Emergency Water Storage Calculator

FEMA recommends at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Climate, pets, and medical conditions increase that number. Find out exactly how much your household needs.

Household
4
Environment

Multiplier: 1x baseline

0

0.5 gal/pet/day for drinking

Medical Needs

Add 0.5 gal/day for medical use

Total Water Needed

56

gallons (212 L)

People (4)56 gal
Container Recommendations
How many of each container type you would need

55-Gallon Drums

Ideal for long-term bulk storage in a garage or basement

2

needed

5-Gallon Jugs

Portable and stackable, great for rotation

12

needed

1-Gallon Bottles

Store-bought bottled water, easiest to rotate

56

needed

WaterBOBs (65 gal)

Fill your bathtub before a storm for emergency supply

1

needed

Water Purification

Purification Tablets

~1 tablet per quart of water

224

Tip: Store water in a cool, dark place. Rotate commercially bottled water every 6-12 months. Tap water stored in food-grade containers should be replaced every 6 months.