Emergency Water Storage — How Much, Where, and How

Why Water Storage Is Critical

Water is the single most critical resource in an emergency. A person can survive weeks without food, but only 3 days without water. During a security event, municipal water supply may be disrupted by infrastructure damage, contamination, or power outages shutting down pumps.

According to Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) guidelines, you should store 10 liters of water per person for 3 days. This amount covers drinking, basic cooking, and minimal hygiene.

Step 1: Calculate Your Needs

Family Size	Water for 3 Days	Water for 1 Week
1 person	10 liters	25 liters
2 people	20 liters	50 liters
4 people	40 liters	100 liters
6 people	60 liters	150 liters

Note: In summer or during physical activity, consumption increases. Magen David Adom recommends 3-4 liters per person per day for drinking alone in hot weather. Add 20% during summer months.

Pets need water too — plan at least 1 liter per day for a medium-sized dog, half a liter for a cat.

Step 2: Choose Appropriate Containers

Not all containers are suitable for long-term water storage:

Recommended:

• Sealed commercial water bottles — the most convenient option
• Food-grade plastic jerricans (look for the “food safe” symbol)
• Dedicated emergency water containers (5-20 liters)

Not recommended:

• Empty milk jugs (residual fat promotes bacterial growth)
• Containers that previously held chemicals
• Metal containers that may rust

Tip: Label Every Container

Write the fill date on each container. Commercially sealed bottles are good for 1-2 years. Self-filled containers should be replaced every 6 months.

Step 3: Store Properly

• Keep water in a cool, dark place — heat and sunlight accelerate bacterial growth
• Keep away from cleaning products, fuel, or chemicals
• Do not place water containers directly on a concrete floor — use a platform or shelf
• Store some water inside the mamad itself for immediate access
• Keep the remainder near the mamad for quick retrieval

Step 4: Know How to Purify Water

If your stored water runs out and you have access to an unsafe water source, you can purify it:

Method 1 — Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. This is the most effective method against bacteria and parasites.

Method 2 — Household bleach (chlorine): Add 2 drops of regular, unscented bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) per liter of water. Stir and wait 30 minutes. If the water does not have a faint chlorine smell, add 2 more drops and wait 15 minutes.

Method 3 — Purification tablets: Tablets such as Micropur or similar products. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is recommended to keep a pack in your emergency kit.

Water Storage Checklist

• Calculated quantity: 10 liters x number of people
• Appropriate containers (food grade / original sealed bottles)
• Date labeled on every container
• Stored in a cool, dark location
• Some water stored inside the mamad
• Bleach or purification tablets in the kit
• Calendar reminder — replace every 6 months

Common Mistakes

1. “One bottle per day is enough” — No. You need at least 3 liters per day for drinking, plus additional for cooking and hygiene.
2. “Bottled water never goes bad” — Plastic degrades slowly, especially in heat. Replace annually.
3. “I will fill containers when the siren sounds” — There will be no time. Water must be ready in advance.
4. “I saved tap water for emergencies” — Untreated tap water is only reliable for about 6 months. Label the date.

Resources

• Home Front Command — household emergency preparation guidelines
• Magen David Adom — hydration recommendations for hot weather
• World Health Organization — emergency water purification standards