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.
18 January 2026 · 7 min read
Scenario
Water Supply Disruption
Loss or contamination of mains drinking water.
The risk
Boil notices, main breaks or treatment failures can cut safe water for days; stores sell out fast.
☀ Before
- Store at least 3 L per person per day for several days.
- Keep a filter and a disinfection method.
- Know how to shut off your supply.
⚡ During
- Follow boil/do-not-use notices exactly.
- Use stored water first; treat found water.
- Conserve for drinking and hygiene.
✓ After
- Flush lines
- Restock storage
- Note consumption rate
Equipment that helps
- Water containers
- Filter
- Disinfection tablets
- Bath-tub liner
Mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring boil notices
- Using untreated water for teeth
- Under-storing
Sources & further reading
- Local water utility
- Public health authority
Named sources are indicative; verify current official guidance for your area.
