Food-grade only
Blue water jugs, stackable water bricks, or a large barrel. Never reuse milk jugs — they harbor bacteria.
How much, in what, and how to keep it safe for years — plus the layer storage can't cover.
The number: 1 gallon per person per day — half to drink, half for cooking and hygiene. Two weeks for a family of four is ~112 gallons. Store more if you can; you'll always wish you had.
Blue water jugs, stackable water bricks, or a large barrel. Never reuse milk jugs — they harbor bacteria.
Tap water stores safely ~6 months; rotate it. For long term, a few drops of unscented bleach per gallon or store-bought preserver.
Out of sunlight and off concrete (use plywood). Heat and light grow algae and degrade plastic.
A gravity filter or purification tablets turn found water into drinking water when stores run low.
The DIY blueprint we reviewed for building an independent water source is Joseph's Well — the difference between hoarding water and sourcing it.
Garden beds, rainwater sizing, pantry days-of-supply and the weekly rhythm — free spreadsheet, straight to your inbox.