How much water should you store?

With an ever increasing need for clean water and preserving the water we have, water storage is becoming a smart solution.  There are many reasons to store water: water shortages, tainted water supplies, droughts, emergencies, disasters or power grid failure.  How much water should you store?

Minimum:1 Gallon of Water per Person per Day

A normally active person needs at least one gallon of water daily just for drinking. However, individual needs vary depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

For a typical family of four, a two week supply of water would require 56 gallons of water minimum.

“In addition to drinking water, you will need 1/2 gallon per person per day for other uses, such as brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc. So 1 gallon per person per day is the bare minimum. On a regular day, you may wash several gallons of water down the drain as you rinse the dinner dishes. In an emergency situation, you will have to keep a watchful eye on the amount used for those purposes. A wet cloth wipe-up may be all your dishes get.

One gallon per person per day is a good general starting amount, but you may need more than that. Take into consideration the specific needs of your family.

• If the majority of your storage foods are dry or dehydrated, you’ll need more water for preparation of those foods.
• Do you have pets? If so, you’ll need to plan additional water for them.
• Do you have a baby in your house? How much water do you need for preparing formula or baby food? Since babies sometimes spit up and make messes, you’ll need sufficient water to clean up.
• Active teenagers usually drink more liquids than adults. Make sure to store plenty of water for active teens.
• Is any member of your family an invalid or chronically ill? Do they have an increased need for water to take medications or for personal care?
• Do you live in an area where extreme heat is a regular occurrence? Everyone will need more water if that is your situation.
• Are you accustomed to drinking more water for good health? If so, cutting back drastically, especially in a time of crisis, could be very difficult physically.”

Emergency water sources that can be used with a Propur Water Filter System

Water from the toilet bowl (flushed) or flush tank on back, water beds, swimming pools and spas, rainwater, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes.