Water is the first thing to sort out. People cope without food for a while; without safe water, problems start fast.
How much?
The UK government's Be Ready checklist says 3 litres per person per day for drinking, and that more would be needed for other tasks such as cooking and washing.
A worked example for 3 days:
- 2 adults and 2 children: 4 people x 3 litres x 3 days = 36 litres for drinking alone.
- That is eighteen 2-litre bottles, or six packs of 6 x 2 L.
Add extra for pets, baby formula and medical devices, as Be Ready notes, and allow more in hot weather or illness.
Bottled or tap?
- Sealed bottled water is the easiest: it is ready to drink and has a date on it.
- Filling your own containers with tap water is cheaper. "Tap water in the UK is safe to drink without boiling" (DWI). The risk is the container, not the water.
Storing tap water safely
These steps follow the US CDC's emergency water guidance, as the UK sites give no detailed method (the CDC is a US government agency):
- Use food-grade containers with a tight lid, made for drinking water. Never reuse a container that held chemicals. The CDC also advises against glass.
- Wash the container with soap and rinse it well before filling.
- Label it "drinking water" with the date, and replace it every six months.
- Store it cool, out of sunlight, and away from fuel, paint and chemicals.
- Pour from it, or use a clean scoop. Don't dip hands in.
- Water containers
For refills from a bowser or tap: holds about two days of water- Budget Collapsible water carrier, 10 L · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Moderate Rigid 20 L water container with tap · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
- Ultimate Stackable food-grade 20 L water containers with taps · Search Amazon UK (Ad)
Boil water notices
If your water company issues a boil water notice, the DWI says to:
- boil water before drinking it, brushing teeth, making ice, preparing food or giving it to pets;
- let it cool naturally;
- keep it in a clean container in the fridge and throw it away if not used within 24 hours.
Very rarely you may be told not to use tap water at all. Then use bottled water or the supply your water company provides.
After a flood
In most floods the mains supply is unaffected. But if your tap water changes colour, taste or smell, call your water company. Until it is confirmed safe, boil your water or use bottled water (DWI: flooding).
If the taps run dry
- Use your stored and bottled water first, drinking water before washing water.
- Water from rivers, streams or water butts must be treated before drinking. See water filters explained.