Water in your emergency kit: how much, and how to store it
Updated · 6 min read
Water is the first thing to sort out in a home emergency kit. If the supply fails or the water is contaminated, clean drinking water is what you notice soonest.[1] The good news is that it only takes a few things prepared in advance.
In short: Count on roughly three litres of water per person per day, store it in clean containers somewhere dark and cool, and boil the water or use bottled water if the authorities issue a boil-water notice.[1][3]
How much water?
The authorities point to around three litres of water per person per day for drinking and possibly cooking. For three days, that means having roughly nine litres of water per person ready.[1] With several people in the household it adds up quickly - so it is worth preparing in good time rather than fetching it all at once.
Remember your pets
If you have pets, they need water too. The Danish authorities note that you should set aside extra water if you have needs beyond the household itself - for example for animals.[2] Count their consumption in when you fill the containers, so there is enough for everyone across the three days.
How to store the water
Fill clean water into clean containers and keep them somewhere dark and cool, so it is ready when you need it.[1] Dark and cool storage keeps the water fresh for as long as possible.
Write a date on the containers and change the water now and then, so it is fresh the day it counts. That turns readiness into a fixed routine rather than something to remember in a stressful moment.
If a boil-water notice is issued
Sometimes - for example after flooding - the drinking water can be contaminated, and the authorities then issue a boil-water notice. When that happens, the water you drink and cook with must be boiled first, or you can use clean bottled water instead.[3]
Always follow the authorities' instructions for contaminated water - they tell you how long the notice applies and what the water may be used for.[3]
A store of clean water in containers means you have something to drink right away while you find out what applies.
Keep water ready
A foldable water container takes up almost no space in the cupboard and is quick to fill when you get your kit ready.
If you want to see how water fits into the rest of your readiness, read on here: 72-hour readiness: how to manage three days
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I keep in my emergency kit?
Count on roughly three litres of water per person per day for drinking and cooking - around nine litres per person across three days.
How should I store water?
Fill clean containers and keep them somewhere dark and cool, so the water is ready when you need it.
What do I do if there is a boil-water notice?
Boil the water you drink and cook with, or use clean bottled water instead. Always follow the authorities' instructions for contaminated water.
Should I count pets in the water calculation?
Yes. If you have pets, set aside extra water beyond the household's own use, so there is enough for the animals across the three days too.
Sources
- [1]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig
- [2]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Spørgsmål og svar om hjemmeberedskab
- [3]Fødevarestyrelsen: Drikkevand