Water Storage: How Much Do You Really Need?
Today, it’s all about water storage; how much do you need? It may not be a popular opinion, but I’m all for having stored water for emergency water storage. The truth is that you never know when natural disasters or human-made disasters will occur. The American Red Cross states that to be adequately prepared, we need one gallon per person daily. I get thirsty just typing that statement.
I struggle when I think of families trying to survive a disaster with only one gallon per person daily. You may be okay in a pinch for a couple of days, but I think that amount spells trouble for a more extended period. I strongly suggest you have four gallons of water storage per person per day. It’s a good idea to store drinkable and potable water in case of a major disaster.
Long-Term Water Storage
I decided I needed to update this post based on all the talk about the drought here in the West and the history of floods in the eastern states. Here’s the deal: I can almost bet you we will need to share our water storage with a few neighbors, friends, or family who didn’t store enough for their family, besides just trying to get your family through the challenging period.
I received a comment from someone named Maritza a few years ago in Puerto Rico, and I have to tell you that her comment melted my heart.
I have to share it: “Hi, I am from Puerto Rico, and thanks to your advice, I started a food and water storage plan that allowed us as a family of 6 to endure Hurricane Maria’s aftermath. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!!!”
I have never met her, but I admire her tenacity to be prepared for the unexpected. I was answering her comment, and the Ellen DeGeneres show was on TV featuring Ricky Martin, also from Puerto Rico. He showed the world how much the people there needed so many items!
What are the odds that I would have that show on at the very minute I answered Maritza’s comment? If I ever can go there, I want to hug this fantastic woman, Maritza! I want to talk to you about your emergency water supply and how much you need to store.
Water Storage-How Much Do You Need
Please Store Water: Emergency Situation
Sometimes, I get on a soapbox, so to speak, about water storage. I feel strongly that I need to share my ideas of how to store water and lots of it. The other day, I looked on the Internet at the 3.5-gallon blue WaterBricks, and it said they are currently unavailable. Please keep checking to see when they are available.
Today, they are available, but I don’t know how long they will be in inventory. It appears the prices have gone up, too. The supply chain issues in the global economy are affecting many people!
I’m assuming maybe people are now aware of how quickly water can’t be purchased in grocery stores once they hear about a pending storm or soon after it has passed by. WaterBricks and WaterBrick Spigot.
WaterBricks for Water Storage
I used to store several of these under my guest bedroom queen bed. This gives you an idea of how to store some, and they also stack on each other to help save room. They are lined up against my bedroom wall in our new home.
Each WaterBrick holds 3.5 gallons (the larger ones), weighing about 27 pounds each when filled with water. If you consider using these, they hold 3.5 gallons, almost enough water storage for one person daily. Do you have four people in your family? You need 16 of these for you to have coverage for four days. If you want seven days’ worth of water storage for four people, you need 28 WaterBricks.
Please remember to fill your containers with a lead-free hose if you fill them outside with your house faucet. Use a lead-free hose and water preserver so you only have to rotate the water every five years. If you use household chlorine bleach, you need to rotate every six months. Be sure to use unscented bleach since the brands with scents included could have chemicals you don’t want in your drinking water. One 3.5-gallon WaterBrick unit needs 1/2 teaspoon of Water Preserver for each container and you’re good for five years!
One significant advantage to the Water Bricks is that I can lift them easily. I found that 5-gallon containers were too heavy to move around quickly. The 3.5-gallon units were okay, but I couldn’t move them long-distance without help if they were full.
Barrels for Water Storage
I recently saw 55-gallon water barrels at a Hurricane, Utah, store for just under $40.00. That’s cheaper than I have seen in years. These need a bung to close the cap and a pump to pump the water out when water is needed during an emergency. BUNG and WATER PUMP
Sometimes, you can get some of these barrels at Walmart. They are also available at Emergency Preparedness/Be Prepared and Amazon. They are expensive online. Typically, the bungs and pumps are located next to the barrels in the retail stores. You would use one full container of Water Preserver in each unit.
