Thrifty Thursday: Water Storage Container Comparison

April Showers:  Water Storage Container Comparisons

Below is a chart I originally put together back in 2011, but updated for this year.  Most things were either the same price or little change up or down.  There are many more water containers and such available than what is shown on the chart.  Simply search water on the Emergency Essentials website or Sams Club, etc. to find more information and products.

The cost per gallon listed is taking the initial cost of the item(s) and dividing it by the amount of gallons (128 oz) it holds or contains.  For instance the Emergency Essentials blue barrel cost of 75.95 divided by 55 gallons equals about $1.38 per gallon.  Another example:  The 40 pack of bottled water at Sams Club costs 3.98.  16.9 oz per bottle means there is 676 oz or about 5.28 gallons.  $3.98 divided by 5.28 is about $0.75 per gallon.  I set the price of the pop bottle being used for water as $0.00 because you are simply reusing a container that you bought for another purpose, the pop; but if you want to use the initial price of the pop--generic Kroger brands can cost around $0.69, then your cost per gallon is .69 divided by .53 (2 liters is about .53 of a gallon) which comes to about $1.30 per gallon (basically 2 2 liter bottles gives you one gallon of water).

These costs are based on regular prices.  If you can find a sale, the price will drop.

When considering what containers to use, initial cost is a factor.  But also consider how well it holds up--is it something that will have to be replaced within 1 to 2 years or something that will keep for 5, 10 or 20 years without a problem?  Also consider the space needed for the varying sizes of containers--some are really bulky others can be stored just about anywhere--under beds, closets, under couches that are raised by legs, etc.

conversions used:  128 oz in 1 gallon; about 3.79 liters in 1 gallon or about 33.8 oz in 1 liter

Wednesday Why: Water Storage Q&A

April Showers...More on Water

Water Q&A:  I often get asked questions about home storage and preparedness, here are a few about water and water storage that I've been asked over the years.

Why should we store drinking water besides obedience to wise counsel?  It simply makes sense because we cannot live long without water.  If the water source becomes contaminated or is completely disrupted, you will need water to sustain you until the water is safe to drink again.  It is so much better to prepare 5 years in advance to any emergency, than 5 minutes too late.  Failure to prepare is choosing to be dependent on others during crisis and choosing to possibly not have your needs met and thereby getting sick or dying.

Why do people neglect to store water?  Some possible reasons people may not be storing water are:  Space!  Water takes up a lot of space.  Cost.  Quality containers cost money, as do filters and such.  Uninformed:  missed warnings and counsel that come from multiple sources.  Uninformed:  don’t know how to best store water.  Lack of desire to prepare oneself for emergencies.  Want to rely on others--”My____has food & water storage, I’ll just go to their house in an emergency.” (and thereby lessen their resources).

What is the best way to store water?  Actual drinking water stored in leak proof food grade containers that limit light and stored in a cool dark place is the best way to store water.  Container size is an individual choice, but generally speaking the larger containers can store more water in less space than smaller containers.  Small containers are nice to have if need to move it around.  Beyond drinking water, storing filtering systems and their parts, chemical treatments and/or other materials needed to purify water are another good way to prepare for water shortage/contamination emergencies.

How much water should I store?  1 gallon of water per person per day.  Increase this amount if living in an area of high heat or if have health concerns that require you to have more water (like pregnant or nursing, diabetes,etc.).  Store at least 3 days to 2 weeks worth of water at home.  In an emergency where water is limited or contaminated you probably won’t be sorry for the space you used to store water.

Can I use milk jugs to store water?  Yes, but be aware the plastic breaks down quickly so it is only a short term option--as little as 3-8 months before the jug should be replaced.  Also, be sure to completely clean them and use a bleach/water solution to sanitize them before filling with water.  There are much better options, including pop bottles, water barrels, and water bottles.  

Can I use bleach bottles or laundry detergent bottles to store water?  No, at least not for drinking water.  They could possibly be used to store water that will be used for washing clothes or cleaning, but should NEVER be used to store water to be used for drinking.

Can I store my water barrels outside?  Yes.  But beware it is subject to the elements--high or low temperatures, light and such.  Outdoor storage is not ideal, but it can be done, just be sure to purify it periodically or before using it since bacteria thrives in light and heat.  Also be sure to store the water off of cement.

