Free tool
Emergency water calculator
Tell us who is in your home and how long you want to be covered. We will turn it into litres, bottles and containers you can actually buy.
Work out your water
0litres in total
02 L bottles
020 L containers
Store at least 3 litres of drinking water per person per day, the figure in the GOV.UK Be Ready checklist. For two adults and one child that is 9 litres a day, or 63 litres for a week. Add more for cooking, washing and pets.
Questions people ask
How much water should I store for an emergency in the UK?
The GOV.UK Be Ready checklist says 3 litres per person per day for drinking, enough for at least 3 days. Cooking and washing need extra, so many households store more.
How many 2 litre bottles do I need for a family of four for 3 days?
Four people at 3 litres a day for 3 days is 36 litres, which is 18 bottles of 2 litres or 2 containers of 20 litres.
Do children need less water than adults?
The GOV.UK figure is per person, so the calculator counts children the same as adults. Babies on formula need extra water for making feeds.
How much water do pets need?
It varies with size, diet and weather, so the calculator lets you type your own figure. Ask your vet if you are not sure.
Estimates only. Check your own devices and labels. In an emergency, always call 999.