Wanted to put this here because the Sonoran Desert isn't Ohio or Pennsylvania. We can't count on a rainstorm next week to fill up a cistern.
I'm here in central Phoenix, obviously on municipal water. Two adults, the dog, and caring for an elderly relative who lives with us.
Right now, our water usage is about 3000 gallons a month. In a SHTF scenario, we could of course cut back significantly {wouldn't need almost daily laundry or bathing). Trying to determine how much to store, also how and where.
Our third bedroom has become our overflow storage area. We have no garage, but there is a covered back porch at grade. We can stack cases of water here and there, but that seems like a stopgap measure, at best, and doesn't really address hygiene applications.
Looking at places like Tractor Supply, I see above ground poly tanks up to several thousand gallons, 5 and 6 gallon jugs, 250ish gallon tanks like landscapers have on their trailers, and everything in between. The house has the typical block perimeter walls out back. They extend nearly to the front of the house, affording us 2 side yards about 10x30, one of which is concreted.
Looking for suggestions.
Also, I do have a 12 volt water pump that could be plumbed into a tank.