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Emergency Drinking Water

Nebraska’s abundant domestic water supply is generally taken for granted. However some situations can reduce the availability of safe drinking water, including tornadoes, floods, winter storms, earthquakes, or even bio-terrorism. Such disasters may interrupt the water supply for only a few hours or up to several days. In these situations an emergency water supply is helpful, if not essential.

One option is to purchase bottled drinking water or distilled water at the time of need, or store for future use. Another option is to safely prepare and store water from your daily drinking and cooking supply.

In general store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Needs will differ depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate, but most people need to drink at least 2 quarts (8 cups) of water each day. Hot weather will increase the amount needed. Children, nursing women and ill persons also will need more. In addition to drinking water, water for food preparation and hygiene are needed.

Emergency management agencies generally suggest storing at least a 3-day supply. 
U.S. Department of Homeland Security’
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
American Red Cross

If an emergency supply is unavailable, it is possible to to treat limited amounts for drinking purposes.

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Information presented within the drinking water section of this Water Web site has been reviewed by University of Nebraska - Lincoln Drinking Water Team members Bruce Dvorak, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, David Shelton, and Jan Hygnstrom.