Manage Disruptions

We recommend you have 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. 

Try have 9 litres per person per day for seven days (63 litres)

The minimum amount of stored emergency water is  3 litres per person per day for seven days (21 litres per person). The minimum amount is only enough for drinking, cooking and very basic hygiene. 

1. Thoroughly clean your containers with hot water (not boiling, as this will destroy the bottle). 
2. Fill your containers (see below) with cold tap water until it overflows. 
3. 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.
4. Write the date that you filled your containers on each one to help you remember when to check and replace the water. 
5. Place the lid on tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight. 
6. Clean and refill the bottles every 6 months. 
7. Check your stored water before using by: holding it up to the light. If it has anything floating in it or it is not clear, strain and boil for one minute (or until an electric kettle switches off) or; add 5 drops of plain, unperfumed household bleach per litre of water, and leave for 30 minutes before drinking.

If you choose to buy commercially bottled water, store it in the original sealed container. Do not open it until you need to use it. Observe and replace according to the expiration or use by date.

Plastic drink bottles

• Clean and re-use plastic drink bottles. 
• Store in a cool, dark place.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Do not use milk bottles - any milk residue will contaminate the water. 
• You can fill clean plastic ice cream containers with water, cover, label and keep in the freezer. These can help keep food cool if the power is off and can also be used for drinking when thawed. 

10 - 20-litre containers

• These containers are available from hardware stores.
• Store in a cool, dark place.
• Avoid direct sunlight.

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.

Other

• Your hot water cylinder and toilet cistern are valuable sources of water. Check that your hot water cylinder and header tank are well secured.
• The toilet cistern is only safe to use if no chemical toilet cleaner is present.
• Boil water for one minute before drinking.

• Check your stored water before using:
  • Check your stored water by holding it up to the light. If it has anything floating in it or it is not clear, strain and boil for one minute.
  • You can add 5 drops of plain, unperfumed household bleach per litre of water, and stand for 30 minutes before drinking. 

• 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)