Mark and I wondered how difficult it was to use the pump in the barrel. We needed to move one of the barrels since the pallet it was stacked on had broken and needed to be replaced. Mark removed the cap, put in the pump, and started pumping.
To his surprise, the pump acted like a siphon, and the water kept running without the pump being activated again. He had to repeat this a couple more times, but that barrel was empty in about 20 minutes without much pumping action on his part.
Water Storage in Bottles
We can buy cases of water at the grocery store that come in 24 bottles or more to a case. These are fine as long as you rotate them. Please keep them stored out of direct sunlight. You would need to calculate how many ounces are in the brand you buy and decide how many cases your family needs for each day.
Any clean water stored is better than no water at all. Please remember to buy a little at a time and keep adding to your inventory as budgets and space allow. Before long, you will have 30 days or more of water.
The small bottles work fine for drinking and cooking/food preparation, even though you’ll go through them relatively fast. The challenge comes when you need some “personal hygiene” attention, even if it’s just a sponge bath. The other challenge is if it’s time to wash a few pieces of underwear. You’ll go through those cases pretty quickly.
Best Solution: Blue Cans
This product is by far one of the best containers to store water for hydration. They will last 50 years and taste better than any water you’ll taste anywhere. You don’t have to pay for the shipping if you live near a distributor.
Almost every time I talk about these, I get a few remarks about how expensive they are. Yes, they are costly, but they are worth every penny.
I have 18 cases stored behind a dresser in my bedroom. I can sit and forget them and sleep at night knowing I have water for Mark and me, at least for drinking and cooking when needed. If you’re looking into emergency preparedness, start with water! These blue cans will change how you look at long-term storage for water.
Blue Can Water (continued)
I recently took a 24-pack case to an adult living subdivision where the leadership had asked me to discuss food and water storage. The people were in awe over the BlueCans of water. I don’t sell them, although I would like to buy a pallet and send it here and have a few families split the cost.
I couldn’t get anyone in my neighborhood to go in on a pallet, but this other subdivision is trying to figure out how many to order. If you live near any of these distributors, you may want to set aside the funds and purchase a few cases. I promise, you won’t be sorry.
I found one place that sells for less than anywhere else: Brownells (sold out right now)
If you’re starting your food and water storage journey, please start with my book if you haven’t purchased it yet: “Prepare Your Family For Survival” It provides some worthwhile information you’ll be glad you know when an emergency takes place.
If you want to get serious about water storage, you can buy storage tanks with large quantities of water. The challenge is finding a place to store the tanks and having a way to treat the water (see Water Preserver above). We have a 160-gallon tank in one corner of the garage and a 250-gallon unit in another corner.
I feel prepared with these large tanks full and ready to dispense water when needed, and with the Water Preserver, I only have to empty and refill the tanks every five years. Water Preserver treatment ensures you don’t need to worry about bacteria in the short term, and any bacterial growth during the five-year period.
These tanks have spigots at the bottom, so you can empty them or draw a few gallons when needed. I emptied and refilled one of the tanks only when I hooked a hose to one of the spigots and drained the water into my flower beds. Remember that long-term water storage doesn’t happen by accident; you must be intentional about the amount of water you store!
Where else can I store water?
Now, these options aren’t for super long periods of water storage. However, if you have a warning (like a hurricane warning), you can quickly fill up containers like this for flushing water or cooking.
- Liter soda bottles
- Juice bottles
- Stainless steel bottles
- Gallon jugs
- A hot water tank or water heater
- Swimming pool (pool water)
- Reuse water bottles
- Any type of clean containers that you have are great for storing water in an emergency (milk plastic bottles crack after a while)
Food-grade plastic containers are preferred for storage. Make sure they are BPA-free. Don’t forget that you’ll need water for emergencies that may come your way. Sometimes, you only have a few hours to assemble last-minute potable water storage, and these containers work great.
