four, this means:
- 28 gallons per week at 1 gallon/day
- 56–84 gallons per week at 2–3 gallons/day
Don’t forget to plan for pets, infants, or anyone with special needs. Babies using formula or cloth diapers can double your water requirements.
Smart Storage Strategies
Start with what’s manageable and grow your supply over time. The key is consistency—not perfection. Use food-grade containers and stash them in cool, dark spaces to prevent algae or bacterial growth. Each container should be clearly labeled with the date of storage and rotated every 6–12 months.
For households with more space or larger needs, larger-scale options like stackable jugs or 55-gallon drums are ideal. Just be sure you have the tools to extract the water, such as a siphon or pump. In some areas, rainwater harvesting is also a viable strategy—though you’ll need to check your local regulations first.
Purification Methods When Water Runs Low
Even the best storage plan can run dry. That’s why purification backups are critical:
| Method | Pros | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling | Kills most pathogens | Requires fuel and time |
| Water purification tabs | Portable and easy to store | Leaves taste; slow processing time |
| Household bleach | Inexpensive and effective | Must use precise measurements |
| Gravity-fed filters | Long-term use; requires no electricity | Slow filtration; limited lifespan |
Choose multiple methods to match different scenarios—evacuation, sheltering at home, or assisting others.
Emergency Planning Tips to Stay Ahead
- Pre-fill bathtubs and sinks when a disaster is imminent
- Keep a rolling water diary to track daily household consumption
- Teach kids and teens how to use purification tools safely
- Practice scenarios: Test your go-bag, use only stored water for 24 hours, or simulate a 3-day outage
Also, consider how to support extended family, neighbors, or elderly friends who may not be able to store or purify water on their own.
Water Readiness Is More Than Self-Reliance
Preparedness isn’t about panic—it’s about peace. Having a water plan gives your household stability, health, and confidence in the face of crisis. And that security frees you to become part of the solution, not just a survivor.
If you’re ready to serve others when disaster strikes, get trained as a Hope Force Reservist and learn how to support relief efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
And if you want to ensure clean water reaches disaster survivors worldwide, make a donation to Hope Force International. Your support helps meet urgent needs when access to clean water is anything but guaranteed.
