Imagine a sudden emergency: the water stops running. How long could your family last without clean drinking water? It’s a scary thought, but being prepared is smart. Storing water for the long term is vital for emergencies, natural disasters, or unexpected outages. However, choosing the right method feels overwhelming. Should you use plastic jugs, specialized barrels, or something else entirely? Getting this wrong means risking your family’s health when you need supplies the most.
Selecting a dependable long-term storage solution involves more than just filling up containers. You need to worry about material safety, preventing contamination, and ensuring the water stays fresh for months, or even years. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best, safest, and most reliable ways to store water so you can rest easy knowing your supply is ready.
Top Way To Store Water For Long Term Storage Recommendations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 2 water tanks for a total capacity of 10 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.
- 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.
- Purogene Water treatment Preserver and Maintainer is a 2% solution of chlorine dioxide, ClO2 (contains no free chlorine). Chlorine dioxide is recognized safe for drinking water treatment for more than 50 years.
- Unlike some water treatments that take hours to work and leave a bad after-taste, 3R PUROGENE makes water fresh the moment it enters the container, from a drinking glass to a plastic, metal, or fiberglass storage tank. 3R
- Purogene Water treatment Preserver and Maintainer is non-toxic and biodegradable, presenting no harm to the environment or the user. Water treatment to control build-up and enhance the taste of stored drinking water.
- Drinking water should be treated at a rate of 1 fl oz (2 tablespoons) of 3R PUROGENE per 30 gallons of water (5 ppm ClO2 concentration)
- 128oz. Gallon Jug of Water treatment Preserver and Maintainer will treat 3,840 gallons and makes the water safe to drink for an extended period of time. Use Water treatment Preserver and Maintainer water treatment for good and natural taste in drinking water, and as well as good taste in prepared drinks. NOTICE: This Consumable Product is Non-Returnable.
- 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.
- Long Shelf Life: Shelf life is important. When the included water treatment is used, the water storage can have a shelf life up to 5 years!
- Quality Taste: Sometimes stored water* can develop a funny taste, with the included water treatment that is no longer an issue, as it enhances the taste of the water. *Water is NOT included in this kit
- Convenient: The durable boxes are compact and easy to carry. This leads to convenient storage, as well as making it so the boxes can be stacked on one another.
- What's Included: 20x Heavy Duty Stackable Boxes, 20x Multilayer-Laminate Mylar Water Bags, 2x Water Treatment, 1x Water Filling Hose and Attachments
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Storing Water for the Long Haul
Storing water is a smart move. You need it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning when emergencies happen or when your regular water source is unavailable. Choosing the right storage method keeps your water safe and ready to use for years. This guide helps you pick the best long-term water storage solution.
Key Features to Look For in Water Storage Containers
When shopping for containers, certain features make a big difference in how long and how safely you can store your water.
Durability and Longevity
- Thick Walls: Look for containers with thick plastic or sturdy metal. Thin containers can crack or dent easily.
- UV Resistance: Sunlight breaks down plastic and can encourage algae growth. Choose containers that block light completely or are made from UV-resistant materials.
- Stackability: Space is often limited. Containers that stack securely save valuable storage space.
Safety and Cleanliness
- BPA-Free Material: This is crucial for drinking water. Bisphenol A (BPA) can leak into the water over time. Always choose containers labeled “BPA-Free.”
- Wide Mouth Opening: A wide opening makes cleaning the inside easy. You must be able to scrub the interior to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Leak-Proof Seals: Check the lids. A tight, reliable seal prevents spills and keeps contaminants out.
Important Materials for Water Storage
The material your container is made from directly affects its safety and lifespan.
Food-Grade Plastics (HDPE)
Most reliable water containers use High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This plastic is strong, lightweight, and safe for long-term water storage. Look for the recycling symbol #2, which usually indicates HDPE.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel drums are excellent for very long-term storage. They do not leach chemicals and are extremely durable. However, they are heavy and often more expensive.
Glass (Use with Caution)
Glass keeps water pure, but it breaks easily. If you use glass, store it somewhere it cannot fall or be knocked over.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Storage Quality
How you treat your stored water matters just as much as the container itself.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Cool, Dark Location: Store containers in a basement or closet away from heat sources like furnaces or direct sunlight. Heat speeds up chemical breakdown.
- Water Treatment: Adding a few drops of unscented, plain household bleach (check the label for 5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon of water helps keep bacteria away. Follow recommended guidelines carefully.
- Regular Rotation: Even treated water should be rotated. Plan to use and replace your stored water every 6 to 12 months.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Exposure to High Heat: Heat makes plastic release unwanted chemicals faster.
- Dirty Containers: If you do not thoroughly wash the container before filling, bacteria will multiply, making the water unsafe.
- Improper Sealing: If the lid is loose, dust, insects, or mold spores can enter the container.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your stored water.
Emergency Preparedness (The Basics)
For basic home emergencies (like a power outage or boil advisory), 5-gallon buckets or large pre-filled water jugs work well. They are easy to fill from the tap and store in a closet.
Camping and Off-Grid Use
When portability is key, choose smaller, durable water carriers (like those made by established outdoor brands). These need strong handles and easy-pour spouts.
Long-Term Bulk Storage
If you are storing water for years, look at 55-gallon water barrels. These require a stable, level place to sit, as they are very heavy when full. They offer the most water per square foot of storage space.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long-Term Water Storage
Q: How much water should I store per person?
A: Experts suggest storing at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for a minimum of three days. More is always better.
Q: Can I store tap water indefinitely without treatment?
A: No. Tap water is safe when you store it, but without treatment, bacteria can still grow over time, especially if the container is exposed to any light or temperature changes.
Q: What is the best way to clean my storage containers?
A: Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse them very well. Then, you can sanitize them with a weak bleach solution before filling.
Q: How do I know if my stored water has gone bad?
A: If the water smells bad (like mildew or chemicals) or looks cloudy or discolored, throw it out immediately. If it looks and smells fine after rotation, it is likely still safe.
Q: Should I use colored containers for water storage?
A: Yes. Opaque (non-see-through) containers are better because they block light, which keeps the water cooler and slows down algae growth.
Q: Are plastic water barrels safe to reuse?
A: Yes, if they were originally food-grade containers. Never reuse barrels that held chemicals or toxic materials, even if you clean them.
Q: Where is the absolute best place to store water barrels?
A: A cool, dark basement or interior closet that stays around 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for maximizing storage life.
Q: How heavy is a 55-gallon water barrel when full?
A: Since water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, a full 55-gallon barrel weighs over 450 pounds. You must place it on a strong, flat surface that can support the weight.
Q: Do I need to treat the water if I only store it for six months?
A: While shorter storage times reduce risk, adding a small amount of bleach is a simple insurance policy that keeps the water fresh until you use it.
Q: Should I store water in its original grocery store bottles?
A: These are okay for short-term storage (a few months). However, the thin plastic is not designed for years of storage, and they often allow light through.