Can I store water containers on cement?  Containers should be off cement, either by simply placing on pieces of wood or by putting on a shelf.

Can I just store water filters or purifying tablets rather than storing drinking water?  These are good to have on hand and know how to use, but remember you have to have a source of water to use these, so if you have no drinking water and no water source nearby, then having only these may not be affective without travel or other method of obtaining water.  I personally suggest having at least a 3 day to 2 week store of drinking water (at least 3 days, but as much beyond that that you have room for) and then having the knowledge/skills and materials needed to purify water should you need it beyond what you have stored.

Do I need to transfer bottled water into a different container?  No.  If you buy bottled water, store it in its original container, then just be sure to check it periodically for leaks, discoloration or odors.

How often do I need to rotate through my water storage?  It depends on the container and where it is stored.  If using milk jugs, you will need to rotate within a few months to as long as a year.  If using pop bottles or other plastic bottles (like that of bottled water), you will want to rotate every 1-2 years.  If using large barrels or other food grade containers made for water storage, and they are stored in cool, dark places; it is wise to rotate every 3-5 years.  Though technically if the container is sanitized, doesn't leach/leak, etc and the water was purified, the water can store for much longer.  

All water storage should be checked periodically for leaks, discoloration, & odors.  If there are leaks, bacteria can get in.  If there is discoloration or odor it is likely a contaminant of some sort got in or the container itself is leaching something into the water.

Make A Plan Monday: Water Storage

"April Showers brings May flowers."  For the month of April I will be focusing on water safety, storage and such.  Today, I will simply start with the current guidelines found in the All Is Safely Gathered In pamphlet as found in the March 2009 Ensign or here:  https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/04008_eng.pdf?lang=eng

Guideline 2:  Store Drinking Water

1. Store for times clean water supply is interrupted or non-existant
2. Ways to accomplish:
1. If water comes from a trusted source (pretreated) then no additional purification is needed—simply put into the container you will be using.
2. If water isn’t purified:  need purify first.
3. Containers:  use sturdy, leak-proof/break resistant and clean containers.
1. 2 or 3 liter pop or juice bottles work well
2. Those blue water barrels
3. Milk jugs will only work for a short time—the plastic eventually begins to break down, so it isn’t wise to store in these for long periods of time.  But would be ok for short term water storage.
4. Do not use bottles or containers that had chemicals in them (i.e. bleach bottles)
4. Storage:  store away from light, heat and the floor (cement floors particularly).  If using large barrels, place on wood or something, water is heavy so you will need to have it in an area that you won’t have to move it (hopefully).  If using large barrels, remember you will need a bung wrench and pump.
1. If you don’t have the “ideal” situation (dark, cool), you can cover the container with those black yard waste bags to decrease the light.  Bacteria needs light and heat to grow.
3. Rotation:  if stored & purified properly in completely leak proof containers, it could technically store indefinitely, but generally, plan on rotating every 1-5 years.  Check your storage periodically for leaks, or other noticeable changes (odor, color, etc.).  To rotate you can use it for drinking and cooking or for watering plants and gardens.

Wednesday Why: Why Water?

Why Water?  Why should an individual or family store water as part of their home storage?  The simplest answer is water is essential to life.  I have posted on water in the past, but thought it time to repost as a reminder about storing water.  Below are some basics to storing water.

During storms, natural disasters or other emergencies like water pipes bursting, the water supply may become disrupted or contaminated.  For this reason, it is wise to have on hand a 2 week supply of water for each person in the home.  1 gallon per day is the minimum (if it is really hot weather, or other health concerns like diabetes, double the amount).  Water is your most precious survival item, without water you cannot survive for much longer than a few days whereas you can live without food for longer.  With unclean water, you may contract diseases that could lead to death or at least an uncomfortable existence.  With no water, you will die after a few days, or at least sustain permanent kidney damage or other problems.

When a major disaster happens, it is safe and wise to assume the water is unsafe without further purification, as many times disasters can cause contamination of some sort to the water supply.  Immediately after a major disaster (earthquake, tornado, whatever), shut off the water supply to your home at the valve that goes to the water main outside.  This step helps in keeping possible polluted water out of the house's water supply.

