Nobody ever anticipates that they will have an emergency situation, but one of the greatest benefits of being prepared is not being unprepared. We live on a planet where water is the most important element, and having access to clean, drinkable water is invaluable regardless of the situation.
Despite the fact that many people are now buying water storage containers, even if they never use them, you can be sure that they are pleased to have them. If you have a water storage container at your disposal, you can feel at ease knowing that you have clean water available regardless of what happens.
With so many quality storage containers available, we are seeing that they are becoming more and more versatile as time goes on and that they can be used for a variety of other purposes besides simply storing stuff. There are a variety of water storage containers, and the one you choose will be completely determined by your situation and needs. We are confident that our in-depth reviews and our buying guide can help guide you toward choosing the right water storage containers in 2023 for you and your family.
1. WaterStorageCube Collapsible Water Container
Features
- Brand: WaterStorageCube
- Color: 1-Pack 1.3 Gallon / 5L
- Material: LDPE
- Weight: 0.15 Kilograms
- Dimensions: 10.24 x 8.35 x 4.84 inches
When you need to transport clean water away from a larger barrel, drum, or bag, keep a spare container like this one handy. While the sides of this container can be folded down to a quarter of their initial size when empty, its top is equipped with a firm handle.
The portable water storage container can carry up to 5.3 gallons of water, and the adjustable spigot allows you to draw water whenever you need it. This storage tank is an excellent option if you are planning on going hiking, fishing, or camping. The container’s flexible shape and small size make it easy to fit in a trunk. The lid has a gasketless design, so you won’t need to worry about losing a rubber seal when you fill the container.
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2. Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer Rigid Water Container
Features
- Brand: Reliance Products
- Model: 4×9410-24
- Color: Blue
- Material: Flexes
- Weight: 10.8 Pounds
- Dimensions: 44.9 x 24.4 x 12.3 inches
- View at Walmart
We also found the Reliance Products Beverage Buddy to be worthy of our best water storage container list. Featuring a handle at the top, Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer Rigid Water Containers are square containers. Because of its square shape, it does not save much space, but it can be stacked multiple times. However, that can only be done when they are empty. Due to its large lid, users will have no trouble filling it up with water.
Furthermore, despite its four-gallon capacity, its shape makes it relatively compact. In this way, some refrigerators might be able to accommodate it. You should therefore take cool and easy-to-drink water on camping trips. This invention also features a somewhat prominent carrying handle. Due to its capacity and size, it will be easier to carry than some other options.
The Aqua-Tainer’s larger seven-gallon capacity was appealing to us. This container comes with a five-year warranty as well, which gives us a lot of peace of mind. Only a minority of water containers come with any sort of warranty, let alone a five-year one. In direct sunlight, this container is likely to degrade, which is disappointing. Taking this water container camping would be great, but since it won’t withstand the sun, it won’t be a good option.
3. WaterBOB Bathtub Storage Drinking Water Container
Features
- Brand: Hunker Up, LLC
- Model: WB-06-001
- Color: Clear
- Material: LLDPE (Linear low-density polyethylene) Food grade
- Weight: 1.59 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 6 x 3 inches
In case you have an unused bathtub, you can store water in it. In fact, you can actually use it to make drinking water out of regular water from the faucet. With the WaterBOB Basement Emergency Water Storage Container, this is possible.
A special kit with everything you need to create drinking water that is 100% pure is included. Simply arrange the liner flat in your bathtub, facing the nozzles upwards. Unscrew the nozzle nearest your faucet, then attach the fill tube clockwise
After that, hold the sock over the faucet and fill the bladder of the system with cold water. Fill the filling sock up to the top and then place the white cap over it. The water can be used by removing the central nozzle and attaching the siphon pump.
No matter what type of natural disaster strikes, you can rest assured that your drinking water will always be available. As a matter of fact, the model can produce up to 100 gallons of water within a few minutes. Water purified through this process will remain fresh and safe for drinking for 16 weeks.
A bathtub is required in order for you to fully take advantage of this water storage container. As a result, its scope is limited to a certain degree. On the road, for example, it may be difficult to repurpose wastewater.
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4. Igloo Portable Water Storage Container
Features
- Brand: Igloo
- Model: 42257
- Color: Blue
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 14 x 8 x 21 inches
- View at Igloocoolers
Easily hydrated for up to a week, this water container from Igloo features a six-gallon capacity. This water pitcher comes with a built-in pouring spout that makes it easy to transfer water to pots and pans. Pouring spouts tuck away inside the container when not in use, so they’re compact and easy to store.
