Emergency Water Products Reviewed in 2022

Pros

Cons:

• Water does not need to be rotated as frequently (especially when using additives).
• Extremely convenient since they are gravity fed.  Easy to get water out.
• Best use of floor space b/c of vertical height.

• Large upfront investment financially
• High cost per gallon of water stored
• Difficult to store in a small apartment/home
• Difficult (impossible) to move once full at 1100 – 3000 pounds.
• Rotation is relatively easy b/c of gravity-fed spigots
• Will need to move water to a smaller container to carry to sinks/tubs etc.

Pros

Cons:

• The 55-gallon containers are typically the least expensive option per gallon (other than free options or 16.9 oz bottles).
• Does not need to be rotated as frequently (especially when using additives).
• Good use of floor space, especially when used with water barrel towers.

• Large upfront investment financially
• Must also purchase a pump in order to get water out
• Difficult to store in a small apartment/home
• Difficult (impossible) to move once full at close to 500 pounds for a 55-gallon barrel.
• Difficult to rotate the water in them
• Will need to move water to a smaller container to carry to sinks/tubs etc.

Pros

Cons:

• More portable than large barrels.  Could throw in a vehicle if asked to evacuate.
• Relatively easy to rotate the water in them
• Can be purchased almost anywhere… Walmart, Amazon
• Less expensive (per container) than a 55-gallon barrel… less upfront investment when getting started.

• Not stackable (can create wasted space)
• Can waste a lot of water when pouring without a spigot.
• Need to be rotated more often (if using the less opaque white containers)
• More expensive (per gallon) than a 55-gallon barrel.

Pros

Cons:

• Low cost per gallon (sometimes as low as the 55-gallon barrels)
• More portable than large barrels.  Could throw in a vehicle if asked to evacuate.
• Stackable…better use of space.
• Long shelf life (5 years), so no need to rotate as often.
• Less expensive way (per gallon and per container) to get started.
• Great for apartments and small spaces or where they have to be stored in the light.

• Can be complicated/frustrating to fill and set up
• While they come with a pouring spout, it isn’t a spigot, so you can’t turn it on / off or have full control over the amount of water that comes out.
• More difficult to rotate when needed.
• Can typically only be purchased from emergency supply stores or online (like Thrive or Emergency Essentials).

Pros

Cons:

• Very manageable / portable. At 3.5 gallons they weigh just over 30 pounds when filled with water and include a carrying handle.
• VERY stackable. They interlock so you can stack them all the way to the ceiling.
• Extremely long shelf life (15 years).
• Easy to store under beds, at bottom of closets, etc. Great for apartments
• Easy to rotate water when needed

• Very expensive per gallon of water stored.
• Only available at select stores (mostly online)

Pros

Cons:

• Very portable.
• Nearly free if you are planning to buy the soda/ juice anyway.
• Easy to store/hide in lots of little places.  Great for apartments and small spaces.

• Bacteria growth is possible if not cleaned exceptionally well
• Must rotate often (every 6 months – year)
• Often leave an “off” taste in the water
• No way to turn into a “sink” with a spigot.
• Not stackable

Pros

Cons:

• Extremely portable.
• Great taste.
• Easy to store/hide in lots of little places.
• Great in 72-hour kit go-bags.
• Easy to rotate/use every day.
• A very inexpensive way to get started
• Very inexpensive cost per gallon (even less than a 55-gallon barrel)

• Not exactly “green”
• Must rotate often (6-12 months)
• Can leach chemicals in the water, especially if stored where hot.
• Can’t (shouldn’t) be re-filled.
• Difficult to buy enough for truly long-term stay-at-home storage solutions.