Imagine a sudden power outage or a dry spell hitting your town. Where would you get clean drinking water? Having a reliable water supply is vital, especially when nature throws a curveball. Many people worry about having enough water stored safely for emergencies, but picking the right container feels overwhelming.
The market is flooded with choices—plastic barrels, stainless steel tanks, collapsible bags—each with pros and cons. Do you need something portable or a large stationary unit? How do you ensure the water stays fresh? These questions often lead to confusion and delay in preparing for the unexpected.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the best types of water storage containers available today. You will learn exactly what features matter most, how to choose the perfect size for your needs, and simple tips to keep your stored water safe and ready for use.
Ready to secure your water future? Let’s dive into the essential guide to picking the best water storage container for your home or adventure.
Top Water Storage Containers Recommendations
- Rigid, 7-gallon rectangular water container with molded contour grip
- Space-saving design for easy storing and stacking when empty. Spigot cap is reversible for safe storage and transport
- New and improved screw-on vent; hideaway spigot for on-demand water dispensing
- Suitable for outdoors activities and emergency water storage
- NOTE: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause the water container to degrade and become brittle, increasing the chance of leaks. It is highly recommended to store water containers in cool shaded areas.
- ACCESSIBLE UTILITY WATER AND EASY TO HAUL: 40-gallons of water for utility storage; translucent poly tank allows you to see liquid levels; carry it on a truck, tractor, or trailer whenever and wherever you need it; it’s your water system on the go
- STORAGE SPECS: poly tank is chemical-resistant with fade-resistant, UV protection; nitrile seals handle water; 6-inch-wide cap and 2-inch drain with molded 3/4-inch port and tethered cap; port fits a standard garden hose to quickly drain the tank
- MADE IN THE USA WITH GLOBAL MATERIALS: designed and produced in the USA with US-based customer service and technical support; backed by Chapin’s 1-year limited warranty
- CONVERSION CAPABILITY: tank can be converted to a spot sprayer (pump, spray wand and shut-off, hose, and additional parts not included)
- INCLUDED WATER TREATMENT DROPS - Comes complete with water treatment drops that keep your water clean and free from slime buildup for up to 5 years. Simply add them to your filled containers—no need to periodically rotate your water.
- LONG TERM EMERGENCY WATER STORAGE - Made from heavy-duty, BPA-free food-grade plastic, each 5-gallon tank measures 15" x 10" x 12" and weighs about 40 lbs when full. Includes 6 water tanks for a total capacity of 30 gallons.
- STACKABLE WATER STORAGE CONTAINERS - Designed with stackable ribs on top, these food grade water containers lock into place when stacked. Perfect for maximizing storage space in garages, pantries, or storm shelters.
- LIGHT-BLOCKING EXTERIOR - Ideal for long term water storage, the dark blue color of the tanks helps block out light, keeping your water fresh for longer. Great for camping and emergency preparedness.
- CONVENIENT CARRYING HANDLE - Each tank is reusable and includes a built-in handle so it’s easy to fill, move, and manage—even when full. Also includes a strap wrench for securely tightening lids and preventing leaks.
- FOOD-GRADE ODORLESS GREAT TASTE: PE plastic made with highest quality USA raw material. Environmentally friendly non-toxic, No BPA PVC or DEHP, No plastic PVC odor and water taste will not be affected, Transparent.
- LIGHT, COMPACT, PORTABLE AND REUSABLE Foldable space saving design store away easily. Remains soft and flexible even when cold yet retains shape and is easy to fill, dry, drain and reuse. Soft molded handles make holding and transport easy. Perfect for outdoor activities like camping, RV, hunting, hiking, backpacking, fishing, picnics, BBQs, sports, festivals, parties and beach.
- WORRY-FREE AND LEAK-PROOF Custom made lid and spigot with gasketless design means no leaks or parts to replace. Good spigot water-flow. Thicker lid to withstand heavy pressure. Easy on/off spigot with controllable flow. Our premium collapsible container is 1-piece design with no seams to leak or handles to break. Durable and dependable.
- EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DAILY USE Enables you quickly and safely store all the water your family needs in the event of an emergency or natural disaster like hurricane, tornado, earthquake, fire, flood or drought. Include in your Emergency / Survival Kit. Also great for daily use. Dispense right out of refrigerator. Automobile emergency water. Hand-washing stations at events and festivals. Transport large amounts of water easily.