How Can I Treat the Water?
When it comes to water sources available in an emergency, the water sources nearby could be suspect. You don’t want to be worried about dust, pesticides, animal or human waste, and other impurities.
We have used the products from Big Berkey for years. They have some small units you can take hiking and camping. They also have some higher volume units when you want to filter larger quantities. Their units filter using a gravity system, so it takes a while to filter much water.
I also have a PortaWell water filter system. I like it because it has an electric pump that pushes the water through the system. That pump can run on household power, or its backup battery can be charged with optional solar panels. This system is great since you can filter up to 60 gallons each hour. You can feel confident you’ll have sufficient water for your needs even if you’re using water from a creek, pond, swimming pool, river, or lake. Besides the Water Preserver mentioned, I think this filtering system is one of the safest methods for water treatment available.
Yes, you can treat your water with the water boil approach. Be sure to bring the water in a pot to a rolling boil to kill the bacteria and most viruses. This option doesn’t remove dirt or heavy metals that may be present, but is suggested by most municipalities when the water pipes in your area become contaminated.
More Water Storage Tips
- The Best Water Storage Containers
- Why You Need Emergency Water Storage
- How to Barter with Food and Water
Final Word
Thanks again for being prepared for the unexpected. Please get your water storage to the level you feel necessary so you won’t have to stand in line at the store or wait for the government through agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or another group to hand out cases of water.
I suggest you try the options outlined above to see which water storage containers work best for you and your family. We’re so used to being able to turn the water faucet on and off. Please think again. Remember that this post is a good starting point for storing water and using water containers. If you have other ideas, please make a comment below so I can pass the information on to my readers for consideration. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Water Jug AdobeStock_223202040 by arttim
I live in the desert….storing water in the garage is not really an option…same with food storage…do you have suggestions other than under the bed? And what water do I put into water storage jugs? Tap? Filtered? help!!!! and thanks
Hi Karin, I live in Southern Utah which is in the desert as well. I store water in my garage in high capacity tanks, not the inexpensive barrels, they are stored outside with UV barrel bags on top of 2 by 4’s. I use city tap water with Water Preserver via a lead-free hose. I realize the Blue Cans are expensive but start buying one case a month or when Brownells has free shipping. You will not regret it. Store water in good containers (which will not leak) in closets and cupboards, behind couches, or under the coffee table. This is why I love the Blue Cans, I now have 18 cases stored behind a dresser. I did not buy them all at once. I did buy a 250-gallon tank and it’s stored in my garage on top of 2 by 4’s to keep them off the concrete. I hope this helps. Linda
I am sorry I wrote it wrong. I was told if I taped into my water line coming from my house to his new one I would be breaking the law. I told her I would not touch the meter, and was told no mater how much land I have only one structure is allowed water. . My son and I are going to split the cost to get a well.
HI Joakima Renee, oh thank you for letting us know. I love learning new stuff, I hope the well gets approved for your son. Linda
I’ve got 600gl in medium to large containers stored outside of smaller stuff like bottled and camelbacks.
I’m looking at about 10 initial arrivals.
It’s great to hear feedback like that! Be proud
Hi Matt, you are always so kind, I hope you know how grateful I am to you for sharing your kind words and thoughts!!! Linda
Great ideas, as usual! I also store water in empty laundry detergent containers. Figure it will be useful for cleaning.
Hi Beth, that’s a great idea, those containers are stronger than milk jugs which leak. I love your idea!! LInda
Great topic. Always important to have enough clean water on hand to get through a crisis, but I always try to mention water filtration as well as water storage since there is no way to store enough to get through a long duration event. But there will be events that it isn’t safe to go outside your home/shelter for a period of time, so you need storage to get you through. Especially for those of us with dehydrated and freeze dried food storage….gotta have enough water to rehydrate your food in addition to keeping everyone healthy.
