Quick Answer
Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, the figure used by FEMA and the American Red Cross. That covers drinking plus basic hygiene. For one person, that is 3 gallons for 3 days, 14 gallons for 2 weeks, and 30 gallons for 30 days. Multiply by the number of people in your household.
Gallons to Store by People and Duration
Each cell is total gallons for the whole household at 1 gallon per person per day.
| People | 3 Days | 7 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3 gal | 7 gal | 14 gal | 30 gal |
| 2 people | 6 gal | 14 gal | 28 gal | 60 gal |
| 3 people | 9 gal | 21 gal | 42 gal | 90 gal |
| 4 people | 12 gal | 28 gal | 56 gal | 120 gal |
| 5 people | 15 gal | 35 gal | 70 gal | 150 gal |
| 6 people | 18 gal | 42 gal | 84 gal | 180 gal |
| 7 people | 21 gal | 49 gal | 98 gal | 210 gal |
| 8 people | 24 gal | 56 gal | 112 gal | 240 gal |
| 9 people | 27 gal | 63 gal | 126 gal | 270 gal |
| 10 people | 30 gal | 70 gal | 140 gal | 300 gal |
FEMA / Ready.gov recommends a minimum of 3 days for evacuation and 2 weeks at home. The 30-day column is for longer-term planners and is not an official minimum. Add extra for pets (roughly 1 gallon per 2 days for a medium dog), hot climates, infants, and anyone who is sick.
Container Options and How Many You Need
Use only food-grade containers. The table shows how many of each it takes to reach common targets.
| Container | Capacity | Best For | To Store 56 gal (family of 4, 2 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottled water (case) | ~2.5 gal / 24 bottles | Grab-and-go, no rotation hassle | ~22 cases |
| 1-gallon jugs | 1 gal | Easy single-day rationing | 56 jugs |
| 5-gallon stackable jug | 5 gal | Apartments, small closets | ~12 jugs |
| 7-gallon rigid jug | 7 gal | Car camping, garage storage | 8 jugs |
| 30-gallon barrel | 30 gal | Long-term home reserve | ~2 barrels |
| 55-gallon barrel | 55 gal | Bulk household supply | 1 barrel |
For sizing your exact supply, drinking versus sanitation split, and a rotation schedule, run the Water Storage Calculator. If your plan relies on refilling from rain or a stream, you will also need a way to purify it.
Recommended Water Gear
Important
This chart is researched from published FEMA and Red Cross guidance for general planning. It is not professional emergency, medical, or survival advice. Individual needs vary with age, health, activity, and climate. Follow instructions from local authorities during an actual emergency, and consult a professional for medical dietary or hydration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I store per person?
Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation, with a minimum of 3 days for evacuation and 2 weeks at home. That is 3 gallons for 72 hours, 14 gallons for 2 weeks, and 30 gallons for a month per person.
How much water does a family of 4 need for 2 weeks?
About 56 gallons, calculated at 1 gallon per person per day for 14 days. That is roughly two 30-gallon barrels or eight 7-gallon jugs.
Who needs more than 1 gallon per day?
Children, nursing mothers, sick people, and anyone in hot weather or at high altitude may need more. When in doubt, store extra.
How long can stored water be kept?
Commercial bottled water keeps until its printed date. Water you bottle yourself in clean food-grade containers should be rotated about every 6 months and kept cool, dark, and away from chemicals.
Sources
- Ready.gov (FEMA): Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- American Red Cross: Survival Kit Supplies
Related Calculators & Charts
- Water Storage Calculator: exact gallons for your household
- Emergency Food Storage Chart
- Emergency Kit Checklist by Duration
- Complete Water Storage Guide