Imagine a sudden emergency—a natural disaster or a city-wide issue—knocking your regular water supply offline. Where would you turn for safe drinking water? Relying on bottled water bought last week simply won’t cut it when the crisis lasts longer than a day. Choosing the right long-term water storage containers is a massive decision for any prepared household, yet the options can feel overwhelming. Should you choose plastic barrels, stainless steel tanks, or flexible bladders?
Many people worry about leaks, contamination, and the sheer difficulty of finding space for bulky containers. Selecting the wrong type can mean your stored water becomes unsafe or unusable when you need it most. This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the best materials, sizes, and essential features you must look for in reliable, long-term water storage.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which type of container best fits your home and budget. Let’s dive into securing your most vital resource.
Top Long Term Water Storage Containers Recommendations
- 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.
- 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 a full set of 3/4 inch threaded sealed caps, and 1 spigot with prepared caps for easy pouring.
- Designed to hold a substantial volume of water, this container supports everyday storage needs at home, during travel, or for general preparedness use.
- The structured shape allows multiple containers to be stacked securely, helping save space in storage rooms, garages, closets, or utility areas.
- Built for repeated refilling, this container offers a practical option for long-term water storage without disposable packaging.
- Made from sturdy plastic material designed for regular handling, lifting, and storage in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
- The built-in handle allows controlled lifting and transport, making it easier to move the container when needed.
- Reliable Water Supply: Our 55-gallon supports families during uncertain times with dependable long-term storage. The food-grade polyethylene design gives households a safe place to keep clean water ready for emergencies. Our water storage solution brings comfort when planning ahead feels important.
- Food-Grade & BPA-Free: Made from BPA-free, food-grade material, it helps to keep stored water clean for daily needs like cooking and hygiene during outages. The drum’s solid build reflects the care Augason Farms puts into every prepared item. It brings steady confidence to our long-term emergency water storage planning when life feels unpredictable.
- Spacious 55-Gallon Capacity: With room for 55 gallons, the water storage tank supports households that want a dependable backup supply. It helps lighten the stress of emergencies by giving plenty of water for drinking, cleaning, and essential tasks. The durable structure makes this plastic barrel easy to rely on over many seasons.
- Easy Fill & Drain Ports: Two built-in plug fittings make filling and accessing water more manageable, even during tense situations. The lightweight feel when empty helps you position it wherever storage space allows. It’s a steady companion for preparedness. Our 55-gallon drum simplifies emergency planning.
- Built for Emergency Readiness: Augason Farms carries decades of experience in supporting families, and the thoughtful details in our drums show that legacy. Our plastic barrel fits naturally into basements, garages, or storage shelves, giving homes a sense of readiness and peace.
- 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.
- 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.
- GUATENTEED POTENCY: Must use within 1 year of manufacturing to ensure potency (Expiration Date on Bottle)
- LARGE-CAPACITY WATER STORAGE (55 GALLONS): Store enough emergency drinking water for a family of four for up to two weeks. Perfect for preparedness, camping, off-grid living, or disaster response.
- SPACE-SAVING STACKABLE DESIGN: Engineered to stack securely and safely, giving you big-tank capacity without taking up extra floor space—ideal for garages, basements, or sheds.
- ROBUST DESIGN: Manufactured from high-quality rotationally molded polyethylene that’s safe for long-term potable water storage and built to withstand decades of use.
- EASY FILLING, DRAINING & CLEANING: Includes a 5-inch twist lid for quick filling and internal cleaning, plus a built-in brass spigot for simple dispensing and water rotation.
- BUILT TO LAST: Backed by over 70 years of tank-manufacturing experience, our emergency water tanks are tested for strength, leak integrity, and safety—so you can rely on them when it matters most.
Choosing the Right Long-Term Water Storage Containers
Storing water for emergencies is a smart move. When the unexpected happens, having safe drinking water is crucial. This guide helps you pick the best containers to keep your water fresh for years.
Key Features to Look For
Good water storage containers have specific features that keep your water safe and make storage easy. Always check for these important points before you buy.
1. Durability and Strength
- Crack Resistance: Containers must be strong. They should not crack if bumped or dropped, especially when full of heavy water.
