The important numbers
- Drinking water
- 3 litres per person per day
- Three-day drinking target
- 9 litres per person
- Broader basic allowance
- 10 litres per person per day
- Approximate weight
- 1 litre weighs about 1 kg
What this means in practice
For a household of two adults planning for three days, a drinking-water target using 3 litres per person per day is 18 litres. That water alone weighs about 18 kg before packaging.
The larger 10-litre allowance includes greater comfort for some cooking and basic hygiene. It is not a promise that every household need is covered. Medical equipment, baby formula, caring needs and pets may require additional planning.
Build a practical supply gradually
- Calculate the target
Begin with household size and the number of days you want to cover.
- Count what is already at home
Include sealed drinking water that is in date and stored as its manufacturer recommends.
- Choose manageable containers
Several smaller containers may be easier to lift and distribute than one very large container.
- Record and review it
Keep the location and review date visible so stored water is not forgotten.
Important limitations
Add separately for pets, baby formula, medical devices and any advice from a care team. Do not assume that untreated rainwater or flood water is safe to drink.
Products that may help
Specific options, with the limitations visible.
These are affiliate links. The recommendation is based on suitability and evidence, not commission.
Hilka 10L water container with tap
Hilka 84809920, 10 litres
A reusable 10 litre food-grade container with a removable tap for storing and dispensing drinking water at home.
- Useful for
- A household translating a water target into several manageable containers, if a filled 10 litre unit can be handled safely.
- Probably not for
- Anyone unable to safely lift roughly 10kg of water or who prefers sealed bottled water.
- A stated 10 litre capacity makes planning straightforward.
- Food-grade HDPE is specified by Hilka.
- Tap allows dispensing without lifting the full container.
- The filled container is heavy.
- Check tap and seal for leaks before storing.
- It does not purify water or make unsafe water drinkable.
Use safe drinking water and follow current UK storage advice. Divide the total into smaller containers if 10 litres is too heavy to lift safely.