Water planning

Water Storage Calculator

Build a 3-day, two-week, or custom emergency water plan with the drinking-and-cooking baseline, rough pet allowance, and extra reserves shown separately.

Water storage calculator for emergency household water planning

Private by default. Calculations run here; household inputs stay out of analytics.

Estimate · Save or print

Build a water plan

The drinking-and-cooking baseline is separated from the rough pet allowance and optional reserves, so each assumption stays visible.

Household and duration

People who rely on this supply.

Optional planning estimate.

1-90 days.

Optional reserve

These additions are estimates. They do not replace medical or veterinary guidance.

Use the result well

Store an amount you can safely manage

Treat the estimate as a drinking and cooking baseline. Container size, storage temperature, pets, health needs, and the hazard itself can change the practical total.

  1. Step 1

    Enter everyone who depends on the supply, include pets, and choose a realistic number of days.

  2. Step 2

    Choose food-grade containers that fit your space and remain light enough to move safely.

  3. Step 3

    Label, protect, inspect, and rotate the supply using current public-health and manufacturer guidance.

Questions about this estimate

What does the baseline water amount cover?

The baseline is for drinking and basic food preparation. It does not fully cover bathing, laundry, dishwashing, toilet flushing, or every medical need.

Should I use bottled water or larger containers?

A mix is often easier to store and move. Use sealed commercial water for convenience and food-grade containers for larger reserves, following the container maker and public-health guidance.

What if stored water looks or smells questionable?

Do not assume appearance alone proves safety. Follow current local public-health instructions for boil notices, treatment, or disposal, and use an unopened safe source when available.