Hi DMWalsh, a great reminder about filtration, it’s critical as well. I need to write a post about the filtration ones that I have. Great comment! Linda
I would very much store water or get a well or something. I live in Oklahoma out in the country I am the last on my mountain who has water.
My son is building a home on my land went to go find out how much for a water meter I was told IF they accepted is application it would be 1200.00. . I was also told if he tapped into mine I would be breaking the law.
I was also told the last 3 people who have put in application for Water was denied.
I did notice 3 big plots of land was sold and worked on then nothing. I ask the water dept if this why. No good answer to that.. I did find out from asking one man who bought land and put application for water was lawyer and there was nothing he could no.
Just wanted to share because we think as long as water is there we are allowed to have it if put deposit and pay all the fees
But we are sadly wrong
Hi Renee, wow, this is so interesting. I remember selling real estate and we had to have the titles to the water shares transferred. People rarely wanted to give them up. They sold them for lots of $$$$. Now, on to this water well comment. I love learning new things. So the county is telling you, YOU would be breaking the law? It’s your land, this makes no sense. But I know very little about “well” water. I understand the $1200.00 fee, the government charges for everything. The last 3 people were denied their application. Is it because there is a drought everywhere and the county is protecting those that are there now? Thank you for sharing this great information, you are awesome. Linda
Wow, I can hardly believe the trouble the government gives people for getting a well. In Minnesota we can have a well just about any where we want. We have 2 wells. One for a hand pump and one for the house water, in case we loose power. (We are thinking about solar to power the well as we get older.)We could have gotten by with one well if the first owner had put in a 6” pipe but they didn’t need it. So when we put in a well we did do a 6” just in case we needed it for something else. We only had to go down 70’ for good water. Static water puts it up to 26’ which gives us almost 50’ of water. That should withstand a pretty bad drought. I know in some parts of the country you have to go hundreds of feet down and still not guaranteed good water. We are very fortunate. Minnesota, land of 10,000+ lakes. Some places you only have to hand dig a few feet and get water. I wish you all well and hope you can get a decent supply of water. When I was a kid my dad showed me a stream running through an area in our dirt floor basement just inches below the surface. Pretty cool. Never forgot that. We do have springs near our home but I have yet to find them on our land. It would make a great area for a spring house. I will keep looking. It’s there somewhere.
Hi Mary, oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment! You can have wells anywhere in Minnesota! I really enjoyed your thoughts on the 6″ pipe, and some places you can dig deep or shallow. I can almost picture the spring house, boy would that be awesome!! My mom was born in Minnesota, great memories. Linda
Where in Minnesota?
Sometimes it’s not a big disaster . . . last Sunday around 9 am our water went off with no warning for most of the day. Evidently there was a leak in the line. I fill used & cleaned 64 oz. juice bottles (which I like because they are heavier and rectangular) with tap water when I use the juice and put it back on the shelf in the garage where the juice was. That gives me some handy water for an event like this that doesn’t require pulling out the water storage that is hard to get to and treated with chlorine. It tasted great, didn’t cost anything, and is rarely very old. The smaller container made it easy to use to pour a drink, wash hands, etc. If we had warning of a big storm, etc. that could take out power then these would be handy to put in the freezer so the frozen bottle would help keep things cood. I was also glad for the habit of showering first thing in the morning so I was fresh & clean.
Hi Kay, I love your comment! We never know when we will lose power. You shower first thing in the morning, great habit! When I see a storm coming I start the wash no matter big or small, I want clean clothes. I really like how you have planned ahead using your heavy juice containers. They are basically free, so why not use them! I love it! Linda
Hi Linda:
My husband and daughter use a 5 gallon jug of water each week. I prefer the water from our well. Jack has already made a tube like dipper that opens when you put it down in the well to have water fill it up and when it is filled the opening closes. That is how they had water in the house he lived in when he was growing up. They didn’t have running water in the house until after Jack and I married.