Storing water is a big undertaking, but essential.  Water takes up space, lots of it.  And it is heavy, so think through how you will store it, in what types of containers.

Storage of water:

Keep water in a cool, dark place if possible.  If in the garage (where can get warm) at least cover with black garbage bag to get it dark.  Store AWAY from fumes and gases, chemicals, pesticides, etc.  and off the concrete floor, you can put it on shelves or wood.  Periodically check water storage for cloudiness, odor, leaks, etc.  replace as need.  Otherwise water, if stored properly, should store indefinitely.  During cold climates, don't fill containers completely in case the water freezes, you want room for it to expand.

There are small and large containers used to store water.  What you choose will depend on your space, your preference, and cost of course.  A gallon of water weighs about 8 pounds.  Water storage will take up a lot of space, so you will want to learn how to purify water as well.  Think of it this way, a year’s supply of wheat uses less space than a 2 week supply of water!

55+ gallon drums hold a lot of water, but when filled are heavy!!  Too heavy to move without emptying it some (55 gallons at 8 pounds a gallon is 440 pounds).  But it stores a lot in less space than say one gallon jugs.  (You’d need 55 gallon jugs to have the same amount of water that fits in one 55 gallon drum).  So in the case of a larger family, drums might be the way to go since they are more space friendly.  But, because they can’t be moved easily, you may want some smaller containers as well, in case you need to leave your home.  This would be wise for the 72 hour kit—to have smaller containers, plus ways to purify.

Containers:

All containers should be food grade.  Cleaned thoroughly—sanitized (see below).  Leak-proof.

Milk jugs:  can be used for shorter periods of time, the plastic begins to break down over time.  They tend to leak within a few months to a year, depending on where and how stored.

Pop, juice, syrup, etc. bottles:  a good choice for smaller containers, oddly shaped though and can’t be stacked easily, so take up more space.

Drums:  large, space efficient in some respects, costly at the get go, but the cost might be worth it in space saved…   Will also need a bung wrench and pump to remove water stored in them.  HEAVY when filled.  

Other containers:  don’t use metal (it can corrode, rust), glass can break and is heavier than plastic, containers that contained cleaning agents, etc

Sanitizing containers to be used:  wash + rinse bottles thoroughly.  Fill with about 1 qt water, add ¼ c. bleach.  Put lid on, shake vigorously and turn upside down to get the cap too.  Let stand 2-3 min.  Pour bleach water into next container to be sanitized and repeat process.  (same water can be used for more than one container).  After containers have been swished with bleach water, fill with purified water, label (be sure to label that it was purified water and the date it was prepared).

Methods to purify:

Boil:  most preferred, easiest.  Boil vigorously 5-10 min.  Cool, pour between clean containers to aerate. 

Distill:  extension to boiling. Boil water and collect the water vapor that condenses on the lid.  This water won’t have other impurities.  Fill large pot with water.  Tie a cup or small pie plate to handle of pot lid (lid will be upside down, cup upside up, but not touching water being boiled).   This method also works to make fresh water out of salt water.  Instead of boiling, can use sun to heat water--will take longer.

Filters:  commercial filters, follow directions

Chlorine Bleach:  don’t use if cloudy* water or other noticeable sediments.  Must first remove all large particles (filter water through cloth, several layers, several times if need, then chlorinate).  1/4 to 1/2 t per gallon of water let stand 30 min, should have a slight chlorine odor, if not repeat and let stand 15 min. before using.  Use fresh bleach, if it is older, you will have to double the amount.  If too much chlorine is used, cramps, vomiting or diarrhea can be a problem.

*if water is cloudy, first try to filter as noted, if still cloudy double the amount of bleach.

Other chemical treatments:  water purification tablets:  check types/purposes/what they purify against, etc.  also check expiration dates.  Follow directions and allow sufficient time for the chemical to work before you try to use the water.  

Water sources in & around the home:

Water heater (turn off gas/electric supply, close main water valve, open water faucet, drain water  from drain plug at bottom—don’t turn on electric or gas until intake valve reopened and tank is full of water again)

water softener containers, toilet tank

Canned fruits and veggies, juices, soups, other high moisture foods.

