Gear criteria

Water storage

Food-grade water storage criteria for UK households—quantity, seals, stackability and hygiene.

Desk researchOfficial guidanceLast reviewed 14 November 2026

What we compare

  • Food-grade materials; opaque options to reduce algae risk
  • Reliable seals and pour handles
  • Stackability for flats and small cupboards
  • Prefer rotating store-what-you-drink over forgotten static stock
  • Never treat floodwater as drinking water
  • Quantities tied to about 3 litres drinking water per person per day for three days

Bottled water you already buy often covers short interruptions. Dedicated carriers help larger households or known shut-offs—size them so you can actually lift them.

Sources

Last reviewed 14 November 2026.