Calculators Water planning
Set an essential-use baseline, then check extra needs and storage space.
About 2 minutes You’ll need: people, pets, days, and optional reserves
Water storage calculator for emergency household water planning
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CDC baseline reference
The CDC essential-use baseline is at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. This table shows the human baseline before adding pets, hot-weather reserves, medical or infant needs, or broader washing and flushing water. Water weighs about 8.34 lb per gallon before container weight.
| Household size (people) | 3-day baseline | 7-day baseline | 14-day baseline | 5-gal containers (14 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3 gal (~25 lb) | 7 gal (~58 lb) | 14 gal (~117 lb) | 3 × 5-gal cans (15 gal capacity) |
| 2 people | 6 gal (~50 lb) | 14 gal (~117 lb) | 28 gal (~234 lb) | 6 × 5-gal cans (30 gal capacity) |
| 4 people | 12 gal (~100 lb) | 28 gal (~234 lb) | 56 gal (~467 lb) | 12 × 5-gal cans or one 55-gal drum + 1 gal |
| 6 people | 18 gal (~150 lb) | 42 gal (~350 lb) | 84 gal (~701 lb) | 17 × 5-gal cans (85 gal capacity) |
Treat the estimate as an essential-use baseline. Container size, storage temperature, pets, health needs, and the hazard itself can change the practical total.
The CDC baseline supports essential uses such as drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. It does not guarantee enough water for bathing, laundry, dishwashing, toilet flushing, or individual medical needs. Add confirmed extra needs separately.
A mix is often easier to store and move. Use sealed commercial water for convenience and food-grade containers for larger reserves, following the container maker and public-health guidance.
Do not assume appearance alone proves safety. Follow current local public-health instructions for boil notices, treatment, or disposal, and use an unopened safe source when available.
Plan first. Buy what is missing.
A five-gallon can is one option to investigate. Confirm filled weight, lifting, storage and cleaning needs. This example is not selected from your calculator answers.
Scepter
When to consider another option A household that requires published cabinet dimensions or a verified stacking rating before purchase.
Read the fit and limitations