Emergency Water Storage for Well Owners | SCWS

Power outages mean no water for well owners. Learn essential emergency water storage options, backup power systems, and preparation strategies to keep water flowing during emergencies.

📋 In This Guide

Understanding Your Vulnerability
Storage Tank Options
Backup Power Systems
Manual Backup Options
Frequently Asked Questions

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Understanding Your Vulnerability

Unlike municipal water users, well owners lose water immediately when power fails. No water means no drinking, cooking, flushing toilets, or fighting fires. California's wildfire-related power shutoffs can last days. Add pump failures, which average 10-15 years before occurring, and you're guaranteed to face waterless emergencies eventually. Planning ahead is essential, not optional.

Storage Tank Options

Atmospheric storage tanks hold water at normal pressure, requiring a booster pump for household pressure. Sizes range from 300 to 10,000+ gallons. Install tanks on hills for gravity feed during outages. Pressure tanks maintain household pressure but hold less water (typically 20-80 gallons). Bladder tanks store water without air contact, keeping it fresh longer. Consider a combination: large atmospheric tank for emergencies, standard pressure tank for daily use.

Backup Power Systems

Portable generators work but require manual setup during outages. Standby generators start automatically and run on natural gas or propane. Solar with battery storage provides renewable backup but needs significant capacity for pump starting surges. A small solar system can run a low-power pump into a storage tank for basic emergency supply. Budget $3,000-$15,000 for reliable backup power depending on automation level.

Manual Backup Options

For shallow wells under 25 feet, hand pumps provide water without any power. Simple Pitcher pumps cost $100-$300 and install in minutes. Deeper wells can use specialized hand pumps designed for submersible well casings, though they're more expensive ($500-$1,500). Keep portable water containers filled and rotated. A small 12V RV pump can run from car battery to pressurize stored water for household use during extended outages.

We install Well-X-Trol (Amtrol) and Flexcon pressure tanks — industry-leading bladder tanks that outlast standard diaphragm models. Proper sizing with a quality tank can double your pump's lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much emergency water should I store?

FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day for at least three days, but well owners should plan for longer since pump repairs can take weeks. Store minimum 50-100 gallons for drinking and sanitation per person. Better yet, install backup power or a gravity-fed storage tank for continuous supply during outages.

Will a generator run my well pump?

Yes, but sizing matters. Submersible pumps require 3-5 times their running wattage to start. A typical 1 HP pump needs a 5,000+ watt generator for startup surge. Soft-start devices reduce this requirement significantly. Have an electrician install a proper transfer switch—never backfeed through your panel without one.

What's the best backup option for well owners?

A large pressure tank or storage tank with gravity feed provides water without any power. For active pumping backup, a whole-house generator with automatic transfer switch offers seamless transitions. Solar with battery backup works but requires significant investment. At minimum, keep a hand pump or small portable tank for basic needs.