Hi Jackie, oh my gosh, what a treasure, to live in the house your husband was raised in! I love hearing how people plan for water storage! Linda
I am fortunate that I have a free source to go to in order to fill my containers up with artesian mineral spring water. I started with emptied out 2 Liter soda bottles that were thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, which was 28 total. I knew that 28 would last me a full week since that is what I needed for drinking water, coffee, tea, and cooking. I still do this every week but now I use the gallon-sized juice bottles I get from my cousin (she shops at Sams Club and Costco since she has 3 kids and is single). I still have the 2 Liter soda bottles that I started with plus a few more juice bottles that I keep a month’s supply of that wonderful tasting water as I want to be prepared. I also got my cousin doing the same exact thing and since she has been getting free drinking water from where I get it she has saved money and her kids now love drinking water, but only if it is that artesian mineral spring water.
I would suggest that everyone should find out if they have any kind of a resource like this that is reasonably close in order to not only utilize it but also help them in their preps rotation. The fact that there is more work into retrieving it makes you appreciate it even more.
*Disclaimer* I live in the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, but that doesn’t mean that someone living in the desert doesn’t have an available and free resource, it just might not be as close by as it is for me. I feel that all of us preppers are very savvy and capable of thinking outside the box.
Hi Ravenna, I agree, we have to think outside the box! When I lived in the desert in Southern Utah there was an area where anyone could fill their containers with artesian water. People were lined up to fill their jugs. The water was delicious! I know where I live now, there used to be one here in northern Utah. Thanks for the reminder, I need to check that out. Linda
Living in NE GA we do not have garage or attic or basement….just crawl space under the house. I fill every possible glass or plastic container … no milk jugs….with water after washing them out with soap….I leave bleach labels on so I know they may have residue and not to drink and date them. Put the bottles in totes outside but find the tote covers break down really fast out there so plan to move them to crawl space and into a shed in the yard. No good space for big type storage but do have rain barrels to catch water from the car port, house, and shed. What I lack most are more water filters which I must get yet. One may have all the food storage you want but w/o water that dry food will do you little good.
Hi Sandra, well you are doing what you can with what you have. I can’t imagine what the people in OHIO are doing right now. I need to get some rain barrels, great reminder. Linda
Dear Linda: Back when Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, (I was a volunteer first responder with Crisis Response International!) The most valuable items we took were: Water filters, blue tarps to stop leaking roofs from ruining people’s furniture/beds (a temporary fix), and the little square cubes with lights in them (Lumin Aid), since there was no electricity! We went up one mountain that was very near where two rivers converged just before a large dam. That whole area was flattened, especially where the rivers flooded near their shorelines. The 2 rivers had flooded so badly that all the houses and restaurants that were located near the shoreline were completely gone! All that was left of the forest that climbed up the sides of the mountain were flattened, dead “toothpicks” for what was once vibrant green and lush with trees. PLUS, there were all kinds of trees, shrubs and pieces of the famous shoreline restaurant that washed away. I remember very well how much people needed water and filters in P.Rico, as well as light in the darkness of night. We frequently also handed out food. Here are the lights we handed out and the water filters we gave away to those in need, that were considered of very good quality: https://www.amazon.com/LuminAID-PackLite-Solar-Inflatable-Waterproof/dp/B0716JV1SG/ref=sr_1_26?keywords=solar+cube&qid=1676565139&sr=8-26 and the water filters were very similar to these (I can no longer locate the original ones we used) https://amzn.to/3IuCSpZ
The other things that were considered like gold were boxes of bandaids with antibiotic ointment in them, and diapers for little ones… Something more to think about!
Thanks to you, Linda, for always reminding us of what we still need to work on! We have a 55 gallon drum of tap water saved and always keep many 5 gallon blue bottles for our spring water dispense, but I am certain we still need to get more water, no matter what!
