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Best Water Storage Containers for Emergencies
One of the most important things to prepare for in an emergency is that you have enough water should there be a problem with your traditional supply. Fortunately, there is an entire industry devoted to this topic and we have put together a list of the best water storage containers for emergencies. It is often advised that people have at least 2 weeks of water per person in their home, particularly if they live in areas with a more extreme climate. There is a wide range of storage containers out there, depending on your location, storage capacity, and preferences around filtration and functionality.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Reliance Products Aqua Tainer 7 Gallon Drinking Water Storage Container Tank
Best Value
WaterBOB Bathtub Storage Emergency Drinking Water Container, Comes with Hand Pump, Disaster and Hurricane Survival, BPA-Free (100 Gallon) (1 Pack)
Good Ideas RW40-OAK Rain Wizard Rain Barrel 40-Gallon, Oak
Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackables
AQUATANK2 Water Storage Bladder (15 Gallon)
Augason Farms 6-07910 Water Filtration and Storage Kit 55 Gallon BPA-Free Wate 6-07910 Augason Farms Water Filtration and Storage Kit 55 Gallon BPA-Free Wate, Blue
WaterStorageCube BPA Free Collapsible Water Container with Spigot, Camping Water Storage Carrier Jug for Outdoors Hiking Backpack & Survival Kit, Foldable Portable Water Canteen 1.3/2.6/5.3 Gallon
Augason Farms 6-07910 Water Filtration and Storage Kit 55 Gallon BPA-Free Wate 6-07910 Augason Farms Water Filtration and Storage Kit 55 Gallon BPA-Free Wate, Blue
WaterStorageCube BPA Free Collapsible Water Container with Spigot, Camping Water Storage Carrier Jug for Outdoors Hiking Backpack & Survival Kit, Foldable Portable Water Canteen 1.3/2.6/5.3 Gallon
You will discover below, the 10 best water storage containers for emergencies. We have included the main features and benefits for each one, along with the most relevant pros and cons. It is important to think about what you’re individual requirements are and then make a decision accordingly.
First to make it onto our list of storage containers is this 7-gallon container tank from Reliance Products. A rigid rectangular design with a contoured grip molded into it for easy storage and moving. They can also be stacked when empty for added space-saving.
Available in a 1 pack or 4 pack option, it uses a spigot cap that is reversible for extra safe storage and transport, as well as an improved screw-on vent. This water container is designed to be for outdoor use and emergency usage but you should be aware that if exposed to direct sunlight then it can cause the container to degrade which increases the potential for leaks. As a result, it is always best to store it in a shaded area or inside a structure that is safe to do so. You will get a 5-year warranty with this product that covers manufacturer defects.
Pros
Cons
It is a 7-gallon water tank with a rigid rectangular design
Available in a 1 pack or 4 pack depending on your household drinking water requirements
It comes with a 5-year warranty
If left in the sun, it can start to lose structural integrity so make sure it’s stored in a safe place.
One of the biggest storage containers to make it onto our list now and this is a fantastic choice for those who really do want an emergency reservoir for drinking water if something major happens and you can’t travel. At 550-gallons, this will hold enough water for most families in an emergency.
It has a heavy-duty design that includes a thick wall to help it stand up to the elements, but it is still translucent enough for you to see how much water is left in the tank. It has marks on the side to help measure capacity in gallons and liters as an additional way to track how much water is left in an emergency. It does have molded-in channels for saddle straps but our advice here is to make sure it is positioned where you want it before filling it with water. The dimensions are 67 x 67 x 45 inches.
Pros
Cons
A massive 550-gallon capacity reservoir
It has been designed with thick walls and heavy-duty materials to stand up to the elements
You can track water usage thanks to its translucent design and markings on the side
This is a huge emergency water storage unit and it may not be suitable for most households
We really love these stackable emergency water containers from WaterBrick. Firstly, they allow you to store either 3.5-gallons of liquid or 27lb of dry food which makes it the perfect companion for your emergency preparations. They are also very light to carry, weighing only 0.2kg when empty.
They have been designed to stack together in order to maximise storage space and have a sturdy handle that makes it easy to carry when full. They manufacturer these in the USA for both everyday use and for emergency equipment so you can trust in the materials used and the longevity of the product. Add in the fact that the materials are food-grade, then you can trust the water or food kept within will be safe to consume. The dimension of each one is 25.5 x 18.6 x 18.7 inches.