- EBOOK INCLUDED: Included is our 30pg eBook Camping and Emergency Preparedness Survival Guide
- Water Jugs: Meticulously crafted from food-grade polyethylene plastic that does not add taste, odor, or chemicals to the water; Water contained in each 5-gallon jug will stay clean
- Portable and Versatile: Camping water just is durable against puncture damage, ideal for outdoor trips to provide a portable solution to accommodate you while you're on the go
- Carrying Handle: 5-gallon water container features a carry handle which makes the transfer from vehicles to campsites and vice-versa easy and convenient for easy moving around and for easier lifting, carrying, pouring
- Reversible Spout: Includes a flexible reversible spout that ensures no spilling or leaks will happen; Also has a cap that resists leaks securing your potable water won't be wasted in storage
- Specifications: Include this in your car camping essentials which can hold 5 gallons or 20 liters of clean water; Outdoor storage for water measures 13.38 inches long by 7.5 inches wide, and 18.88 inches high
- PORTABLE, STACKABLE WATER CONTAINERS: These 5-gallon water containers are designed with flat bottoms and tops that nestle together to help stack more water in less space. The handles make them ideal for moving around, and the built-in twist breathing ports make it easy to pour out the contents of your containers without them getting air locked. This kit includes 4 individual 5-gallon water containers with lids.
- 40 DAYS OF DRINKING WATER: It’s recommended to have half a gallon of water per person per day when preparing an emergency water reservoir for your household. This kit provides 4 containers that are 5 gallons each for about 40 days of washing, cooking, or fresh drinking water storage. The amount of water needed varies by a person’s size and use, and each portable container weighs about 40 lbs. when filled with liquid.
- MADE FROM BPA-FREE HDPE PLASTIC: Our high-quality water containers are made from 100% food-grade plastic, which also makes them useful for storing other liquids or food necessities. They are BPA-free and made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), so you’ll have a safe, durable, refillable water container that can weather any storm.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL & EMERGENCY STORAGE: If you’re looking for a reliable water container for emergency storage, camping, boating, or beach trips, or even for a watering station for an outdoor event, this kit is exactly what you need. The handle on each 5-gallon container makes it a breeze to transport, and it can easily stack in the back of your car or truck for road-tripping adventures.
- PREPARE, STORE & SAVE: As a family-founded company with years of experience, we know the importance of preparedness. Our water storage containers and accessories ensure that you’re never without the essentials when you need them the most. We provide high-quality American-made products at the fairest prices possible to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
- Water Jugs: Meticulously crafted from food-grade polyethylene plastic that does not add taste, odor, or chemicals to the water; Water contained in each 5-gallon jug will stay clean
- Portable and Versatile: Camping water just is durable against puncture damage, ideal for outdoor trips to provide a portable solution to accommodate you while you're on the go
- Carrying Handle: 5-gallon water container features a carry handle which makes the transfer from vehicles to campsites and vice-versa easy and convenient for easy moving around and for easier lifting, carrying, pouring
- Reversible Spout: Includes a flexible reversible spout that ensures no spilling or leaks will happen; Also has a cap that resists leaks securing your potable water won't be wasted in storage
- Specifications: Include this in your car camping essentials which can hold 5 gallons or 20 liters of clean water; Outdoor storage for water measures 13.38 inches long by 7.5 inches wide, and 18.88 inches high
- PREMIUM FOOD-GRADE MATERIALS (BPA FREE) Constructed from high-quality, thickened PE plastic that is BPA-Free. Unlike other containers, our water bags are odorless and tasteless, ensuring your water stays fresh. Perfect for storing drinking water, juice, or dry goods like beans and grains for long periods.
- LEAK-PROOF & HEAVY DUTY DESIGN Engineered with a unibody design that withstands pressure without bursting. Features a widened 1.65-inch opening for faster filling and pouring. The upgraded screw-on cap provides a secure, airtight seal to prevent leakage whether you are transporting them in your car or storing them in your pantry.
- COMPACT & SPACE SAVING FOR TRAVEL Say goodbye to bulky, rigid water tanks. These lightweight containers fold flat when empty, sliding easily into backpacks, camping gear, or tight storage spaces in your RV. An essential space-saver for hiking trips, road trips, and outdoor BBQs where carrying heavy loads is inconvenient.
- ERGONOMIC & EASY TO CARRY Designed with a reinforced, smooth handle that fits comfortably in your hand and won't cut into your fingers, even when the bag is full (approx. 22 lbs). The transparent material allows you to quickly check water levels and cleanliness at a glance. Can be frozen (fill to 3/4 full) to use as ice blocks for your cooler.
- VERSATILE EMERGENCY BACKUP While perfect for outdoor adventures, this 16-pack set (providing 42 gallons total) is also your reliable solution for home water preparedness. Be ready for unexpected water shut-offs or weather events with confidence.
