It depends on your household size, lifestyle, and property needs. As a general guideline:

  • Basic household use (cooking, cleaning, bathing, laundry): 50–75 gallons per person per day is a common planning number.

  • Gardens & landscaping: A small garden might add 50–200 gallons per day, while larger plots or orchards can use much more depending on climate.

  • Livestock: Cattle, horses, goats, and other animals all have different daily needs — for example, a single cow may drink 20–30 gallons per day in hot weather. – See our how much water do I need answer for more detail

  • Other uses: Workshops, guest houses, or small ag operations can add to your daily total.

Tip: Many off-grid families plan around 150–300 gallons per person per day (including household + outdoor + livestock use), but the right number for you depends on your setup and priorities.

Our recommendation: Start with your household headcount, then add in garden and animal needs. Many off-grid homes use storage tanks to maintain water and pressure after the sun goes down. We recommend giving yourself a few days storage (the number of days can really vary depending on climate and location). From there, we can help you size a Sun Pump system that meets your daily water demand with room to spare.