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A HOUSEHOLD HOW-TO · WATER

Build a 72-hour
water station.

How much usable water is already in your home? Count it before buying another case or container.

Ready Before Dark journal · September 24, 2026 · 5-minute read

Bring a pen, paper, your phone's calculator and the water you already store to one place. You can start without buying anything. The example below is hypothetical; your household's size and current local instructions control your own plan.

1. Count people and pets.

Write down how many people live at home and the pets you need to plan for. CDC's starting point is at least one US gallon per person per day for three days. For four people, that is 4 × 1 × 3 = 12 gallons. This is a starting amount, not a guarantee for every household or event. Allow more for pregnancy, illness, pets and hot climates; aim for two weeks if you can. FoodSafety.gov also recommends at least one gallon per day for each pet for three days.

Put your baseline on paper. Read a container's label or measure its volume rather than guessing.

2. Count the suitable water you already have.

Look for unopened commercially bottled water first. CDC calls it the safest and most reliable emergency source. Note its labeled volume and expiration date. For self-filled containers, note when they were filled and whether you followed CDC's cleaning, sanitizing, filling and storage directions. Set uncertain containers aside; do not count them as ready to drink.

Subtract usable water from your baseline. If four people have six suitable gallons on hand, the three-day starting gap is six gallons before extra needs and pets. You can address the gap over time.

3. Choose safe containers.

For water you fill yourself, CDC recommends FDA-approved food-grade storage containers. Ask the manufacturer if the status is unclear. Never use a container that held bleach, pesticides or other toxic chemicals. Follow CDC's full cleaning and sanitizing directions before filling. Fill only with water safe under current local instructions; a container does not treat unsafe water.

Smaller containers may be easier for your household to lift. That is a practical choice, not an official water-safety requirement.

4. Make one visible shelf.

Put the counted supply in an accessible place. Label self-filled containers “drinking water” and date them. CDC says to replace self-filled water every six months; follow store-bought water's labeled expiration date. Keep the station cool, out of direct sun and away from gasoline, pesticides and other toxic substances. FoodSafety.gov advises a location less likely to be contaminated by flooding.

Write the next replacement date on a paper card or calendar. This guide does not imply an automatic reminder is running.

5. Give the household one instruction.

Tell everyone where the station is and which containers are ready. Put the utility's official update page or phone number beside your household plan. A boil-water, do-not-drink and do-not-use notice require different actions. Read the notice issued for your area; boiling or a household filter cannot fix every contaminant.