How to Store Water In the Right Containers

The most basic requirement for human survival is access to water. An average person can go three to four days without water. It is now much simpler to find a clean supply of water and effectively store it thanks to contemporary technologies.

You should now have short and long-term goals of exactly how much water you want to store for your family, but how you store that water is important as well. While there is no real “one-size-fits-all” solution, there are some general principles and ideas that you should consider when storing water for your family. This is helpful whenever there is a water shortage after a typhoon or any calamities.

How to Store Water

From my own experience living without water I’ve learned a few important things:

1. Variety in the size of storage containers is important
2. Don’t forget to think about how you will access your water if you need it
3. Knowing your water is safe to drink is essential.

Today, I want to talk about and compare the various water storage containers available. I’ll share the pros and cons of each of them (since there is no perfect solution) and hopefully help you decide which containers are right for you in your situation. Your choices may change over time depending on your overall preparedness, financial situation, and resources.

Next week, we will talk about how to keep your stored water safe once it is in those containers.

General Tips About Storing Water

Different size containers will work better for different situations. So, again, considering exactly what you are preparing for will help you get your priorities straight and store water in the best containers for your situation.

One guiding principle should be variety is key! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. For example, the 5- gallon (or other large) barrel doesn’t trump all! If you need to evacuate (and can do so in your vehicle) you will want water containers that you can quickly grab and put in your car. If you have to evacuate on foot, you will want smaller water bottles, boxes, or pouches.  Ultimately, you should have water stored in various size containers.

Second, think about how you will access your water when/if you need it. Most people I talk to who have water stored have not thought about this aspect. I didn’t think about it when I started working on emergency preparedness!

In fact, the first time I went to rotate a 55-gallon barrel of water, I realized I had NO CLUE about how I was going to get all the water out of it. It weighed over 460 pounds! It took two of us to tip it over and there was no controlling where the water went. Luckily, we didn’t NEED the water (we were just rotating it), but if we had, I would have cried!

If you choose to store water in large barrels, make sure you have a pump or siphon in order to get the water out. Otherwise, the water you store will be nearly useless.

Third, if you choose to store some medium-sized containers such as a 5-gallon jug or water brick, I highly suggest having a spigot for each one.

If you are using your stored water at home, the spigot not only allows you to access the water easier but will also make things much more “normal.” I found this out when I lived on my stored water for a few days. It was wonderful to replace each sink with a jug & spigot and just use water as we normally do (albeit more conservatively).

What to Avoid When Storing Water

Before I get into the smart options for storing water, I wanted to touch on a few not-so-smart options:

1. Non-food Grade Containers

DO NOT USE containers that have had non-food items stored in them (such as bleach containers, cleaners, shampoo bottles, etc.), for drinking water. They may be considered for storing water for cleaning and other non-drinking purposes if clearly marked as such.

The best type of plastic to use for drinking water is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is stable and inert and the best option for storing both water and food. You can tell if a container is HDPE by checking the number inside the recycling triangle. If a bottle or container is made of high-density polyethylene it will have a “2” inside that triangle.

Plastics with a #4 (LDPE) or #5 (PP) inside that triangle are also considered safe for food and drink and are a good second option. They typically aren’t as opaque as the HDPE plastic containers and as such, it will be even more important to store them away from light.

Bottles with a #1 (PETE) inside that triangle are safe for water and are typically used for water or juice bottles you buy at the store. However, they are not intended to be reused because of the possibility of bacterial buildup. If you do choose to use them, make certain you clean them exceptionally well.

Do not use plastic containers that have #3 (PVC), #6 (PS), or #7 (Other) inside that triangle. They are possible carcinogens and/ or may leach BPA.

2. Glass containers

This one is more of a personal preference. Glass is not unsafe for water storage; however, it is breakable. If you are preparing for an earthquake or other natural disaster, I recommend staying away from the glass.

3. Milk jugs

Milk jugs you get at the grocery store (or similar jugs even if they hold water or juice) are not a good idea for long-term water storage. First, those that hold milk and juice can be hard to clean thoroughly as they aren’t typically completely smooth plastic.

Second, they disintegrate quickly leaching into your water and possibly letting water leak out. The plastic jugs that non-refrigerated juices come in (like apple juice) are a better option. They need to be cleaned well, but are sturdier and last longer.

Water Storage Container Pros and Cons

All right, on to the pros and cons of the many smart options out there for water storage:

#1: How to Store Water in Large Barrels

Large barrels are available in sizes from 30 gallons up to 320+ gallons. The most popular is a 55-gallon container which you can occasionally find on Craigslist or ebay 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.

If you choose a large, non-gravity-fed barrel, you will need a pump or at least a simple siphon to get the water out. You will also likely need a bung wrench to close and open it.

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 The 150+ gallon containers are very convenient, gravity fed, and have fantastic use of floor space.	Large upfront investment financially The 150+ gallon containers are a very high cost per gallon 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.

#2: How to Store Water in 3-5 Gallon Jugs

These are typically available in white, somewhat opaque plastic as well as completely opaque blue plastic. There are also spigots available 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 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.

#3: How to Store Water in 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 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).

#4: How to Store Water in Waterbricks

Waterbricks are 3.5-gallon interlocking containers that can be used for food or water and are very popular with the “prepping” crowd. Spigots are 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, in the 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)

#5: How to Store Water in Soda/Juice Bottles

If you buy 2-liter soda or non-refrigerated juice (such as apple juice), you can use those containers to store water.

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

#6: How to Store Water in Store-Bought Water Bottles

These are available in small kids (8 oz.) sizes, the typical 16.9 oz bottle, or even large bottles.

Pros	Cons:
Extremely portable Great taste Easy to store/hide in lots of little places Easy to rotate/use everyday 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

How Do You Store Water at Home?

Remember, variety is key.  Consider what you are preparing for and plan accordingly.  You will likely choose to store water in more than one of the above options.  Start with what you can afford and move on from there!

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