Most Americans take for granted that clean water will always flow from their taps. But did you know a simple power outage can make your water unsafe to drink—or even bathe with?
It’s true!
That’s what happened in Texas in 2022, when a power outage at a water purification plant caused a drop in water pressure, increasing the risk of contamination.
Nearly 2.2 million people were under a boil-water notice for over 36 hours. All of that for a mere power outage!
In more extreme cases, like extremely low temperatures where pipes break and water pressure drops – or wildfires that release toxic chemicals get released into the atmosphere and contaminate our water…
Things start to become much more sinister…
And there have been cases where the government warned that “water should only be used to sustain life.”
In cases like these, knowing how to store and purify water becomes a lifeline. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think!
Let’s go through a simple, no-fuss breakdown of what’s needed and how to do it.
How Much Water Should You Store?
The rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of three days.
However, most preparedness experts recommend storing at least a two-week supply if possible.
A family of four should aim for at least 12 gallons for a three-day emergency, and ideally 56+ gallons for a two-week supply. This might sound like a lot, but remember that water isn't just for drinking—you'll need it for cooking, basic hygiene, and don't forget about your pets!
Best Containers for Water Storage
Not all containers are created equal when it comes to long-term water storage. Some options will keep your water safe for years, while others might contaminate it or break down quickly.
Commercial Water Bottles are an option. Pre-packaged water has a shelf life of 1-2 years and requires no treatment. However, they're significantly more expensive per gallon and create unnecessary plastic waste. They're best used as a supplement to your primary water storage.
Collapsible Water Containers, like our Alexapure 5-Gallon containers, are the ideal solution for most families. These handy containers provide substantial capacity while solving the biggest challenge in emergency preparedness—storage space.
When not in use, they fold down to a fraction of their size, making them perfect for apartments, smaller homes, or families building a substantial water supply without sacrificing living space.
⚠️WARNING!
One container you should absolutely avoid is the humble milk jug. Though tempting to reuse, milk jugs degrade quickly and can harbor bacteria from their previous contents.
How to Properly Fill Your Containers
Preparing containers for water storage isn't complicated, but doing it right makes all the difference. Follow these steps:
- Thoroughly clean containers with soap and water
- Sanitize with a proper water container sanitizing solution
- Rinse completely
- Fill with clean, municipal tap water
If you're using tap water and planning to store it for more than six months, add a high-quality water preserver according to package directions. Finally, seal tightly, label with the date, and plan to replace your stored water every 6-12 months.
Water Purification Methods for Emergencies
Even with stored water, knowing how to purify questionable water sources is an essential skill. When your stored supply runs out, you'll need to make use of whatever water sources are available.
Boiling is the most-known method for making water safe to drink. Bring water toa rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet), then let it cool naturally before drinking. This kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites that might be present.
For a more practical solution, water purification tablets are a must-have for any emergency kit. These compact tablets can make questionable water sources safe to drink in about 30 minutes.
Water filters offer another excellent option for emergency purification. Options range from lightweight personal filters to larger gravity-fed systems that can provide clean water for an entire family. The best filters will reduce bacteria, protozoa, and viruses as well.
Remember to Rotate!
The biggest mistake in emergency water preparation is the "store it and forget it" approach.
Create a simple rotation system by marking all containers with fill dates and setting calendar reminders to check your supplies every few months. When it's time to replace water, don't waste it—use older water for plants, pets, or cleaning before refilling your containers.
Your Personal Boil Water Notice Checklist
Surprise! The authorities just announced that your water might be contaminated. Are you ready? Here's your emergency action checklist:
▢ Stop using tap water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing food, or making ice
▢ Reach for your stored water supply (aren't you glad you prepared?)
▢ Break out those water purification tablets or filters for any questionable water
▢ Keep treated water in clean, covered containers
▢ Switch to paper plates and plastic forks (dishwashing is a no-go!)
▢ Make sure your children keep their mouths closed during showers
▢ Unplug from the water grid—no ice makers or water dispensers
▢ After the all-clear, flush your pipes by running taps for 5 minutes
And did you know there are “secret” water sources in your home?
- Your water heater (a 40-gallon tank holds...well, 40 gallons!)
- Ice cubes made before the crisis (melted, of course)
- The liquid packed with your canned vegetables and fruits
- Clean toilet tanks (not bowls!) free of cleaning chemicals
Just remember to treat these water sources properly before drinking. Your emergency water filter will be the MVP here!
It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Water is the No. 1 priority in any emergency situation.
Many families find that once they've established their water security plan, a weight lifts off their shoulders—one less "what if" to worry about.
And for those ready to take that first step (or upgrade their current setup), we've put together a Water Emergency Essentials Collection that includes our most popular water storage containers, long-lasting purification tablets, and our compact water filter system
These carefully selected items work together to provide complete water security without unnecessary complications or wasted space.
Whether you choose to build your own system piece by piece or opt for our ready-made collection, the important thing is taking action before you need it. Because, as we always say, being prepared isn't about fear—it's about peace of mind.