The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Water Storage Container
Storing water safely is crucial for emergencies, camping, or just having extra supply at home. Picking the right container makes all the difference. This guide helps you find the best fit for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Capacity and Size
First, think about how much water you need. Containers come in small jugs (1 to 5 gallons) perfect for short trips. Larger barrels (30 to 55 gallons) are great for long-term home emergency storage. Always check the dimensions to make sure it fits where you plan to keep it.
Portability and Handling
If you move your container often, look for built-in handles. Smaller containers should have easy-grip handles. For large barrels, you might need a dolly or a separate spigot for easy pouring. A good seal is also vital; check that the lid screws on tightly.
Dispensing Options
How will you get the water out? Some containers have simple screw caps. Others include built-in spigots. Spigots make serving water much easier, especially for large groups or during an emergency. Make sure the spigot is durable and doesn’t leak.
Important Materials: What Are Containers Made Of?
The material matters for safety and durability. Different plastics and metals offer different benefits.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This is the most common and often the best choice. HDPE plastic is strong, lightweight, and usually safe for drinking water. Look for containers marked with the recycling symbol “2.”
- Polypropylene (PP): This plastic is also durable and often used for smaller containers. It resists heat well.
- Stainless Steel: These are very durable and won’t leach chemicals. They are often more expensive and heavier, but they last for decades.
- Avoid: Stay away from containers made of PVC (recycling symbol “3”) or polycarbonate if you plan to store drinking water long-term, as they can sometimes leach chemicals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality (What Makes a Container Better)
Containers that block light last longer. Sunlight causes algae growth inside the tank. Therefore, opaque or dark-colored containers are better than clear ones. Also, containers labeled “BPA-free” are safer for long-term use. High-quality containers will have thick walls that resist punctures.
Reducing Quality (Watch Outs)
Thin plastic walls weaken quickly. If a container feels flimsy when empty, it will likely fail when full of heavy water. Poorly molded seams or weak hinges on spigots significantly reduce the container’s lifespan. Never use a container that previously held harsh chemicals, even if you clean it.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *why* you need the water storage.
Emergency Preparedness
For home backup, large, sturdy barrels that sit in one spot are ideal. They need tight lids to keep pests out. You should store these in a cool, dark place, like a basement or garage.
Camping and Recreation
Campers need portability. Collapsible water carriers or smaller, rugged jugs with comfortable handles work best. These should be easy to clean and dry quickly after use.
Gardening and Non-Potable Use
If you only need the water for watering plants, you can use less expensive, non-food-grade plastic. However, make sure the container is still durable enough to handle outdoor weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Water Storage Containers
Q: How long can I safely store water in a plastic container?
A: If you use food-grade, BPA-free HDPE containers and store them in a cool, dark place, the water can remain safe for six months to a year. After that, you should rotate (replace) the water.
Q: Do I need to clean the container before I fill it?
A: Yes, always clean new containers before first use. Wash them with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. For long-term storage, some experts suggest adding a small amount of unscented bleach (about 8 drops per gallon) to the water for extra safety, but always research the correct ratio first.
Q: What is the best color for a water storage container?
A: Dark blue or black containers are best. These opaque colors block sunlight effectively, which prevents algae and bacteria from growing inside the tank.
Q: Are metal containers better than plastic ones?
A: Metal (like stainless steel) is often more durable and lasts longer. However, plastic HDPE is usually lighter, cheaper, and easier to find in very large sizes for home storage.
Q: Can I use containers that previously held milk or juice?
A: It is safer not to. Even after washing, old containers might hold residues or smells that affect the taste of your stored water. Stick to containers specifically sold for water storage.
Q: How heavy is one gallon of water?
A: One gallon of water weighs about 8.34 pounds. This helps you calculate how much weight you need to carry or support.
Q: What does “BPA-free” mean?
A: BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a chemical sometimes used in plastics. “BPA-free” means the container does not use this chemical, making it a safer choice for drinking water storage.
Q: Should I store my container upright or on its side?
A: Always store containers upright. Storing them on their side puts stress on the seams and can increase the risk of leaks or bulging.
Q: What is the best way to sanitize a large water barrel?
A: You should scrub the inside with a brush and mild soap. Then, rinse it well. Next, add a sanitizing solution (like the bleach mixture mentioned above) and let it sit for several hours before draining and filling with fresh water.
Q: Where is the best place to keep my emergency water supply?
A: Keep containers indoors where the temperature stays cool and consistent, ideally below 70°F (21°C). Basements, closets, or insulated garages are good spots. Avoid direct sunlight or areas that freeze.