Imagine a sudden emergency where clean drinking water is hard to find. How prepared is your family? Storing water for emergencies is crucial, but choosing the right container can feel overwhelming. You worry about plastic leaching chemicals, containers cracking over time, or mold growing inside. The wrong choice could mean storing water that isn’t safe when you need it most.
Finding containers that are durable, food-grade, and truly last for years requires knowing what to look for. Don’t let confusion leave your water supply vulnerable. This guide cuts through the noise. We will explore the best materials, sizes, and safety features for long-term water storage.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which containers offer the safest, most reliable solution for your emergency kit. Let’s dive into making sure your water supply stays fresh and ready for the long haul.
Top Containers For Long Term Water Storage Recommendations
- 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.
- Large 55-Gallon Capacity: Store a reliable emergency water supply for your home, cabin, or survival kit with this high-volume tank for long-term hydration and utility use
- Stackable Space-Saving Design: Unique built-in grooves and flat surfaces lets you stack multiple tanks securely to maximize storage in garages, sheds, closets or basements
- Durable BPA-Free Plastic: Constructed from food-grade, UV-proof HDPE to help maintain fresh and clean water and shield contents from heat, weather, and outdoor exposure
- Convenient Dispensing System: Integrated spigots and utility valves offer easy access and hose compatibility for hydration, cooking, washing, showering or outdoor cleaning needs
- Built for Preparedness: Made for emergency prep, hunting or fishing properties, disaster readiness, or off-grid living; High-visibility blue tank body color for easy identification
- GUATENTEED POTENCY: Must use within 1 year of manufacturing to ensure potency (Expiration Date on Bottle)
- [What’s Included?] With this purchase, you'll receive a 2-pack, 5-Gallon Hedpack with cap, made with Food-Grade & BPA-Free material for brewing, fermenting, or food storage.
- [Leak-Proof & High-Capacity Design] Engineered with a threaded cap and durable build to ensure a secure, spill-resistant seal—ideal for safely storing or transporting up to 5 gallons of liquid
- [Versatile Multi-Purpose Use] Ideal for homebrewing, kombucha fermentation, winemaking, and emergency water storage. These containers also work great as waste oil container or as durable, lightweight alternatives to a 5-gallon glass water jug—ideal for both everyday and specialty liquid storage needs.
- [Smart, Space-Saving Design] This 5-gallon Hedpak offers a durable yet lightweight build with a space-efficient square shape, making it easy to stack and store. It’s a practical upgrade or alternative to a traditional 5gal water jug, complete with secure sealing and graduated markings for accurate filling.
- [Our Commitment to You] At FastRack, we stand behind the quality of our products and the trust our customers place in us. Your experience matters. If your order arrives damaged or incomplete, reach out—we’ll make it right.
- Space-Saving Up To 100-Gallon Emergency Water Storage: Transform your existing bathtub into a clean, safe water storage system that holds up to 100 gallons of fresh drinking water—minimizing the need for expensive bottled water purchases or bulky barrels that consume valuable storage space in your home, garage, or apartment while providing enough emergency water supply for your entire family during hurricanes, storms, or water main breaks.
- Sealed Food-Grade Liner Keeps Water Fresh Up to 16 Weeks: Heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic liner meeting USFDA food-grade guidelines protects your emergency drinking water storage from dirt, soap film, and debris that would contaminate an open bathtub, ensuring your family has access to clean, safe water for cooking, washing, and flushing throughout extended emergencies when municipal water supplies are compromised or unavailable.
- Trusted by 500,000+ Families and Featured on Major Media: As the original patented emergency water storage solution (U.S. Patent No. 8,627,980 and Patent No. 10,293,982), waterBOB has been recognized by CNN, Fox News, and Bob Vila as a reliable preparedness standard—join hundreds of thousands of prepared families who rely on the proven water container that established the category for bathtub emergency water storage systems.
- Simple setup in as little as 20 minutes with No Complicated Installation: Quickly prepare for disasters by laying the water storage container liner in any standard bathtub, attaching the included fill sock to your faucet, and filling to capacity in approximately 20 minutes—no tools, technical skills, or permanent modifications required, making emergency preparedness accessible for every nearly household when severe weather or water emergencies threaten your area.
- Included Siphon Pump for Convenient Access to Drinking Water Storage: Easily dispense your stored emergency water supply into jugs, pitchers, or water containers without heavy lifting, spills, or contamination risk—the included hand pump allows you to conveniently access clean drinking water for daily cooking, washing, and hydration needs throughout extended power outages or when municipal water systems are shut down during hurricane season or natural disasters.
- INCLUDED WATER TREATMENT DROPS - Comes complete with water treatment drops that keep your water clean 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 4 water tanks for a total capacity of 20 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.
- SMOOTH POURING WITH SPIGOT & VENT CAP - Each container features a large 2 ¼ inch opening and comes with 5 full sets of 3/4 inch threaded sealed caps, and 1 spigot with prepared caps for easy pouring.
- 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.
