Water: gallons, jugs and the space they take
The federal and Red Cross figure is the same everywhere: one gallon per person per day. Where they differ is how many days.
"Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation."
Ready.gov, read Nov 5, 2026
"Store at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for 3 days. Try to store a 2-week supply if possible."
CDC, read Nov 5, 2026
"Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)"
American Red Cross, read Nov 5, 2026
Containers ranked by how much of the box is water
"Water share" is the gallons inside (231 cubic inches each) divided by the outside box from the printed size. Higher means less wasted shelf.
| Container | Gallons | Outside size | Water share | Units for 1 person, 7 days / 2 people, 14 days | Stacking (as worded) | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 gallon brick WaterBrick | 3.5 | 18 x 9 x 6 in | 2 / 8 | stacks or ties down (retailer wording) | checked twice | |
| Aqua-Tainer 7 gallon Reliance | 7 | 11.5 x 11.25 x 15.75 in | 1 / 4 | stackable when empty (retailer wording) | checked twice | |
| Water-Pak 5 gallon Reliance | 5 | 10.5 x 9.5 x 15.5 in | 2 / 6 | Stackable up to 3 high when full | maker page only | |
| Water-Pak 2.5 gallon Reliance | 2.5 | 8.6 x 7.8 x 12.5 in | 3 / 12 | Stackable up to 3 high when full | maker page only | |
| Aqua-Tainer 4 gallon Reliance | 4 | 11.5 x 11.25 x 10.75 in | 2 / 7 | not stated | maker page only | |
| 5 Gallon Blue Stackable Water Container Legacy Food Storage | 5 | 12 x 10 x 15 in | 2 / 6 | stackable (seller wording) | maker page only |
Sizes from the seller pages linked, read Nov 5, 2026. Notes: Sportsman's Warehouse matches 11.5 x 11.25 x 15.75 in. One other retailer lists 11.25 x 11 x 15.25 in. Two retailers agree on 18 x 9 x 6 in. The maker's own page was not read. Seller says roughly 15 in high x 10 in wide x 12 in deep and roughly 40 lb when full.
Rotation and placement, as the CDC words it
- "Replace water every six months." (CDC)
- Keep containers somewhere with a cool temperature, 50 to 70 degrees F, and away from direct sunlight. (CDC)
- Keep them away from toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides. (CDC)
- Store-bought bottled water stays in its sealed original container in a cool, dark place. (Ready.gov)
Sources: CDC water supply page and Ready.gov water page, both read Nov 5, 2026. A full 5 gallon jug weighs about 40 lb by one seller's figure; check your shelf's load rating with the shelf maker before stacking.
Freeze-dried food needs water too
Makers print the water their meals need: about 3.75 gallons for the Mountain House 15-day kit and about 120 cups (7.5 gallons) for the ReadyWise 120 serving bucket. The planner adds that line separately so it is not taken out of drinking water.