How much water do you need?
A storm, flood or wildfire can cut off your water or make it unsafe to drink for days. Keeping your own supply means you don't have to worry about it.
The basic amount
Keep at least 2 litres of water per person per day, for at least 3 days (72 hours). That covers drinking, cooking and basic hygiene, and comes to 6 litres for each person in your home.
That is the minimum. Store more if you can, especially for:
- babies, children, older people and anyone who is ill or pregnant
- hot weather, when everyone drinks more
- pets (an average dog needs about 4 litres a day, and an average cat about 1 litre)
- cooking dried foods like pasta and rice
Water calculator
Each person needs 6 litres over 3 days.
Bottled or tap water?
Store-bought bottled water is the simplest. It's sealed and dated. Smaller bottles are easier to handle, easier to share out, and easy to carry if you have to leave home.
Tap water in your own containers costs very little. Use clean, food-grade containers with tight lids, sold at outdoor and hardware stores. Don't reuse milk or juice jugs, which are hard to clean properly. Label each one with the date you filled it.
Where to keep it
Somewhere cool and dark, away from direct sunlight. Keep it away from gasoline, paint, cleaning products and anything with a strong smell, because plastic can take on smells and chemicals. If you store water in a garage or shed, make sure it can't freeze and split the container.
Keeping it fresh
Health Canada suggests replacing your emergency water every year, or by the date on the label. Water you fill yourself is best replaced more often, every six months or so.
An easy way to remember is to check your water when the clocks change in the spring and fall.
Making water safe
If you're told to boil your water, follow your local authority's advice. If you can't boil it, Health Canada says you can disinfect clear water with about 2 drops of unscented 5.25% household bleach per litre. Stir it and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it.
Water purification tablets or a portable filter are another option. Always follow the instructions on the pack.