How much water to store

What you need

Be Ready asks you to store water for 3 days. The amount is:

• 3 litres per person, per day, for drinking.
• More on top for cooking and washing.

Earlier GOV.UK guidance suggested a more comfortable amount of 10 litres per person, per day. That covers drinking, simple cooking and a basic wash. Use it as a goal if you have the space.

Work out your household total

1. Count the people in your home.
2. Multiply that by 3 litres.
3. Multiply the result by the number of days. Be Ready suggests 3 days.
4. Add extra for cooking, washing, babies and pets.

Our water calculator does the sums for you.

Babies and pets

• Babies may need extra water. Allow about 1 litre extra for each baby, each day. Be Ready says ready-to-feed formula is best, as you may not be able to boil water.
• Pets need bottled water too. Ask your vet if you are not sure how much your pet drinks.

What you probably already own

You do not need special containers. Look for:

• Large plastic bottles with screw lids, such as those from fizzy water or squash.
• Water jugs or flasks with tight lids.
• Food-safe camping containers, if you have them.
• Clean buckets with lids, for washing and flushing toilets only.

How to store tap water

UK tap water is safe to drink. Storing it is the cheapest way to build a supply.

1. Wash containers well with hot soapy water and rinse them.
2. Fill them from the cold kitchen tap.
3. Screw the lids on tightly.
4. Write the date on each one.
5. Store them somewhere cool, dark and clean.
6. Replace the water every 6 months.

Making water go further

If you are warned that your supply may go off:

• Fill a kettle, pans and jugs for drinking and cooking.
• Fill the bath or a bucket. Use this water for flushing toilets and washing, not for drinking.
• Use wet wipes and hand sanitiser to save water for drinking.
• Use paper plates or wipe pans clean instead of washing up.

If your supply goes off, your water company will share updates. They may tell you where to collect bottled water. Tell them if anyone in your home needs extra help. See our guide to the Priority Services Register.

What to buy, if anything

Most homes can store enough water using bottles they already have. Buying is optional. You might choose to buy:

• A few packs of bottled water, if you prefer not to store tap water. Check the date and rotate them into everyday use.
• Stackable water containers with taps, if you want to store a larger amount in a small space. Choose ones marked as food safe.

You may also see portable water filters for sale. These are mostly for camping and walking. They are not a replacement for stored water at home. Our guide to portable water filters explains what they do and do not do.

For the full list of supplies, read what to put in an emergency kit.