Best Water Storage Containers for Emergencies

Understanding Food Grade Plastics

The term "food grade" indicates that a container meets safety standards for storing consumable products. For water storage, you want containers made from High Density Polyethylene, marked with recycling code 2 or HDPE. This material does not leach harmful chemicals into water and maintains structural integrity over time.

Avoid containers made from plastics with recycling codes 3 (PVC), 6 (polystyrene), or 7 (other/mixed). These materials can release chemicals into water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. Even if a container previously held food, that does not guarantee it is suitable for long term water storage.

Look for containers specifically marketed for water storage or those certified as food safe by regulatory agencies. Many containers display "NSF" certification, indicating they meet National Sanitation Foundation standards for food contact.

Colors and Light Protection

Blue tinted containers are popular for water storage because the color blocks some light penetration, reducing algae growth potential. Dark colors like dark blue or black provide even better light blocking. Clear containers allow you to inspect water visually but provide no light protection and should be stored in complete darkness.

Container Size Options

Commercial Bottled Water (16 oz to 1 gallon)

Store bought bottled water offers convenience and reliability. The water is professionally treated and sealed in appropriate containers. Cases of bottled water provide easy rotation since you can use and replace individual bottles.

Advantages: Ready to use, pre-treated, easy to rotate, highly portable, no preparation needed.

Disadvantages: Higher cost per gallon, more plastic waste, takes more storage space per gallon, requires ongoing purchases.

Best for: Immediate emergency needs, grab and go kits, supplementing larger storage.

Stackable Water Bricks (3.5 gallons)

Water bricks are compact, rectangular containers designed to stack efficiently and fit in small spaces. They typically hold about 3.5 gallons and can be arranged like building blocks.

Advantages: Space efficient stacking, fits under beds and in closets, portable when filled, interlocking design.

Disadvantages: Higher cost per gallon than larger containers, limited capacity per unit, many needed for substantial storage.

Best for: Apartment dwellers, distributed storage throughout home, supplementing larger containers.

5 to 7 Gallon Jugs

The classic blue water jug remains one of the most practical options for emergency water storage. These containers balance capacity with portability. A filled 5 gallon container weighs about 42 pounds, which most adults can lift and pour.

Advantages: Good balance of capacity and portability, widely available, affordable, standard size for dispensers and pumps.

Disadvantages: Takes floor space, can be awkward to pour without a pump, accumulates when building large supply.

Best for: Primary household storage, most living situations, balance of practicality and capacity.

15 to 30 Gallon Containers

Mid size drums and containers provide more capacity while remaining somewhat movable. A 15 gallon container filled weighs about 125 pounds. These are typically moved using dollies or hand trucks when full.

Advantages: More capacity per container, fewer containers to manage, good for limited floor space with vertical storage.

Disadvantages: Difficult to move when full, requires pump or spigot for dispensing, harder to rotate.

Best for: Garage or basement storage, households with multiple people, intermediate storage tier.

55 Gallon Drums

The 55 gallon drum is the classic bulk water storage solution. One drum holds enough water for one person for over a month at recommended consumption rates. A filled drum weighs approximately 460 pounds and cannot be moved without mechanical assistance.

Advantages: Maximum capacity per footprint, most economical per gallon, professional grade durability, one drum provides significant supply.

Disadvantages: Cannot be moved when full, requires hand pump for dispensing, more difficult to rotate, floor must support weight.

Best for: Garage or basement long term storage, households committed to substantial water reserves.

Water Storage Tanks (100+ gallons)

Large capacity tanks ranging from 100 to 500 gallons or more provide whole house water reserves. These are permanent installations requiring dedicated space and often professional setup.

Advantages: Massive capacity, can serve as primary water supply, may connect to rainwater collection systems.

Disadvantages: Permanent installation, significant cost, requires space planning, may need permits.

Best for: Rural properties, serious preppers, integration with rainwater harvesting.

Container Maintenance and Preparation

Cleaning New Containers

Even food grade containers should be cleaned before first use. Wash with dish soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly multiple times, then sanitize with a dilute bleach solution (one teaspoon unscented bleach per quart of water). Rinse again with clean water before filling.

Avoiding Contamination

Never use containers that previously held non food substances, even after cleaning. Chemical residues can persist in plastic and contaminate water. Only use containers specifically designed for food or water storage, or containers that previously held only food products.

Sealing and Storage Location

Ensure caps and lids seal completely. Store containers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and chemicals like gasoline or pesticides. Concrete floors can leach chemicals into plastic over time. Place containers on wooden pallets or plastic sheeting rather than directly on concrete.

Specialized Container Options

WaterBOB and Bathtub Bladders

These are large food grade plastic bladders designed to fill your bathtub with potable water when an emergency is anticipated. A standard WaterBOB holds up to 100 gallons. They are single use but provide massive short term capacity.

Best for: Known approaching emergencies like hurricanes, supplementing permanent storage.

Collapsible Water Containers

Collapsible jugs store flat when empty, saving space until needed. They are useful for transporting water and as emergency expansion capacity but generally not recommended for long term storage.

Best for: Bug out bags, camping situations, emergency water transport.

IBC Totes (275 gallons)

Intermediate Bulk Containers are large capacity tanks in metal cage frames, often available used from food industry sources. They offer substantial capacity at relatively low cost but require space and inspection for previous contents.

Best for: Properties with significant outdoor space, rainwater collection integration.

Building a Layered Storage System

The most practical approach combines multiple container sizes. Consider this layered strategy:

Layer 1: Immediate Access. Commercial bottled water and filled water bottles in refrigerator. Provides instant access with no preparation.

Layer 2: Short Term Supply. Several 5 to 7 gallon containers in accessible locations. Covers first week of emergency with portable, usable containers.

Layer 3: Extended Supply. Larger containers (15 to 55 gallons) in garage or basement. Provides bulk capacity for extended emergencies.

Layer 4: Emergency Expansion. WaterBOB or similar for bathtub filling when emergencies are anticipated. Collapsible containers for water transport if needed.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Verify food grade certification (HDPE, recycling code 2)
• Choose opaque or tinted containers when possible
• Clean and sanitize new containers before use
• Store away from sunlight, heat, and chemicals
• Place barriers between containers and concrete floors
• Ensure all lids and caps seal completely
• Label containers with fill date
• Plan for dispensing method (pumps, spigots)
• Consider weight and floor load capacity
• Balance portability with capacity based on living situation