Hidden Emergency Water Sources Already in Your Home

If your supply is interrupted, Ready.gov lists several sources inside your home:

• Water heater tank: often 30 to 50+ gallons. Turn off power or gas first, let it cool, then drain from the valve at the bottom. Expect some sediment; let it settle.
• Pipes: shut off the main valve (to keep out contaminated water if officials report a problem), open the highest faucet to let air in, then drain from the lowest faucet.
• Ice cubes in your freezer.
• Canned fruits and vegetables packed in liquid.

Do not drink

• Water from toilet tanks unless you've confirmed no chemical cleaners are in it (never from the bowl), and treat it first.
• Pool or spa water (fine for flushing toilets, not drinking).
• Water from radiators or hot-water heating systems.
• Waterbed water.

Know where your main shutoff valve is before you need it. Take a photo and tape a tag on it.

Sources: Ready.gov (Water), CDC (Emergency water supply; making water safe). Last reviewed Oct 2026.