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
- Easy transport: move water wherever lawn and garden tasks require it with a 40‑gallon translucent poly tank designed for truck, tractor or trailer hauling
- Reliable storage: keep water ready for irrigation, cleaning or emergency use with a chemical‑resistant tank featuring UV protection and durable nitrile seals
- Fast draining: save time during lawn care and garden maintenance using the built‑in 2‑inch drain and molded 3/4‑inch garden‑hose port for quick, controlled emptying
- Versatile capability: support multiple outdoor needs with a tank that can convert to a spot sprayer (additional components required), ideal for watering, cleaning and general lawn care tasks
- Proudly Made in the USA: Expertly designed and manufactured in the USA with global materials, backed by Chapin’s 1-year limited warranty and supported by a dedicated US-based customer service and technical help centre
- 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
- Food Grade and Premium Quality Material: The camping Water Jug is made of food grade PE material, BPA free, environmentally friendly and safe, which ensures the water inside stays clean and uncontaminated. Providing you with safe and healthy water. With upgraded and thickened material, non-slip, anti-scratch, anti-impact, sturdy and durable, which can be reused
- Adjustable Spout Faucet and Leak-proof Sealing Lid: Our water jug with food-grade sealing lid, multiple sealing rubber rings to ensure completely leak-free. The adjustable water volume faucet cap, as well as with extension tube, allows you to control the water dispensing more precisely and more conveniently unlimited water containers to catch water easily
- Portable and Lightweight Design: The portable water container is designed with dual carry handles, which can be placed squarely or sideways, the carry handles are ergonomic, non-slip, and easy to grip design for a firm grip. The body of the jug also features a non-slip texture, anti-scratch, lightweight compact structure is easy to carry, and easy to organize and store, which can be tucked in a corner of your car
- Large Diameter for Easy Filling and Cleaning: The large inlet has a wide 3.5 in diameter for quick filling and easy cleaning, the open mouth allows you to reach in and touch every corner of the bucket, the package includes two cleaning brushes to help you clean the water tank easily
- Suitable for Multiple Scenarios: Our portable water container is suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities, whether hiking, camping, picnic, RV travel, etc., it can provide you with reliable water demand, it can also be used as a daily water storage for your family, or emergency water, to make a prepared water for an emergency, so that you don't have to feel water anxiety, and give you complete peace of mind
- 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.
- Portable Water Storage Solution: Offers a reliable and compact solution for safely storing water for emergencies, outdoor adventures, or camping trips.
- Durable and Safe Design: Military-style design ensures long-term and secure water storage, making it withstand impacts and tough conditions while protecting against unwanted leaks and spills.
- Convenient and Efficient: Easily carry the water jug from car to campsite with the super-strong molded-in carry handle, offering maximum convenience and portability wherever you go.
- Heavy-Duty Capacity: Featuring a 5-gallon, 20-liter capacity, this water container makes storing large amounts of water quick and easy, making it a must-have for outdoor activities or emergencies.
- Dimensions and Material: Made from BPA-free, high-density polyethylene plastic, the lightweight container measures 13.7 x 6.8 x 18.8 inches and is ideal for long-term use in demanding conditions.
- [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.
- 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.
- Rigid, 7-gallon rectangular water container with molded contour grip
- Space-saving design for easy storing and stacking when empty
- New and improved screw-on vent; hideaway spigot for on-demand water dispensing
- Suitable for outdoors activities and emergency water storage
- Five-year warranty against manufacturer's defects
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.