We often take our household water supply for granted. However, when safe drinking water is unavailable, it is more than just an inconvenience - it can become a health emergency. Emergency-related interruptions of service may last from a few hours up to several days. Every household should have an emergency water supply available.

How much water should I store?

• Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day (one half-gallon for drinking and one half-gallon for food preparation and sanitation).  
• Hot weather can double the amount needed for drinking as the body uses more water for cooling.
• Store at least a three-day supply, but consider storing a two-week supply if space permits.
• Don't forget water for your pets! For a small pet, store one quart of water per day.  Store more for larger animals.

Can I store my tap water?

• Yes. While you can expect that water from a public water supply will be safe, remember that the container(s) used to collect and store the water must also be clean.

What containers should I use?

• Store tap water in well-sanitized, food-grade plastic with tight fitting screw-on lids.
• Avoid plastic milk containers because they may contain protein and fat residues, which might allow bacteria to grow during storage.
• Avoid using containers that will decompose or break.
• Containers not labeled for food or beverage storage could release harmful chemicals into the water.
• Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because minute amounts may remain in the container's pores.
• Some old glass jars were made with glass that contains lead, and unacceptable amounts of lead can leach into the water stored in them (even for short periods).

How should I prepare the containers?

• Wash the containers and lids thoroughly with hot tap water, dish detergent, and a mild bleach solution.
• Rinse thoroughly with hot tap water.

Should I boil the water before storing it?

• Boiling tap water before storage is not recommended. It will not prevent algae or bacterial growth that may occur during storage.
• Boiling may concentrate trace levels of other contaminants as some of the water is lost as steam.

How should I treat the water for storage?

• Be sure that the water you are using is drinking water quality.
• To treat water for storage, use liquid household chlorine bleach that contains 6% sodium hypochlorite. Do not use bleach with soaps or scents added.
• Using a clean, uncontaminated medicine dropper, fill your container with water and add the bleach according to the table below:

• Mix thoroughly by stirring or shaking the container. Let stand for 30 minutes before using.
• A chlorine odor should be detectable after the 30 minute waiting period.
• If the water does not smell like chlorine at that point, repeat the dose, mix thoroughly and let it stand another 15 minutes.

Where should I store the water and for how long?

• Store containers with treated water in an easily accessible, dark, cool, and dry place.
• Store water away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, and other chemicals.
• Stored water should be labeled with the date stored, and used or replaced every six months.

How do I keep water in opened containers safe?

• Once opened, sanitary measures are important when using the water to keep it safe and to control exposure to bacteria.
• To reduce the chance of water contamination, do not open more containers than are needed at the time.
• If electrical power is available, store opened containers in a refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use water in opened containers within one or two days.

Hidden water sources in your home:

• If an emergency catches you without a sufficient supply of stored water, you can use the water in your hot water tank, pipes, and ice cubes.  If you do not have a chemical sanitizer in your toilet tank, you can use that water as a last resort (not the water in the bowl).

With a little planning and effort, your family can be prepared for a natural disaster or other emergency with the most important necessity: a safe, adequate supply of drinking water.

Non-Emergency Water Outage Tips

There may be times when your water service will be interrupted for routine maintenance or to make repairs to water. If the maintenance or repairs to be performed are not an immediate emergency, our field technicians will notify the impacted homes via a knock or a door hanger. If you get notified of a temporary shut off, below is a list of tips you can take to prepare:

Before the Shut Off

• Stock Water: Fill bathtubs, sinks, and spare jugs with water for flushing toilets. 
• Prepare Supplies: Gather disposable plates/utensils, cloths, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
• Shut Down Appliances: Turn off your water heather and any appliances that use water. 

During the Outage

• Toilet Use: Use collected tub/bucket water to pour into the toilet bowl to flush, or use a designated bucket for waste, disposing of toilet paper in a separate bin, not down the toilet
• Hygiene:
  •   Use spray bottles with soapy water for dishes and hands; use wet wipes for quick cleanups.
  • Use a washcloth and soap for a "sponge bath," and consider using baby wipes for cleaning yourself when water is scarce.
  • Use cloths and rags for cleaning surfaces instead of sponges and wash reusable cloths by hand in a bucket of water.
  • Use dry shampoo to keep your hair fresh. 
• Conserve: Minimize water use; use stored water for drinking and essential cooking only.

After Your Water Is Restored

• Clear Air & Debris: Turn on faucets (starting with the lowest one) slowly to flush air and any sediment from the pipes.
• Check Water Quality: Let water run until it's clear and free of discoloration before drinking or cooking, as chlorine may need time to cleared.

Other Tips

• Stay hydrated with food: Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables like berries, oranges, and melons to help with hydration. 
• Wear older clothes: To minimize laundry, wear clothes longer. 
• Use hand sanitizer: Keep hand sanitizer handy to clean your hands when soap and water are not an option. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service Office at 916.972.7171.