Question 1

How much water should I store per person per day in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Government's emergency guidelines recommend storing a minimum of 3 litres per person per day for drinking only. For a practical emergency supply covering drinking and basic cooking, plan for 4–6 litres per person per day. For full use including basic hygiene (sponge baths, teeth brushing, minimal washing up), plan 10–15 litres per person per day. In hot climates (Darwin, outback QLD), increase these figures by 30–50% — dehydration risk is much higher in extreme heat.

Question 2

How long can you store tap water for emergencies in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australian tap water can be safely stored for 6–12 months in clean, sealed, food-grade containers. The residual chlorine in municipal water acts as a preservative. Store in a cool, dark location away from sunlight and heat. After 12 months, the chlorine dissipates and the water may taste flat — it's still safe if no contamination occurred, but rotating it is good practice. Boiling stored water before drinking after 12 months adds an extra safety margin.

Question 3

What are the best containers for emergency water storage?

Accepted Answer

Best containers for emergency water storage in Australia: food-grade HDPE plastic jerry cans (10L or 20L — widely available at camping stores like BCF and Anaconda for $10–$25); BPA-free water containers specifically rated for water storage; purpose-built water bricks (stackable, space-efficient); large food-grade barrels (200L) for high-capacity storage. Never use containers that previously held cleaning products, fuel, or chemicals. Dark-coloured containers prevent algae growth. Avoid storing in containers with seals that could leach chemicals under heat.

Question 4

How do water purification tablets work, and are they safe?

Accepted Answer

The most common Australian emergency water purification tablets contain sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) or iodine. NaDCC tablets (such as Aquatabs) are preferred — one tablet treats 1 litre of water; wait 30 minutes before drinking. They kill bacteria, viruses, and most parasites. NaDCC tablets have a 5-year shelf life and are safe for most people at normal doses. Iodine tablets are effective but not recommended for pregnant women or people with thyroid conditions. Purification tablets do NOT remove chemical contamination — if your water supply is chemically contaminated, you need bottled or trucked water.

Question 5

Is rainwater safe to drink in an emergency in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Rainwater collected from rooftop tanks can be safe to drink but requires precautions. Key risks: bird and animal faecal contamination, lead from older roofing materials, ash contamination after bushfires, and algae. Use a first-flush diverter to discard the first 20L of rainfall (which washes the roof). Have the tank professionally cleaned every 2–3 years. In a genuine emergency, boiling rainwater for 1 minute eliminates bacterial and viral risks. If the roof or area has been contaminated by bushfire ash or chemicals, do not drink the water without proper filtration and testing.

Question 6

What is the most water-efficient way to use stored emergency water?

Accepted Answer

To stretch emergency water supplies: drink first (3L/day minimum per person), cook with sealed/canned foods requiring no water, use hand sanitiser instead of washing hands when water is critical, use wet wipes for basic hygiene, brush teeth with minimal water (250ml/session), and skip showers (a full bucket bath uses 15–20L; a sponge bath uses 2–3L). Greywater from washing can flush toilets. Avoid boiling large amounts unnecessarily — boiling uses extra water through evaporation. In extreme heat, shade and rest to reduce perspiration and water need.

Emergency Water Storage Calculator

Water storage in Australia — what you need to know