- Stackability: Look for containers that stack well. This saves valuable space in your closet or basement.
2. Light and UV Protection
- Opaque Color: The best containers are dark blue, black, or opaque (not see-through). Sunlight causes algae and bacteria to grow. Dark colors block the light effectively.
- BPA-Free: Ensure the plastic is certified “BPA-free.” BPA is a chemical that can leak into your water over time.
3. Ease of Use
- Wide Mouth Opening: A large opening makes cleaning the inside easy. You must clean containers regularly to keep water safe.
- Secure Lids: Lids must seal tightly. A good seal keeps contaminants out and prevents slow leaks.
Important Materials for Water Storage
The material your container is made from heavily affects how long the water stays good and how safe it is.
High-Quality Plastics (Food-Grade)
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): This is the gold standard. HDPE plastic is very tough, resists punctures, and blocks light well. Most reliable water bricks and barrels use HDPE.
- Polypropylene (PP): This is another good, sturdy option often used for smaller containers.
Stainless Steel
- Stainless steel is extremely durable and does not leach chemicals. It is often more expensive but lasts virtually forever. Ensure it is food-grade stainless steel (like 304 grade).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a container great or terrible often comes down to small details.
Improving Water Quality Over Time
- Thick Walls: Thicker plastic walls offer better protection against temperature changes and physical damage.
- Ventilation (When Storing Empty): If the container is empty and stored for a very long time, it should be stored with the lid slightly loose. This allows trapped air to escape and prevents the container from warping.
Reducing Water Quality Over Time
- Thin Plastic: Cheap, thin plastic degrades faster. It often lets more light and air through, spoiling the water sooner.
- Improper Cleaning: If the container is not thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before filling, bacteria will grow, regardless of the container quality.
- Exposure to Heat: Storing containers near a furnace or in direct summer sun rapidly reduces water safety and can warp plastic.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the water. This dictates the best shape and size for you.
For Home Shelves (Bulk Storage)
Many people use large 55-gallon blue barrels for storing water in a basement or garage. These hold a lot of water but are hard to move once filled. They are best for long-term, stationary storage.
For Go-Bags and Portability
Water bricks or smaller 5-to-7-gallon containers are excellent if you need to move your supply, like taking it to a vacation cabin or keeping it ready in a vehicle. They fit better on shelves or under beds.
Always remember to rotate your water supply every one to five years, even if the container is high quality. Check the water for any strange smells or cloudiness before use.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long-Term Water Storage
Q: How long can I safely store water in these containers?
A: If you use food-grade containers and treat the water properly (using unscented bleach or purification tablets), water can last five years or more. Always check local guidelines.
Q: Should I treat the water before putting it in the container?
A: Yes. Always fill the container with water that has been treated with a small, measured amount of household bleach (check online guides for exact ratios) to kill bacteria.
Q: What is the best place to store my water containers?
A: Store containers in a cool, dark place. Basements or closets away from direct sunlight and heat sources are ideal. Keep them off concrete floors if possible, using wood pallets.
Q: Why must the containers be opaque (not clear)?
A: Clear containers let light in. Light encourages algae and bacteria growth, which makes the water unsafe to drink over long periods.
Q: Is plastic or metal better for long-term storage?
A: Both are good if they are food-grade. Plastic (HDPE) is lighter and cheaper. Metal (stainless steel) is more durable but costs much more.
Q: What does “BPA-free” mean?
A: BPA is a chemical sometimes found in plastics. “BPA-free” means the plastic will not leak this potentially harmful chemical into your drinking water.
Q: How do I clean a large water barrel?
A: You must scrub the inside with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Then, sanitize it with a bleach solution before refilling it with fresh water.
Q: Can I store water outside?
A: No. Storing water outside exposes it to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which damages the plastic and spoils the water quickly.
Q: What is the standard size for emergency water containers?
A: The common sizes are 5, 7, 10, 30, and 55 gallons. Most experts recommend at least one gallon per person per day.
Q: How heavy is a full 55-gallon barrel?
A: Water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon. A 55-gallon barrel weighs roughly 450 pounds when full. You need a strong dolly or moving equipment to handle it.