Water Storage Checklist: How to Store Drinking Water for 2 Weeks

Before You Start: Calculate Your Needs

Use this formula before purchasing anything:

Number of people × 5 liters × 14 days = minimum liters to store

Household Size	14-Day Supply Needed	20L Containers Needed
1 person	70 liters	4 containers
2 people	140 liters	7 containers
4 people	280 liters	14 containers
+ 1 medium dog	+ 14 liters	+ 1 container

Container Procurement Checklist

• Containers are food-grade HDPE (look for recycling symbol #2 or the cup-and-fork symbol)
• Containers are opaque (not clear — blocks light to prevent algae growth)
• Containers have a tight-sealing lid or bung
• Containers have never contained non-food items (fuel, chemicals, cleaning products)
• You have sufficient quantity for your calculated need
• You have a way to access large containers (pump or siphon for 55-gallon barrels)

Recommended containers:

• 20-liter HDPE jerrycans (food-grade, white or blue): easiest to handle and rotate
• WaterBOB bathtub insert for sudden large-volume needs before a known emergency
• Avoid: old milk jugs, thin PET water bottles, any container with residual odor

Filling Checklist

• Clean each container with dish soap and warm water, rinse completely
• Fill from municipal tap water (treated, safe to store)
• Optional: add 4 drops of plain unscented bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) per liter — adds safety margin against bacterial growth during storage
• Seal each container tightly
• Label each container with today's date and a "use by" date 6 months from now
• Record containers in your rotation log

Storage Location Checklist

• Location is consistently cool (below 20°C ideal; below 30°C essential)
• Location is dark or containers are opaque (no direct sunlight)
• Containers are elevated off concrete floor (pallet or shelf preferred)
• Location is away from fuel canisters, pesticides, paint, and cleaning chemicals
• Location will not freeze in winter (ice expansion can crack containers)
• All household members know the storage location and how to access it

Rotation Maintenance Checklist (Every 6 Months)

• Check rotation log — identify oldest containers
• Inspect each container for cracks, cloudiness, unusual odor
• Open oldest containers first: smell and look at the water
• If water is clear and odorless: use it (cooking, watering plants, etc.) or drink it normally
• Refill with fresh water and new fill date
• Update rotation log
• Verify lids and seals are still functioning properly

Supplemental Equipment Checklist

Beyond stored water, keep these items for when storage runs out or alternative sources are needed:

• Hollow-fiber water filter (Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree): removes bacteria and protozoa
• Chemical backup tablets (Micropur Forte or Aquatabs): add virus protection
• Collapsible water containers: for collecting water from emergency distribution points
• Clean cloth or coffee filters: for pre-filtering turbid water before filtration
• Knowledge of local natural water sources (streams, ponds, parks with water features)

Emergency Taps: Know Your Alternatives

Even with 14 days stored, know your backup sources:

• You know the location of the nearest fire station (fire services distribute water in prolonged outages)
• You know the location of any natural water source within 2 km
• You know your municipality's emergency water distribution points (check local authority website)
• You have the ability to filter and disinfect water from natural sources

Complete Setup: What "Done" Looks Like

A complete 2-person 14-day water supply:

Item	Quantity	Cost
20L food-grade HDPE jerrycans	7	~€70
Unscented household bleach (for storage treatment)	1 small bottle	€2
Labels and rotation log	—	€0–2
Sawyer Squeeze filter (backup for natural sources)	1	€40
Micropur Forte tablets 50-pack	1	€12
Collapsible 10L container (for emergency distribution)	1	€8
Total		~€135

This investment, once made and properly maintained, costs almost nothing to maintain year-to-year and covers your most critical survival need in any emergency scenario.

Final Verification

• You can access your water supply in complete darkness
• Every adult in your household knows where the supply is
• You have tested your filtration equipment with tap water
• Your next rotation date is marked in your calendar
• You have not stored containers near chemicals, fuel, or heat sources

Water storage is the single most impactful preparedness action you can take. Complete this checklist once, maintain it every 6 months, and your most critical survival need is covered.