If more than one level to home:  drain water that is in your pipes (turn off main water supply first, open a faucet on top floor and open faucet on lowest level—to collect any water left in pipes).

Dew in the morning:  mop up with clean T-shirt or towel and squeeze into clean container, purify by boiling or other methods.

make a still in yard:  use to collect water from the ground that is evaporating.  dig a hole, and using plastic, rocks, container and if have a clean tube, collect distilled water.  Uses heat from the sun to cause evaporation and distillation of water.  If don’t have a big hole, can use two pots (on inside of the other, or a glass jar inside a pot, with the plastic weighted down like below.  2 stills should provide enough water for 1 person each day.

Water from plants:  wrap a tree branch or other plant with plastic, water will condense onto plastic; also certain types of plants indicate water in the ground around it (still have to remove and purify).

Miscellaneous Monday: Water

Our bodies require water to operate properly.  After major natural or man-made disasters, water can be scarce or not safe to drink.  I hope the following information is helpful to you in deciding to store water, to learn to purify water and to otherwise learn what you can do to prepare for a situation that requires you to have knowledge about safe drinking water.

Below you will find links to other websites that provide some great information about water and water storage.  I have personally looked at these sites and information, and recommend them.  I have no monetary incentive to refer you to these sites.  My desire is to share information that would be helpful to you in preparing your water storage.

But first I want to share part of a report about the drinking water situations after Hurricane Katrina slammed into our nation, I do this to illustrate the need to store water and otherwise learn how to purify water.  The amount of time for water safety quality to be reached and maintained varies with the situation, sometimes a boil order may only last hours, other times water will be unavailable for weeks, either way it is wise to have some water storage and knowledge on obtaining and purifying water.

“Two weeks after Hurricane Katrina, EPA reported that about 30% of the affected drinking water and 40% of the affected wastewater facilities were again operating. However, many of the inoperable drinking water and wastewater plants serve large numbers of customers. In Biloxi, for example, officials were unable to re-pressurize the drinking water system because of broken and inaccessible water mains and valves. One-third of the sewage treatment facilities in Harrison County, Mississippi (serving Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian) were destroyed or very severely damaged. Similarly, drinking water and sewage service for more than a million customers in New Orleans (discussed below) was severely disrupted.

EPA reported that by October 10 — and following a second hurricane, Hurricane Rita, that hit Texas and parts of Louisiana on September 24 — more than 85% of drinking water and 95% of wastewater treatment facilities in the region were operational.1 However, as of that date, 131 drinking water systems (67 in Louisiana and 64 in Mississippi) were operating on a boil water notice pending test results to ensure that the water has been restored to standards safe for public consumption, and 175 others (142 in Louisiana and 33 in Mississippi) serving about 200,000 consumers were either inoperable or their status was unknown. All drinking water facilities in Alabama were reported to be operational. In Texas, 45% of drinking water facilities were operational two weeks after Hurricane Rita, and the remainder were operating on a boil water notice, were not operating, or were still being investigated.”

source:  http://www.vepr.lsu.edu/References/Hurricane%20Damage%20to%20Drinking%20Water.pdf

Please note:  I have not found any copyrights restricting me from sharing this information, I have listed the source of the information that I found when using google to search for drinking water after Katrina. As for the links below, I know of no restriction or copyrights about sharing links.

The list of links below is not a comprehensive list of everything available online or otherwise, it is simply a small list of links I put together that I thought would be helpful in sharing water storage & purification information.

Water storage posts and tutorials:

http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7534-1-4065-1,00.html (basic information about water storage)

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf (has a great diagram to show distillation by boiling water)

http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/emergency.htm#disinfect (directs you to a page that has links to some of the publications listed below)

http://extension.usu.edu/foodstorage/htm/water-storage (Utah State University publication)

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FN_FoodPreservation_2006-01pr.pdf (Utah State University publication)

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/emergency/water.html (Colorado State University)

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/fch/sites/default/files/documents/water_storage_for_emergencies.pdf (Oregon State University)