I hope this helps someone! JESS
Hi Jess, oh yes, your comment will help many people. I remember hearing from people after Hurricane Maria. They had stocked water and food and had more than most of their neighbors. They told me how expensive it was to have items mailed or shipped to them. Just like the items you mentioned like bandaids, etc. We must be prepared. Great comment, Linda
Hey, Linda: I also remember that I personally bought some “baby oatmeal” for an elderly “grandma and her mother”(!) while in San Juan, and they were extremely grateful to receive it! It was still “good food”, just in a more ground up state. Almost any kind of food is useful, as long as it’s not something filled with too many artificial ingredients and gmos, to make people ill.
I remember that one place at the top of the mountain I mentioned earlier…had a ministry to recovered drug-addicts had no food left except small amts. of flour and sugar plus some flavorings. They created cakes, cut them up in slices and the men went up and down the side of the mountain selling slices to others who were going without! That is how they made money to buy more food and water for those 30+ guys living there on the compound. When we arrived with actual food items and tarps to repair their ministry house with all the bunkbeds, those guys were practically singing, The wife of the founder started to cry to actually have food to feed all those men! THEN, within 1/2 hr. FEMA finally showed up for the first time, and I was able to help translate for the wife & founder. I think we left them some water filters, too, if I remember correctly. Our younger guys fixed up their chicken pen that had taken a beating and also cut down and chopped up a tree that had fallen on a small building out back. NOW THAT was a day of miracles for that drug-recovery home!! Our GOD is an awesome GOD, like when He shows up in such exacting timing to rescue the needy who are praying for help! Sorry, this was not very much about water, but we did give them water filters, too.
Hi Jess, I love your comment, people need to hear there are good people helping others. What a blessing for all of the people involved. Love this!! Linda
Water BOBs for bathtubs are great for last-minute water storage, if you have enough warning to fill them.
HI Marcy, you are so right about that. If you have enough time to fill them. They are inexpensive but I worry about reusing them. But it’s an economical choice for sure. Linda
Hi, Linda. When is water too old? I have 15 gallons of Ozarka bottled water in the large 2.5 gallon jugs with spigots that expired October 2022. We buy these because they come in very sturdy boxes, 2 jugs to a box and can be stacked 2 or 3 boxes high so they take up little floor space. These boxes of water are really hard to find so we tend to not use them unless we have to. Sam’s used to carry them but now the only place I find them is occasionally at Costco. I know we could keep this water to flush toilets but I have very limited storage space and I’d rather use that space for drinking water. What do you think? Are these safe to drink? I’m thinking I need to throw them out or water my plants with them. Thanks!
Hi Kay, here are my thoughts on that water. If my calculations are correct that’s about 37.5 gallons. 15 bottles times 2.5 gallons each. You could water your plants, and save the water in the boxes, hopefully, they do not leak. You can always cook with it (soup boil) after a disaster. I like to do it right the first time. Years ago when I started my water storage journey I invested in $35.00 55-gallon water barrels that need a bung and a pump. They are okay but I have since given them all away. I had four on the side of my house in Southern Utah. I graduated so to speak to two 160-gallon high-capacity tanks, then a 250-gallon high-capacity tank. Yes, they are huge. But they have two spigots. Then WaterBricks, I have lost count and many many cases of BlueCans (the cheapest place to buy them is at Brownell’s). I use a water preserver to change out the water containers that need new water every 5 years. My goal is to have 2000 gallons stored, it’s not a lot but for two people we could stretch it. I have since found some really nice 55-gallon sturdy water container that are similar to my 160-gallon containers. Please remember to always keep your water off the concrete with 2 by 4’s. I hope this helps, Linda
Hi, Linda: I have been looking at water siphons and small hand pumps for 55 gallon water drums (plastic) so we can get to the water we have stored in our basement. I have no idea which pump will work O.K., and I prefer not to buy one that has aluminum touching the water unless absolutely necessary. Do you have any knowledge of which ones are the best? I have read many reviews on Amazon today and looked at Prime Day Deals to no avail. I just cannot tell which one/ones might work well and be worthy of preparing (instead of 2-3 days of use w/out breaking). Please help!
