According the to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), storing water is one of the most important things that a family can do to prepare for an emergency or disaster. Whether storing provisions in preparation for a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or blizzard, or for emergency preparedness in the face of potential terrorist attacks, bottled water is an excellent choice to satisfy a person’s need for water for drinking and personal hygiene. Along with batteries, non-perishable food, flashlights and other emergency items, water is a crucial provision to keep on hand.

FEMA recommends that consumers store at least one gallon of water for each person for each day for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene (such as brushing teeth). And, don’t forget extra water for pets. FEMA recommends that families maintain at least a three-day supply of water and other emergency provisions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, has not established a shelf life for bottled water. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature (or cooler), out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinner, household cleaners and dry cleaning chemicals. Bottled water can be stored indefinitely with proper handling.