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/emergwatersuppl.html (North Carolina State University)

http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/publications/CCEWQ-12-WaterEmergencyUse.pdf (Cornell)

http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/emergency.htm (Cornell, same link as above but directs you to the top of the page rather than just about disinfecting water)

http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/ui338.pdf (a Penn State publication)

http://imstillplantingfortomorrow.blogspot.com/2011/07/water-storage.html (my own blog post on water storage, containers and purification)

 On cleaning and reusing pop bottles:  http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-tostore-water-in-plastic-bottles.html

(a great tutorial on how to prepare plastic bottles to store water)

On containers:  

http://imstillplantingfortomorrow.blogspot.com/2011/07/water-storage-containers.html (my own blog post with a table of different types of containers)

http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/08/water-storage-methods.html (a post on methods (containers) to store water, just a note any outdoor water storage (swimming pool) may be affected during a disaster and should NOT be considered safe until further purification has been done)

http://www.connorboyack.com/drop/water.pdf (prices are a little out-dated, but the information is still very useful)

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-2-water/ (a blog page that gives key points to remember when storing water, as well as links to things pertaining to storage and purification)

On purification:

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/pdfs/fs_emergency-disinfection-drinkingwater-2006.pdf (an EPA publication on making water safe to drink)

http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/08/water-purification.html (a post on methods of purification)

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-2-water/ (same link as above, but put under this heading as well since contains links to purification)

http://www.connorboyack.com/drop/water.pdf (same as above, contains information about purification)

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/01/15/beyond-the-babysteps-water-purification/ (post on purifying water)

Water sources in an emergency:

http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/09/emergency-water.html (post on water sources around the home)

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/02/04/beyond-the-babysteps-water-alternate-sources/ (post on alternate water sources beyond stored water)

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/06/25/water-evaporation-still/ (how to make a ground evaporation still--just a note these aren’t the most effective for obtaining large amounts of water, but better than nothing, so it is still a good idea to learn about them in case the need arises)

Water saving tips:

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2010/10/04/water-saving-tips/ (ideas on how to save water in emergencies, as well as otherwise)

As you plan your home storage, be sure to include water!  In the past I did a post on ideas on how to obtain items for home storage, here is the link: http://imstillplantingfortomorrow.blogspot.com/2011/08/thrifty-thursday_18.html. 

Thrifty Thursday: Getting Preparedness Supplies

Thrifty Thursday:  Getting your preparedness supplies

Being prepared:  The first step is to plan--plan what your family will need & want for emergencies, then gather the supplies needed to meet those needs/wants.  Then, you practice!  Learn how to use those items, learn what works and what doesn’t.  Practice using your storage items during non-stressful situations so that your family can become familiar with set-up, tastes, preparation methods, etc. of the supplies and food you are storing. 

Once you’ve planned as a family what you will want and need for your emergency supplies (72 hour kit, 3 month & 1 year supply).  Then comes the time to gather those items.

Pre-Gathering:

First: research the products you are looking at buying, making or getting.  Learn if they will indeed work for you, if you will be able to properly maintain them and use them, what the track record for those items are--good or bad reviews--do they break easily, etc.  Learn the average costs of buying commercial made compared to making homemade.  Also, determine if you have the skills, tools and ability to make homemade.

Gather: through buying, making or gifting

Buy: maybe for the cheaper items go ahead and buy them so you can start the gathering process; but for the more expensive items, wait and look around for sales or find them at garage sales even.  You want the best value for your money.  Not always is the cheapest the best value (like a dollar store car reflector screen is not to the same value as those obtained elsewhere), nor is always the most expensive the best value either.

Here are some examples of deals that can be found:

A simple butane stove was around $20 a couple of years ago.  But, by waiting, Walgreens had a sale for a simple one for $5!  (this was a few years ago, haven’t found/heard of this great of deal since)

Camp stoves--these often come on sale, too, in the summer.  Or occasionally you might even find some on clearance for 25-75% off--I periodically check the camping section for such deals on the things on my list.

Water:  periodically the grocery store has sales on the water bottles.  During and just before hurricane season is a time when water comes on sale often enough to spread out the buying over weeks or months.

Clothing, Shoes & Socks:  during back to school time and other times of the year, some stores have great sales on clothing--buy one get one free; don’t forget garage sales & thrift stores--just make sure that the used clothing is usable and in a condition you are happy with.

