The Best Water Storage Containers

I want to share my ideas for the best water storage containers today. We all want to store water for our family in case of an unforeseen natural disaster and part of our emergency preparedness plan. In my book, “Prepare Your Family For Survival,” I recommend four gallons of water per person daily. We need water for hydration, cooking, personal hygiene, and for limited laundry chores. When it comes to cooking or generally preparing food in an emergency, the water we store compliments the food storage items since many require water as part of the food preparation.

Now, The American Red Cross recommends one gallon per person per day for your emergency water storage needs. I get thirsty just thinking about only one gallon being available. Is it because I live in the desert? Possibly. In case you missed this post, The Best 5-Gallon Water Jugs.

I use a product called Water Preserver to protect the water in my long-term water storage containers from contamination, so I only have to change out the water every five years. I know other products are available, but I use this. Water Preserver

I have a 160-gallon water storage tank and a large heavy-duty 250-gallon tank stored in my garage. These tanks are made from food-grade plastic and are BPA free. I don’t want to change out the water every six months like I would if I used unscented chlorine bleach as my treatment agent. Besides, I’ve never liked the taste of the water supply when treated with bleach.

Unscented Bleach

I don’t recommend unscented bleach, but if you decide to use it, you should add two drops to one quart of water and rotate your water every six months using the bleach treatment approach.

If you’re still deciding which water storage container(s) to buy, let’s discuss some options today. Keep in mind that I’m talking about long-term containers.

You may have seen some of my containers before, but many people haven’t. I like to suggest that we need several ways to store water. Let’s get started with a few today. I’m visual, so I’ll share pictures of my containers with you so you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Please keep your water safe by storing it on two-by-4s of wood to keep it off the ground or concrete which may leach into the container. You don’t want chemicals to leach into the water container(s)! Please use a lead-free hose, like this one, when filling your water containers from any water source, including tap water. Lead-Free Hose

The Best Water Storage Containers

High-Capacity Water Tanks

The tank shown below holds 250 gallons of water. It sits on top of 2 by 4’s to keep it off the concrete. We also used a strap around it that was attached to the wall with a strong hook screwed into a wood stud to hold it in place in case of an earthquake.

You can fill it from the top and drain it with a spout about 18 inches off the ground. Another spigot is close to the floor, so it can be completely drained when needed. I saw a unit very similar to this one the last month at Costco. I think they had it priced at about $499, which was a great deal, but I didn’t see one the last time I was there.

Medium Size Tanks

Some years ago, I purchased the water storage tank shown below from WaterInsured.com. I just tried to check out any new product offerings on their website, but they didn’t come up, so I’m not sure this company is still in business. I’m sure there are other companies with similar tanks.

This one stores 160 gallons. It is unique in shape since it is oblong, measuring 36″ x 29″. It measures approximately 42″ tall, including the tank filler cap on top. I understood that they built it at that width so it could fit through a door that is at least 30″ wide.

Note the large filler cap that screws on the top of the unit. I did notice it had a small cap in an indentation on the side of the tank’s top, so you can use natural water pressure when draining by simply loosening the cap.

Also, note the raised ridges on top. These were designed to accommodate another tank stacked on top so the second tank wouldn’t be prone to shifting or sliding. The tank has a fixture on the bottom to drain efficiently if needed.

I also used the Water Preserver product in this tank to protect the 160 gallons. Note the 2″ x 4″ wood slats on the bottom for support. This is the company where I bought mine years ago, Water Prepared.

Small 55-Gallon Barrels

This is my least favorite way to store water. The good thing is, at least in Utah, they cost about $40.00 without the covers. They used to carry these at WalMart, but I’m not sure if they still do.

Because I live in the desert, I opted to buy UV Barrel Bags to protect the blue barrels from the heat. I purchased the first set of Barrel Bags about ten years ago.

I just recently replaced them. Remember that temperatures get up to 117 degrees in Southern Utah in the summer. When I removed the old covers, the barrels looked like new ones. I was so happy to see no destruction from the sun.

Occasionally, we get freezing temperatures, so I never fill them completely full. I leave room for expansion in case the water freezes in the winter. Here are the things you will need if you decide to get 55-gallon barrels:

• A Bung (to loosen or tighten the closure cap)
• A Barrel Pump ( you need this to get the water out; there are no spigots)
• UV Barrel Bags
• Water Preserver (one container per barrel)

WaterBricks

The WaterBrick on the left can hold 3.5 gallons of liquid or 27 pounds of dry food. The WaterBrick on the right can hold 1.6 gallons of water (currently unavailable) or 13 pounds of dry food. If you want a WaterBrick Spigot, this is it. The Water Preserver is needed if you only want to rotate your water every five years.

Years ago, in my guest room, I stored 56 gallons of water in my WaterBricks under a queen-size bed (depending on your bed frame and leg height).

WaterBrick Tips – Great Portable Containers

• Dimensions of the WaterBricks (3.5-gallons)  9″ W x 18″ L x 6″ H 
• Dimensions of the WaterBricks (1.6-gallons) 9″ W x 9″ L x 6″ H
• These are stackable and offer portability; 16 of the 3.5-gallon sizes will fit under my queen-sized bed (56 gallons total)
• They also stack/interlock for easy storage, yet you can quickly grab one and go using the handle provided.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of Water Preserver to store for five years of clean water; change the water every five years (for the 3.5-gallon size) 
• They have convenient handles with a “grip” to protect your hand. The handle folds into the unit for easy storage and stacking. Though portable, they provide strong durability.

What about using smaller containers like empty milk jugs?

I’ve often been asked why I don’t write about or recommend the smaller jugs. I worry about several issues, like whether they were adequately cleaned out before the water was added, whether they are made of plastic designed for food or water storage for extended periods, whether chemicals will leach into the container if left on the ground or concrete, etc.

My experience has been that they are also prone to leaking. However, they are pretty handy for short-term use if other options aren’t available, and they are free since you’re reusing them.

A better option may be the heavier plastic containers used for fruit juices. They tend to have thicker plastic that should hold up better over time. I’ve also heard that the larger vinegar containers tend to hold up okay for water storage on a shorter-term basis.

Water Filter Systems Are A Good Investment

This post tells what containers I suggest you use, but don’t forget that the water may need to be treated BEFORE it’s placed in the container. You don’t want to be filling these storage containers during a disaster situation, but you may find yourself needing to replace the water if used during the emergency. Hopefully, the local water utility has been able to keep the water from contamination during the emergency. As wise backup plan is to have water filter systems in place before you need them.

I like products from Big Berkey and PortaWell. The Big Berkey units rely on gravity to filter the water, while the PortaWell units have a battery and pump system. They even have a solar panel option to charge the battery, if needed. That makes the PortaWell approach more feasible if you plan to filter a higher quantity of water, like the 250-gallon tank discussed today. The PortaWell units can filter up to 60 gallons per hour, which is awesome!

Final Word

Please think about adding more water storage containers to your stash. It’s all about being prepared for the unexpected. We can do this one container at a time, right?

Please tell me your favorite containers where you like storing water; I’d love to hear from you. May God Bless this world, Linda