Thanks so much!!
Hi Jes, these are the ones we bought, they have sure gone up in price but they work. https://amzn.to/3DaE8Lw
Did you have to use a bung https://amzn.to/46Mn4ZU to tighten the cap on top? Check to see if these match your barrels. There are many types of barrels. I bought the blue 55-gallon water barrels. The pumps work faster than you would think. Linda
This just happened to me. My lower chamber on the berkey light cracked at the hole opening. I ordered a new one @ $60. The design for the berkey has changed, the chamber didn’t fit, and that means the extra spigots I have don’t fit==not sure about the extra filters.
I called to return the chamber and was told to go to post office, pay for shipping, and my refund will be missing 15% for re-shelfing fee.
Rude wouldn’t cover the attitude I got.
So, I super glued the crack twice and it seems to hold well.
I now have a lower chamber I will never use and two spigots that are good only as long as my berkey lives…so much for storing extras.
I have looked into other options when that glue no longer holds on the berkey I have.
Buyer beware. This is like ordering a part for a 2020 car and no parts were kept in a warehouse.
Hi JayJay, okay this infuriates me! THIS IS SO WRONG!!! I had something similar happen to me with my favorite NEW Objecto humidifier. I suggest one or both of these ideas. #1 Write review in a kind way with what happened to you on Google to get a replacement. Those work, trust me. #2 If you have FaceBook, post the question will these NEW parts fit my Berkey and that it cracked, etc. I posted something on Facebook once to Sam’s Club because my daughter had tried to contact them to no avail. Well, they got back to me after posting a very nice statement about my daughters house payment will bounce if you do not reimburse the $5000.00 in fraudulent purchases with her Sam’s Club card and her debit card. We need to know if they have changed the design. I’m so sorry to hear but I’m so glad you shared it with us. Linda
When I saw the title, my first thought for an answer to the question was: “As much for which you can afford storage containers and have appropriate place to put them.” My attitude is that you can never store too much water. Even if not drinkable, it can always be purified to make it potable or used to water your garden and other vegetation.
Hi Harry, i totally agree, the more you store the better off you are. We can always purify it!! One 5 gallon bottle at a time or whatever size containers you can afford to buy. Just get them, Linda
I bought my water bricks from Sam’s Club online, a set of 10 for $173 and it comes with a spigot. For 2 adults and 2 cats that should be enough water for 5 days. In addition, we usually have 2 cases of water bottles that we use when we go out or go camping so they are often replaced.
I like the water bricks because we can take them when we are camping at a place without water. Our camper water tank holds 30 gallons and that usually is all we need for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and hygine purposes for about 4 days, I think it could last longer if we we conservative.
I would like to get a second set of 10, but that’s an expense for next year.
Hi Angela, that’s awesome you found them at Sam’s Club. Ten WaterBricks would be about 35 gallons (3.5 gallons each). Great plan, my friend! Linda
I have given my larger water bricks to my daughter in exchange for her getting me the smaller ones. We currently use 1 gallon plastic water jugs to transport water from their place to mine. I also now have 2 2 gallon jugs with spigots to transfer the water from their place. They have probably 50+ water jugs full in their basement along with the 3.5 gallon water bricks. All of those are rotated often so not treated. For example, when I get water, the kids get the jugs from the basement for me. For outside water storage, they have 4 250 gallon tanks as well as 5 50 gallon barrels.
I am far from being prepared for water! I have 4 3.5 gallon water bricks, 10 1.6 gallon bricks, 2 2 gallon jugs and 3 1 gallon jugs! I definitely need to get more bricks or some other storage containers.
Hi Leanne, great plan for you and your daughter. The smaller ones are easier to carry, I love your idea! Linda