- SMOOTH POURING WITH SPIGOT & VENT CAP - Each container features a large 2 ¼ inch opening and comes with 8 full sets of 3/4 inch threaded sealed caps, and 2 spigots with prepared caps for easy pouring.
- Ideal long term water storage container with a 3 gallon capacity.
- Also serves as a long term food storage container holding 20 lbs of dry goods.
- The innovative design of the AquaBrick Containers make them the best way to store water for an emergency as they are 100% Leak Proof, easy to fill and pour, and the stackable water storage containers can be easily configured to fit your emergency storage area.
- Easy to pour and empty out completely.
- Easy to carry, clean and use.
Your Essential Guide to Long-Term Water Storage Containers
Having a reliable supply of clean water is vital for any emergency plan. Choosing the right container makes all the difference in keeping that water safe for years. This guide will help you select the best option for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for long-term water storage, several features matter most. These elements ensure your water stays clean and the container lasts a long time.
1. Opacity and Light Blocking
- Dark Colors are Best: Look for containers that are dark blue, black, or opaque (you cannot see through them).
- Why it Matters: Sunlight helps algae and bacteria grow, even in sealed containers. Opaque walls block light, keeping the water fresh longer.
2. Sealing Mechanism
- Tight-Fitting Lids: The lid must seal very tightly. Air and contaminants can enter through poor seals.
- Gaskets: High-quality containers often include rubber or foam gaskets inside the lid for an extra-secure, watertight lock.
3. Durability and Stackability
- Thick Walls: Ensure the plastic walls are thick. Thin walls can crack if dropped or stacked unevenly.
- Stacking Grooves: Many good containers have grooves or ridges on the top and bottom. These allow you to safely stack several full containers without them tipping over.
Important Materials for Safe Storage
The material your container is made from directly impacts safety and longevity. You must choose food-grade materials.
Food-Grade Plastics (HDPE)
Most reliable long-term water containers use High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This plastic is strong and does not react with water.
- Look for the Symbol: Check the bottom of the container for the recycling symbol ‘2’ inside a triangle. This usually means it is HDPE.
- BPA-Free: Always ensure the container is labeled “BPA-Free.” BPA is a chemical that can leach into water over time, which is unsafe.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel drums offer supreme durability and zero risk of leaching. They are often more expensive but last indefinitely if cared for properly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Container quality isn’t just about the material; it’s also about how it’s manufactured and used.
Quality Boosters:
- UV Protection: Some plastics have UV inhibitors added to resist sun damage if they must be stored in a garage or shed that gets some light.
- Wide Mouth Opening: A wider opening makes cleaning the inside much easier before filling.
Quality Reducers:
- Previously Used Containers: Never use containers that once held chemicals, soaps, or oils. Even after rinsing, residues can remain and contaminate your drinking water.
- Thin Walls: Very cheap, flimsy plastics degrade quickly and are prone to splitting under the weight of the water.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the water affects the best container shape.
For Emergency Shelves (Long-Term Static Storage):
Large, rectangular 55-gallon barrels are excellent for bulk storage in a basement or garage. They hold a lot of water but are difficult to move once full.
For Portability (Bug-Out Bags or Camping):
Smaller, one to five-gallon jugs are better. They are easier to carry and distribute among family members. These are often used for shorter-term storage (up to a year) or for water you plan to rotate more frequently.
Always remember to label your containers with the date you filled them. Rotate stored water every 6 to 12 months by using it for gardening or flushing toilets, then refilling with fresh water.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Water Storage Containers
Q: How long can water safely stay in a new, sealed container?
A: If stored in a cool, dark place, water in good quality, sealed containers can safely last five years or more. However, it is best practice to rotate it every year.
Q: Should I treat the water before storing it?
A: Yes. Always use clean, potable (drinkable) water. Adding a small amount of unscented household bleach (following EPA guidelines) helps keep the water fresh during storage.
Q: What is the best color for a water storage container?
A: Dark blue or black opaque containers are the best because they block light effectively.
Q: Can I store water in clear plastic soda bottles long-term?
A: No. Clear plastic allows light in, encouraging algae growth. Also, most soda bottles are not designed for long-term storage.
Q: How much space does a 55-gallon drum take up?
A: A standard 55-gallon drum is usually about two feet in diameter and three feet tall. Measure your storage area first.
Q: Is it safe to store water in metal cans?
A: Metal cans can rust internally unless they have a very specific food-safe lining. HDPE plastic is generally safer and easier for home use.
Q: How do I clean the container before I fill it?
A: Wash the container thoroughly with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Rinse it completely several times until no soap smell remains, then fill it.
Q: Does the temperature of the storage area matter?
A: Yes. Extreme heat speeds up the breakdown of plastic and water quality. Keep containers cool, ideally below 70°F (21°C).
Q: What does “BPA-Free” mean?
A: BPA stands for Bisphenol A. It is a chemical found in some plastics that can move into your water. BPA-Free means the plastic does not contain this chemical.
Q: Can I stack full water containers on top of each other?
A: Only if the containers are specifically designed for stacking. Heavy, full containers must be stacked carefully on a level surface to prevent crushing the lower ones.