Emergency Water Storage in Southern Utah
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Updated: October 13, 2025
Emergency Water Storage in Southern Utah (Cedar City & St. George Guide)
Southern Utah has two realities: freezing winters up north in Iron County and intense summer heat down south in Washington County. When a windstorm, freeze, monsoon flood, or boil advisory hits, clean water becomes priority #1. This regional guide explains exactly how much water your household needs, which tank sizes fit homes and apartments, how to store water safely across our microclimates, and how to get reliable tanks and accessories locally. If you’re searching “water storage near me,” “St. George water tanks,” or “55-gallon water barrel Cedar City,” you’re in the right place.
How Much Water Do I Actually Need?
- Plan 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days (aim for 14 days when possible).
- Add more for summer heat, pregnancy, young kids, elderly family members, and pets.
- Quick math: Gallons = (People + Pets) × Days × 1.0–1.5
- 3 days: 12–18 gallons
- 7 days: 28–42 gallons
- 14 days: 56–84 gallons
Choosing the Right Tank Size
- Apartments / townhomes: 30-gallon stackable tanks; or multiple 5–7 gallon cubes for portability.
- Single-family homes: Two 55-gallon drums (110 gal total) cover most families.
- Larger lots / garages: 100–300+ gallon vertical tanks reduce rotation frequency.
| Household | Days Covered | Suggestion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couple in apartment | 7 days | (2) × 30-gal stackables | Small footprint; stack side-by-side |
| Family of 4, garage | 14 days | (2) × 55-gal drums | 110 gal comfortably covers baseline |
| Large family / homestead | 14+ days | 200–300 gal vertical | Fewer rotations; add spigot & treatment |
Storing Water Safely
- Location: Cool, dark area—interior garage wall, basement, or shaded shed.
- Temperature swings: Avoid direct sun; UV + heat shorten storage life.
- Floor load: A full 55-gal drum ≈ 460 lb—use a sturdy, flat surface.
- Treatment: For municipal tap, treat per label with potable preservative.
- Rotation: Refresh self-filled storage every 6–12 months; inspect gaskets.
Southern Utah Climate Tips (Heat & Freeze)
- Washington County (St. George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Ivins): Prioritize heat/UV protection. Store indoors or shaded; avoid south-facing exterior walls; consider UV-resistant covers; check gaskets more often in summer.
- Iron County (Cedar City, Enoch, Parowan/Paragonah): Prioritize freeze mitigation. Keep tanks off bare concrete (mat/platform); leave expansion headspace; insulate outdoor setups; rotate smaller containers indoors during severe cold snaps.
- Everywhere: Use a potable-water hose, label fill dates, and plan a 6–12 month rotation cadence.
Setup Checklist (10 Minutes)
- Rinse tank & spigot per directions.
- Place on stand/dolly (optional but helpful).
- Install bulkhead/spigot; hand-tighten + quarter-turn.
- Fill from tap; treat if recommended; label date.
- Use a dedicated potable-water hose only.
Local Pickup & Delivery Options
We arrange convenient local pickup or delivery across Southern Utah—including Cedar City/Enoch and the St. George metro (Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Ivins). Ask about current schedules, fees, and our St. George delivery runs.
FAQs (Local)
Can I store a 55-gallon drum outside in Southern Utah?
It’s possible with insulation and shade, but indoor storage is best. In Washington County, focus on heat/UV; in Iron County, plan for freeze and keep tanks off bare concrete.
How long does treated tap water last?
With proper treatment and clean containers, rotate every 6–12 months. Store-bought sealed water: use by its printed date.
Is a 300-gallon tank overkill for a family of 4?
Not if you want two weeks or more of coverage with fewer rotations—especially helpful for hygiene and cooking.
Do I need a special hose to fill tanks?
Yes—use a dedicated potable water hose and keep it capped/clean.
What if my city issues a boil advisory?
Use stored water or boil at a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (longer at higher altitude). Keep a small stove/kettle in your kit.
Map & NAP (Helps Nearby Searchers)
- Embed your Google Map on this page and in the site footer.
- Show consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) in the footer and on /contact.
- If you don’t have a physical St. George storefront, clearly state delivery availability.
- Consider a /service-area page listing Cedar City, St. George, Washington, Hurricane, etc., linking back to this guide.
Service area: Southern Utah • Cedar City • Enoch • Parowan • Paragonah • St. George • Washington • Hurricane • Santa Clara • Ivins • La Verkin • Toquerville