There is a plethora of water storage and purification products on the market. It can be overwhelming and time-consuming to sift through and research them all and then decide what you really need. While I don’t claim to be a water expert, I have done a bunch of research and I’ve used a lot of products in order to figure out what is right for our family. I’d like to share what I’ve learned with you here.
I like to “layer” my emergency water supplies. This means two things: (1) I like to have stored water AND a means to purify water, and (2) In both cases, I like to have something I can use in my home and something I can use on the go.
Emergency Water Products For Storing Water at Home Reviewed
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.
#2: Large Barrels
Large barrels are available in sizes from15 gallons up to 55 gallons. The 55-gallon barrels are the best deal per gallon. You can occasionally find them on craigslist or e-bay for amazing prices. If you live in Utah, Macey’s grocery store is the best place to purchase these at around $40-$50 each. Online, I’ve found $60-$70 to be a good price.
With these barrels, you will need a pumpor at least a simple siphon to get the water out. You will also need a bung wrenchto close and open it.
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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.
Emergency Water Products for Storing Water at Home or For Evacuation Reviewed
#1: 3-5 gallon jugs
These are typically available in white, somewhat opaque plastic as well as completely opaque blue plastic. There are also spigotsavailable so you can use them at a sink. We use these when camping. If you go with the less expensive/opaque white ones, be sure to store them away from light.
Pros
Cons:
More portable than large barrels. Could throw in a vehicle if asked to evacuate.
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.
#2: Water Boxes
Water boxes include 5 gallons of mylar bags that are filled with water and then placed inside a stackable box.
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).
#3: WaterBricks
Water bricks are 3.5-gallon interlocking containers that can be used for food or water and are very popular in the “prepping” crowd. Spigotsare available.
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
