How much emergency water do I need to store?
You will need enough water to last for seven days. You may need to store more if you have unwell people or small children in your family.
Don't forget your pets! You should bear in mind that the average person uses 1,540 litres during a typical week.
Recommended amount of stored emergency water – 140 litres per person per week (20 litres per person per day).
This recommended amount should be enough for drinking, food preparation, hand washing and other basic hygiene (brushing teeth and a sponge bath).
Minimum amount of stored emergency water – 21 litres per person per week (3 litres per person per day)
The minimum amount is only enough for drinking, cooking and very basic hygiene.
How to store emergency water
- Thoroughly clean your containers with hot water (not boiling, as this will destroy the bottle).
- Fill your containers (see below) with cold tap water until it overflows.
- Add a small amount of bleach to help stop bacteria. Add half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of plain, unscented household bleach to 10 litres of water (a household bucket), or five drops to 1 litre of water. See the amount of bleach to add to stored water. *Do not use Janola as it contains detergents which makes it unsuitable for treating drinking water.
- Write the date that you filled your containers on each one to help you remember when to check and replace the water.
- Place the lid on tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Clean and refill the bottles every 12 months.
- Before you can use your stored water, you should treat it by: boiling for 1 minute (or until an electric kettle switches off) or; adding the same amount of bleach again. Stir and leave for 30 minutes before use.
Options for storing water
Juice/soft drink bottles
- Clean and re-use juice or soft drink bottles.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Do not use milk bottles - any milk residue will contaminate the water.
10 - 20-litre containers
- These containers are available from hardware stores.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
200-litre water tank
Your local council sells the 200-litre water tank and kit for approximately $110 (RRP $265). This is a special deal provided by councils >Learn more
Larger tanks
Available directly from manufacturers and hardware stores. Water storage tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We recommend you check with your local council to see if there are any planning requirements you need to consider before installing a large water tank.
How much bleach to add to stored water
- Add bleach and stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
- Use plain, unscented household bleach.
- Do not use Janola as it has detergents that makes it unsuitable for treating drinking water.
Water (Litres) : Amount of unscented household bleach (ml)
1 litre : 5 drops (0.25ml)
2 litres : 10 drops (0.5ml)
3 litres : 15 drops (0.75ml)
4 litres : 20 drops (1ml)
5 litres : ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml)
10 litres : ½ teaspoon (2.5ml)
20 litres: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
50 litres: 2 ½ teaspoons (12.5ml)
100 litres: 5 teaspoons (25ml)
200 litres: 10 teaspoons (50ml)
