Clean Water When You Need It Most

Water is life. I've lab-tested 25+ filters and learned hard lessons about storage containers the messy way. Here's what actually works to keep your family hydrated when taps run dry.

25+ Filters Tested
Lab-Verified Results
Safe Storage Methods
๐Ÿ’ง

Water Storage

Long-term storage solutions and rotation systems

๐Ÿ”ฌ

Purification

Filters, UV sterilizers, and chemical treatments

๐ŸŒง๏ธ

Rainwater Collection

Harvesting and storing natural precipitation

๐Ÿงช

Water Testing

Quality testing kits and safety protocols

Water Safety Quick Reference

Critical water storage and purification guidelines for emergency preparedness

๐Ÿ’ง

Storage Rule of Thumb

1 Gallon
per person per day (minimum)
28 gal
Family of 4 / 1 week
56 gal
Family of 4 / 2 weeks
๐Ÿ”ฌ

Purification Hierarchy

1
Filter particles (sediment filter)
2
Kill pathogens (boil, UV, purify)
3
Remove chemicals (carbon filter)
4
Test for safety (pH, TDS meters)
โฑ๏ธ

Emergency Timeline

3m
Without air
3d
Without water
3w
Without food

๐Ÿ’ก Water is your #2 priority after shelter

๐Ÿšฐ

Water Sources Ranking

1
Municipal tap water
(stored properly)
2
Bottled water
(check expiration dates)
3
Well water
(test regularly)
4
Rainwater
(filter + purify required)

Start here: How to Calculate Emergency Water Storage for Your Family

Stop guessing how much water you need. This guide provides a simple formula, real-world examples, and expert tips to calculate and store the right amount of water for your family's emergency preparedness.

Read guide

Latest guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan for 1 gallon per person per day minimum. For a family of 4, that's 28 gallons for one week or 56 gallons for two weeks. Include water for pets, cooking, and basic hygiene needs.
Layered approach: Start with filtration (removes particles), then purification (kills pathogens). Gravity-fed filters for home use, portable filters for travel, and purification tablets as backup provide comprehensive coverage.
Properly stored water in food-grade containers can last indefinitely. Rotate every 6 months for best taste. Municipal water (chlorinated) stays safe longer than well water. Always store in cool, dark places.
Rainwater can be safe with proper collection and treatment. Use first-flush diverters, collect from clean surfaces, and always filter and purify before drinking. Not recommended in urban areas with air pollution.
Food-grade HDPE plastic containers or glass. Avoid containers that previously held non-food items. Blue water containers are ideal as they block light. 5-7 gallon containers are manageable when full (40-56 lbs).