Organization · Emergency drinking water

Prepare and rotate a three-day emergency water supply

Plan at least one gallon (about 3.8 L) per person per day for three days, and keep supplies dated and safely stored.

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CDC guidance recommends at least one gallon (roughly 3.8 liters) per person per day for three days when normal drinking water could be unavailable. This is a general US preparedness baseline; local guidance and family or pet needs may call for more.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Multiply household size by about 3.8 L per person per day and then by three days.
Allow extra water for infants, illness, pregnancy, pets and hot weather.
Prefer unopened commercially bottled water kept in its original container and follow the printed date.
For home-filled water, use food-grade containers and follow CDC cleaning and sanitizing instructions; never reuse chemical containers.
Mark each container 'drinking water' and its storage date; keep it cool, shaded and away from hazardous chemicals.
Rotate commercial water by its date and home-filled water every six months; follow public-health directions during an emergency.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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