Food:  for 72 hour kits--those little fruit cups are on sale during back to school time, as are pop-tarts, and other little food items that are shelf-stable (because of being “bag lunch” items).  For 3 month or long-term supply--watch the sales & buy one get one free sales.

Make:  What about making things?  

Making your own solar oven out of a car reflector screen is much cheaper than buying one!  Chopping your own wood is cheaper than buying it prechopped.  Making a cardboard box oven is a great way to have baked goods, but for not much cost--there are a lot of instructions available online on how to make one.  

Homemade items can be made to order (in some aspects anyway):  a homemade solar oven can be dissembled and folded for easy storage, whereas a commercial sun oven takes up more storage space, a homemade box oven can be made to have a door with a oven bag window or simply made to be put over the heat & food.

Gifting:  Another great way to gather your supplies (this again is one way my family gets/gives what is wanted/needed):  when friends or family ask what you want for birthdays or Christmas--give them some ideas off of your preparedness supplies list!  And vise versa--for you giving to them--ask what things on their preparedness list they’d like to get.  For Christmas my family has been given things like:  a small first aid kit, a homemade solar still kit, toilet paper, flashlights, toothbrushes and more.  Very practical and useful gifts!  It might seem weird to give food storage or other preparedness items for a Christmas, wedding gift or college bound student gift--but hey, it sure is useful!

In all your getting, don’t forget to plan!  I’d like to share this quote from the April 2003 Liahona: Letter from the First Presidency (dated Jan.20 2002) talking about members obtaining a year supply of basic necessities:

“Members should be prudent and not panic or go to extremes in this effort. Through careful planning, most Church members can, over time, establish both a financial reserve and a year’s supply of essentials.”

I like this quote because it emphasizes the need to plan.  Plan what you’ll need/want, then get it and use it.

Water Storage Containers

There are many different types of water storage containers.  There are pros & cons to each:  things like initial cost, size, availability and transportability.  The containers listed in the comparison table below are not the only containers available, but do represent what is available.


When considering what types of containers to use, keep in mind the amount of space you have, where it will be stored (try to keep out of light and heat--but if needs be in one or both rotate your water more often), and how easily you want to be able to move/rotate your water storage if/when you need to.  Also, remember to store smaller containers for your 72 hour kits.

Click on the image to enlarge it.  

Please note:  many of the water storage containers & the prices for such are those available at these stores:  Emergency Essentials and Sam's Club.  Some of the containers are available at any local grocery store. 
The images come from the respected sites that the containers are from (the pop bottle image is from providentliving.org).  (To print:  click on image, select print, change page orientation and print page 1 at 110%)

Water Storage

One of the guidelines put forth in the “All Is Safely Gathered In:  Home Storage” pamphlet is to get and maintain a water storage. 

Our bodies consist of a large amount of water, so it only makes sense that we need water for survival.  So how much should we store?  Emergency agencies and many other sources suggest a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for a period of 2 weeks (or at least 72 hours!).  After a major disaster, the water supply may or may not be affected, but it is better to assume it is affected until authorities declare otherwise and to either purify it or use stored drinking water.  But, even without major disasters, periodically the water supply can be disrupted for things like:  pipes bursting and being fixed, overhaul of the system, other contaminants leached into the system, etc. So it is always good to be prepared and have a supply of drinking water at home.

Below is a handout I made for a water storage class taught at church based off of this guideline and counsel.  (if you'd like to print it, click on the image, hit your print button and print page 1 at 158%)

Some notes:  When seeking for water sources outdoors (ponds, lakes, streams, etc.) remember that wildlife also use those water sources.  Be aware of what kind of wildlife could be around:  raccoons, alligators, snakes, bears, spiders, etc.  

If you have pets, you will need to store water for them too, 1/2-1 gallon per day (or you can measure the amount you actually usually give to your pet daily and add a little more for good measure when calculating how much to store.)

If a disaster causes flooding, discard any food items that came in contact with the flood waters, stay out of flood waters--they can be fast moving, have sewage and other contaminants as well as debris that can cause injury, and have potentially dangerous wildlife swimming around.

When storing water, store it off the ground (cement).  Also, remember any tools and extras you will need to remove the water from the container(s) you have chosen (pictured: bung wrench and manual pumps).