Pros
Cons
Stackable, highly effective storage containers for both liquid and dry food
Each one can be carried easily thanks to the effective handle
Made using food-grade materials
Smaller than many containers on our list so may not suit those needing larger, static containers
The perfect at-home emergency drinking water kit, with this storage system designed to be used in your bathtub. It comes with everything you need including a hand pump and at an impressive capacity of 100-gallons, it will provide plenty of water for all of your family in an emergency.
It will keep water fresh for up to 16 weeks, so you can trust your family will be safe using the water throughout any emergency, whether that is for drinking, cooking, washing, or flushing. Very easy to use, the waterBOB requires you to lay the liner in your bathtub, attach the fill sock to the faucet and then fill the bladder to maximum capacity which should take around 20 minutes. A siphon pump has been included to allow you to dispense water into jugs or other containers as well. It is made with food-grade, BPA-free materials.
Pros
Cons
A 100-gallon emergency container designed to work with most standard bathtubs
It has been made with BPA-free, food-grade materials
It will keep water fresh for up to 16 weeks
Not that useful if you may need to travel in an emergency or you don’t have a bathtub in your home
Another drinking water container from Reliance makes it onto our list and this one is a 7-gallon model in the form of the classic jerry can. At 15.5 x 7.3 x 21.8 inch it isn’t too big and can easily be stored for emergencies. It has all the usual features including two helping carrying handles that are molded into the body.
This rigid water container has a reliable tap-style spigot to make it easy to pour out water whenever you need it, or you add in any kind of filters you may want to use. A classic, sturdy design makes it a popular choice for many who want to be prepared for an emergency and you can trust it will keep your water safe and secure. We would say that the design is more focused on helping you to carry it as opposed to stacking it and saving space, but for some this may not be an issue.
Pros
Cons
Each container holds up to 7 gallons of water
Designed with a tap style spigot and two carrying handles for extra mobility
The dimensions are 15.5 x 7.3 x 21.8 inches
A basic jerry can style container may not suit some who want a more stackable set of containers or single larger units
The people at Good Ideas have really lived up to their name with this water storage container. Not a traditional emergency water storage system thanks to its design but we think it offers a great way to collect rainwater in the garden without looking ugly or out of place. At 40-gallons, it offers a good amount of water for an emergency or to use in the garden. You can even get it in a range of colors!
It has a screen to help keep out debris, insects, and animals so that you can trust the water will be of better quality. However, if you want to use it as drinking water in an emergency then you should use some kind of filter. It comes with a high-quality brass spigot that you can connect a hose to and its design helps protect it against cold and extreme weather. You can link it to other barrels by buying a separate linking kit but if you want that kind of emergency water storage system then there are probably better options out there.
Pros
Cons
A fun, stylish option for those who want to collect rainwater in their garden
It has a 40-gallon capacity and you can connect up multiple barrels using a separately bought linking kit
Designed to cope with cold weather
If you want the more traditional emergency water containers then this may not be your first choice
Another of the classic water storage containers now, these 5-gallon stackable containers come in the recognizable blue plastic design that those wanting to be prepared love to use. With flat bottoms and tops, they stack effortlessly to help with space staving and the built-in handle makes them easier to move around.
Made with 100% non-toxic, food-grade plastic, they are BPA-free so you can trust that you will not only get high-quality water but water that is safe and secure in an emergency. Based on the 0.5 gallons of water per person per day advice in an emergency, each pack of 4 will give you 40 days of drinking water. You will also notice a built-in twist breathing port to make it easier to pour out water when you need it without suffering from issues with airlocks. A classic design that delivers results, but you may not require a pack of 4 so just be wary of how many come in each order.
Pros
Cons
A highly effective, stackable design that saves space and maximises water storage
Each pack comes with 4 containers which are enough for 40 days of drinking water
Made with 100% non-toxic, food-grade plastic
You may not need a pack of 4 so check for other options if that is the case
The AQUATANK2 is perfectly designed for those travelling through the wilderness, whether camping, in a car, or RV. This water storage bladder will expand to hold up to 15 gallons of water and when packed away will easily fit in your bags. You can also get it in a 30-gallon, 60-gallon, and 150-gallon capacity.
Made with state-of-the-art materials that simultaneously have made it thinner and lighter, yet far stronger. You can stretch it and even stand on it and it will be fine so you can rely on it for an emergency water supply. It uses BPA-free, food-grade materials and the outer shell is durable nylon so you can trust that the water within is safe to use. As always, make sure that the water source is safe, or use a filtration system before drinking the water.
