Water outages and safe household storage

How much water to plan for

There is no single amount that fits every emergency. Current central guidance cites 2.5 to 3 litres of drinking water per person per day as a survival minimum. About 10 litres per person per day also allows for basic cooking and hygiene. Babies, medical devices, illness, hot weather and pets can increase the amount needed.

Prepare for a few days and build towards a three-day initial buffer where practical. Use commercially sealed bottled water, check storage guidance and replace it as part of normal shopping.

Prepare for supply and hygiene needs

• Know your water supplier and save its emergency contact details on paper.
• Keep clean containers, hand sanitiser, wipes and a simple toilet-hygiene plan.
• Include ready-to-feed infant formula where needed because safe preparation may be difficult during an outage.
• Ask a clinician or equipment provider how a water-dependent medical device should be managed.
• Register with your supplier's Priority Services Register if eligible.

During an outage

• Read the exact notice and check the area, time and issuing organisation.
• Use sealed supplies first and keep containers closed and clean.
• Do not assume boiling removes chemicals or every contaminant.
• Use water-company collection points only as directed and take clean containers.