Water Emergency Readiness: What to Do When the Water Goes Out
Smart Water Preparedness for a 72-Hour Outage (or Longer)
When the electricity goes out, it’s an inconvenience. But when the water goes out, it quickly becomes a survival issue.
No water means no drinking, no flushing toilets, no showers, and—if the power outage continues—no refilling your supply from the tap. Whether you live in a city apartment or a suburban neighborhood, the infrastructure you rely on can fail. And if you're not ready, you’re left scrambling.
At Ready Master, we believe water preparedness is one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of emergency planning. So let’s walk through what to do when the water stops flowing, how to prepare now, and what emergency options are hiding in plain sight around your home.
If the Water Goes Out—What Are You Going to Do?
It’s a fair question most people can’t answer honestly. Here's what usually happens:
- You reach for the faucet—nothing comes out.
- The toilet won’t flush.
- You open the fridge for a water bottle—there’s none left.
- Panic sets in.
Now imagine this lasts 72 hours or more. Do you have a plan?
Do You Have Enough Water Stored?
FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day—and ideally three days’ worth. That’s 3 gallons per person, not including extra water for hygiene, pets, or cleaning.
For a family of four, that’s 12 gallons just for drinking—not brushing teeth, washing hands, or flushing toilets.
Best Containers for Storing Water:
- 5-gallon jugs with spigots
- Water bricks (stackable and space-saving)
- Food-grade barrels (30 or 55 gallons)
- Collapsible water containers
Tip: Store water in a cool, dark place and rotate it every 6–12 months.
Emergency Water Sources in and Around Your Home
1. Your Water Heater
Your water heater can hold 30 to 80 gallons of potable water.
How to Access It:
- Turn off electricity or gas to the unit.
- Close the cold water intake valve.
- Open a hot water faucet to let in air.
- Open the drain valve and collect water in a clean container.
Only do this if the tank is clean and well-maintained. Purify if unsure.
2. Toilet Tank (Not the Bowl)
Water in the tank is clean if untreated. Useful for hygiene, possibly drinking (if purified).
3. Outdoor Sources
- Rainwater barrels
- Backyard ponds or streams
- Snow (boil or filter first)
- Swimming pool water (more on that below)
What to Do If There’s a Water Warning
If you get a water warning or boil notice, act fast.
Step 1: Fill the Bathtub
Standard bathtubs hold 30–100 gallons. Great for non-drinking use.
Step 2: Use a WaterBOB or Bathtub Bladder
These are sealed, clean containers you place in your tub and fill with water. They:
- Hold up to 100 gallons
- Keep water clean
- Include a siphon pump for use
Step 3: Fill Every Container You Can
Use jugs, bowls, pots, pitchers—anything food-safe and clean. Fill while you still have pressure.
Can You Drink Pool Water?
Short answer: Yes, but with extreme caution and only in a dire emergency.
Facts About Pool Water:
- Treated with chlorine and other chemicals
- Not safe for direct consumption
- Boiling won’t remove chemical contaminants
Safe Uses for Pool Water:
- Toilet flushing
- Hand washing
- Cleaning surfaces or tools
- Outdoor showering
Can You Purify It?
Only with distillation. Standard filters like LifeStraw or Berkey are not enough for chemical removal.
Pool water should be a last resort and treated before drinking.
Final Thought: Water Is Life
Power outages are inconvenient. But a lack of water is dangerous. In a grid-down scenario, your level of preparedness determines your outcome.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have 3 days of water stored?
- Do I know how to access emergency sources?
- Can I purify alternative sources?
- Am I ready to act fast?
✅ Ready to Take Action?
Download the Ready Master 72-Hour Emergency Checklist for step-by-step water and emergency prep guidance.
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Ready Master is here to help you turn uncertainty into confidence. Because when the unexpected happens, the best plan is to be Ready.