Pros
Cons
A fantastic, bladder style design which comes in 15 gallons, 30 gallons, 60 gallons, or 150 gallons
Made with food-grade materials for extra safety
It is incredibly durable and long-lasting which makes it perfect for the outdoors
Designed for camping and RVs so not really useful for emergency water storage at home
The reason for putting this product on our list is that Augason Farms provides everything you need for safe, filtered water in an emergency. The kit includes a 55-gallon water drum that will hold plenty of water for each person in the household, along with all the fittings, a hand pump, treatment bottles, and more.
It has been made with BPA-free materials so you can trust that the water you drink from it is safe. That is perfect for those suffering from an emergency where the water supply is contaminated or cut off. Measuring 22.95 inches in diameter by 35.13 inches in height, it will be fairly easy to store in a home, garage, or outdoor setting. Do note that the lower temperature rating it is designed for is 55 degrees Fahrenheit so be careful not to store it anywhere that suffers from cold climates.
Pros
Cons
You get everything you need to have clean, safe filtered drinking water in an emergency
The 55-gallon drum will hold plenty of water in an emergency
It has been made with BPA-free materials for added safety
Not suitable for cold climates so be careful of where you store it if you do go for this model
WaterStorageCube offers a range of BPA-free collapsible water containers, ranging from a single 2.6-gallon option all the way up to an 8-pack of 5.3-gallon water containers. All of these are made with food-grade, BPA-free plastic so you can trust it is safe to drink from and won’t suffer from a horrible taste.
Its space-saving design and molded handle make it easy to carry and transport in an emergency. This also makes it the perfect choice for outdoor situations like camping, hiking, taking on the RV, or storing in your emergency location at home. Thanks to its custom-made lid and spigot, you can easily get access to the emergency water supply and the lack of parts means it will minimise the chance of leakages. The manufacturer provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee if you’re unhappy with the product.
Pros
Cons
Available in a range of options from a single 2.6-gallon container, all the way up to an 8-pack of 5.3-gallon water containers
It has been made with BPA-free plastic for a safe supply of drinking water
It is a collapsible, space-saving design that makes it perfect for camping trips
Smaller-sized containers may not be suitable for those wanting to have a larger emergency supply ready at home.
We’ve put together some frequently asked questions, along with helpful answers to make the buying process for emergency water storage containers easier and less confusing.
Does stored water go bad?
Ultimately, yes it will go bad eventually but this very much depends on the product you buy. Some of them will claim to store water for up to 16-weeks and even longer. However, you also need to make sure you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when storing water, as they may require you to treat the water in a certain way.
You can buy home testing kits to keep track of the quality of water in your water storage containers. Regular testing can reassure you that you’re ready for any emergency or natural disaster that may occur.
How much water do I need?
Most research suggests each person needs approximately 0.5-gallons of water per day. You then need to think about how many people your emergency water storage containers need to cope with. The majority of water storage containers on our list are designed to be stackable or collapsible so that you can combine multiple storage containers together to provide enough water for everyone.
Do your research and plan how much you need. This way you can choose the most suitable product on the market right now.
Should I filter the water before drinking?
It very much depends on the source of the water supply but good practice is to filter the water before drinking it, or at least boil the water first before using. This is particularly important if you’re uncertain of the quality of the water source before you store water, such as from a river or lake if you’re travelling in the wilderness.
You can buy easy-to-use and cost-effective filtration systems that go onto the end of water storage containers or in pitchers and drinking bottles.
What is the best type of emergency water storage?
There isn’t a single correct answer to this and it very much depends on your individual requirements. If you’re looking for a static solution for your home then there are some large water storage containers, such as one of the reservoirs that will do a great job. If you’re struggling for space or you want to be able to move them, then you should go for one of the stackable water containers on our list.
Either way, the important thing to remember is you need to store water for every person in your household in an emergency, so calculate what this should be and then search for your preferred water storage container accordingly.
Summary
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the best water storage containers for emergencies on the market right now. We’ve put together the key information on each that we feel will help you shortlist based on your individual requirements and then go on to make an informed purchasing decision. Making sure you have a safe supply of water in an emergency is an incredibly important thing to do.
Please explore the rest of our website for helpful articles on everything water-related including filters, purifiers, humidifiers, and bottles. Combine an emergency water container with the right filters and you can stay hydrated in any emergency.
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