Water
How Much Water Should You Store?
Drinking, cooking and hygiene needs, plus how to store water safely and treat it when supplies are uncertain.
Water is the first priority in almost every scenario. The common planning figure is about 3 litres of drinking water per person per day, with more for hot weather, illness, or if you must also cook.
How much, in practice
| Use | Per person/day |
|---|---|
| Drinking | 2–3 L |
| Cooking | 1–2 L |
| Basic hygiene | 2–4 L |
| Hot climate / illness | Add 1–2 L |
Target
Storing it safely
- Use food-grade containers; keep them sealed and out of sunlight.
- Label with the fill date and rotate every 6 months.
- A bath-tub liner can add ~100 L in minutes when a storm is forecast.
When supplies are uncertain
If you must use found water, treat it. Boiling for one minute is the simplest reliable method; filtration and chemical treatment are alternatives where boiling is not possible. Follow local boil notices exactly.
Key takeaway
Store first, treat second. A sealed container of known-safe water beats a clever filter you have never practised with.
Contains affiliate links. Provision may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our recommendations.
