Emergency Water Storage Mistakes to Avoid
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When disaster strikes, nothing becomes more important—or more scarce—than clean water.
Whether it’s an earthquake, power outage, flood, or contamination in your local supply, you could find yourself without safe drinking water in an instant. That’s why storing water is a foundational step in emergency preparedness.
But even well-meaning preppers make mistakes that can render their emergency water unusable when they need it most. Here are the top emergency water storage mistakes to avoid—and how to store water the right way.
1. Storing Too Little Water
Mistake: Only storing a few gallons and thinking it’s enough.
Why it matters: FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days, but that’s the bare minimum. A more realistic goal is 14 days’ worth of water per person for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. The more water you have the better off you will be. Ready & Prepped recommends 2-3 gallons of water per person per day for as many days as it will take you to collect more water. For instance in Utah it might not rain or snow for 3 months. So having 3 months worth of water is ideal. In areas like the pacific northwest of the United States it is estimated that in the event of a long-overdue major earthquake, it could take 1-12 months to restore drinking water and sewage services. Could you replenish your water in that amount of time? When calculating water take into consideration the natural disasters in your area, how long it would take to restore drinking water after a disaster, and how you would be able to replenish your water if it ran out.
What to do instead:
Start small if needed, but build toward at least 1 gallon x 14 days x number of people in your household. Then build to 2 gallons per person per day for 14 days, then 3 gallons per person per day for 14 days. Keep increasing the amount until you have what is needed.
Don’t forget pets! They need water too.
2. Using the Wrong Containers
Mistake: Storing water in old milk jugs, juice bottles, or anything not designed for long-term water storage.
Why it matters:
- Milk jugs degrade and can leak.
- Juice containers can grow bacteria even after washing.
- Some plastics leach harmful chemicals over time.
What to do instead:
- Use food-grade, BPA-free containers specifically designed for water storage.
- Look for containers labeled HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
- Consider large tanks, 55-gallon drums, or stackable water bricks for serious storage.
3. Not Treating Tap Water Properly
Mistake: Filling containers straight from the tap without treating or rotating them.
Why it matters:
- Tap water is safe short-term, but over time, bacteria can grow. If you are rotating your water every 6 months tap water should be fine without being treated because the city has already treated it. But if you're not using city water or have left it longer than 6 months you'll need to treat it to kill the bacteria before using.
- Chlorine dissipates, leaving water vulnerable to contamination.
What to do instead:
- If using tap water and you’re on a municipal system, you can often store it as-is, but it should be rotated every 6–12 months.
- If unsure, add 1/8 teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon to disinfect it (or use water treatment tablets).
4. Storing Water in the Wrong Place
Mistake: Keeping water containers in the garage or outdoors.
Why it matters:
- Heat causes plastic to degrade and can promote bacterial growth.
- Freezing temps can cause containers to crack.
- Sunlight leads to algae growth in clear or translucent containers.
What to do instead:
- Store water in a cool, dark place like a basement, closet, or under a bed.
- Keep it off concrete floors to prevent leaching and temperature swings.
- Avoid temperature extremes whenever possible.
5. Forgetting to Rotate Water
Mistake: Stashing water and forgetting about it for years.
Why it matters:
- Even treated water can taste stale or develop problems over time.
- Container seals may degrade or become compromised.
What to do instead:
- Mark your containers with the fill date.
- Create a rotation schedule—every 6 to 12 months is ideal. Put it on the calendar in your phone and set an alarm to remind you.
- Use older water for gardening or cleaning, and refill with fresh.
6. Not Having a Way to Purify Water
Mistake: Assuming stored water will always be enough or stay clean.
Why it matters:
- Containers can break.
- You may need to collect questionable water from streams, rain, or taps.
- Boil orders may be issued after disasters.
What to do instead:
Keep multiple water purification methods on hand:
- Boiling
- Water filters (like Sawyer, LifeStraw, Berkey)
- Purification tablets
- Unscented household bleach
Knowledge of how and when to purify water is just as important as storing it.
7. Overlooking Water in Unexpected Places
Mistake: Forgetting about emergency water sources already in your home.
Why it matters: You may run out of stored water or not have time to access it.
What to do instead:
- Know where to find water in a pinch:
- Water heater tank (drain from the bottom)
- Toilet tank (not the bowl, and only if no chemicals added)
- Canned foods like fruits and vegetables
- Ice cubes in the freezer
Final Thoughts
Water is life. In an emergency, it’s non-negotiable.
By avoiding these common water storage mistakes, you can ensure your family has access to clean, safe water no matter what comes your way. Preparedness isn’t just about having supplies—it’s about knowing how to store and manage them wisely.
At Ready & Prepped, we’re here to help you build practical, realistic readiness—one smart step at a time.
To learn more about water storage and prep check out these articles:
Emergency Water Storage and Preparation
How to Store Water in Small Spaces: Creative Solutions for Apartments and Tiny Homes