Emergency Water Storage Planner
A simple printable planner for tracking household water needs, stored water containers, and refill targets.
Emergency Water Storage Planner
Plan your water supply, track storage containers, and identify refill gaps.
Household Water Needs
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| People in household | |
| Gallons per person per day | |
| Total gallons needed per day | |
| Total gallons needed for target period | |
| Total litres needed |
Stored Water Inventory
| Container Type | Size | Quantity | Total Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-gallon jugs | |||
| Water bricks | |||
| Bottled water cases | |||
| Barrels / drums | |||
| Other |
Water Storage Summary
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Total stored gallons | |
| Total stored litres | |
| Days currently covered | |
| Additional gallons needed | |
| Additional litres needed |
Rotation & Refill Tracking
| Container / Batch | Filled Date | Rotate By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I store for an emergency?
The standard recommendation is 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 3 days, but 2 weeks is a much more practical target. This covers drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. In hot climates or for households with medical needs, double the estimate. Don't forget water for pets.
What are the best containers for storing emergency water?
Use food-grade, BPA-free plastic containers rated for water storage, such as rigid polyethylene tanks or commercially sealed water bricks. Avoid using old milk jugs (hard to sanitize) or containers that previously held non-food items. Dark-colored or opaque containers prevent algae growth. Seal containers tightly and store away from direct sunlight.
How often should I rotate my emergency water supply?
Commercially bottled water is safe until its printed expiration date. For water you store yourself, rotate every 6–12 months. Sanitize containers with a diluted bleach solution before refilling. Even water stored correctly can develop an off taste over time, rotating it regularly keeps supplies fresh and container integrity intact.
Can I use tap water for emergency water storage?
Yes, treated municipal tap water is safe to store directly in clean, sealed food-grade containers without additional treatment. If you are storing water from a well or untreated source, add 8 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon before sealing. Label each container with the fill date.