The FDA has approved this water storage container. Despite this, it contains BPA. There may be some people who are very concerned about ingesting chemicals who will find this unacceptable. Another issue was the vent plug, which had no locking mechanism. The container cannot be locked, so you cannot prevent water from dripping out of the vent hole, and you cannot store it on its side. In the event that this problem was fixed, our list of the best water containers would likely be much higher.
5. Scepter True Military Water Container
Features
- Brand: Scepter
- Model: 05935
- Color: Sand
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 6.75 x 19 inches
Although there is no truly indestructible water container, Scepter’s comes close. In spite of its durability, it can withstand drops quite well (but I would not recommend testing that). When stored on their side, the caps don’t leak as they are made of high-quality material.
This cap has a multi-part design that makes it very cool. When the entire cap is opened, the wide-mouth opening will be visible for filling. If your bottle has a vent cap and a smaller cap, you can easily remove them for pouring. This is a very intelligent design. One of the biggest downsides is how expensive the containers are.
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6. LCI Plastic Water Can
Features
- Brand: LCI
- Model: 7240000893827
- Color: Tan Can
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Dimensions: 19″W x 6.3″H
- View at Buylci
Water storage tanks used by the LCI system were designed specifically for the military, and they worked exactly as expected. Five gallons of capacity make this Can easy to carry for hours on end, and enough water will be inside to get you through any situation you might face that day.
People may have a problem with a smaller capacity. Even so, since the average person uses less than 2 gallons of water per day, this tank can provide you with enough water to last you for days if necessary.
It has a large handle on top that makes it easy to handle, and it ties easily to any trailer if you want to use this as an emergency water supply. I love that LCI water tanks employ veterans, disabled people, and people with visual impairments. These jobs are crucial to our economy and well-being.
7. Eagle Straight-Sided Barrel Drum
Features
- Brand: Eagle
- Model: 1656MBBG
- Color: Blue
- Material: HDPE
- Weight: 21.88 Pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 23 x 37 inches
There are also some of you who prefer vertical drums for storing water in case of emergency. You are in luck if this describes your situation, as the Eagle 1656MBBG will meet your needs. Water can be stored in this tank for up to 55 gallons at its maximum capacity. For a bit more money, you can buy them in packs from some sellers if you need more storage capacity.
Despite being made of polyethylene, it is quite different from some of its competitors in many ways. Its body contains UV inhibitors, for instance. This implies that you won’t have to worry about it deteriorating for a long time in the sun. In addition to resisting other weather elements, it ranks highly when it comes to durability.
Water reservoirs built from lightweight materials are another benefit. As a consequence, we don’t recommend lifting it when it is full of water with your bare hands. Eagle 1656MBBG’s lid is yet another impressive feature. Metal lever locks prevent water from spilling out of the container. A significant part of this component’s function is to keep contaminants out. It is also weather-resistant.
Though weather-resistant, it is best to keep this water supply well hidden inside the house just in case of an emergency. Additionally, this should be placed on a wooden base rather than a concrete one to prevent spills from seeping into the floor. Also, make sure they are not kept in areas where chemicals are present. By passing through the plastic, some of their vapor could contaminate water.
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8. APEC Pre-pressurized Reverse Osmosis Water Storage Tank
Features
- Brand: APEC Water Systems
- Model: TANK-14-A
- Color: White
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 26.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 23 inches
- View at Homedepot
iSpring T20M is not the only tank that you can use for reverse osmosis systems. This new water storage tank can give it a run for its money as well. Polyethylene is used to construct part of this water reservoir, and butyl is used to construct the other part.
Tanks of this kind generally come in two different capacities. One option is a 14-gallon tank, and the other one is a 20-gallon tank. The results of this don’t always provide an accurate assessment of what to expect from the invention. It holds 14.8 gallons of water in its 20 gallons version, while its smaller counterpart contains 15.6 gallons of water. Similarly, the 14-gallon option has a capacity for water of 10.7 gallons.
You should be able to install these tanks relatively easily into your OS system with a little DIY knowledge. The most important thing for this to work is a 3/4-inch female NPTF adapter that can be paired with the male adapter that is included. You will also need a tank ¼–inch ball valve.
Approximately the same as the other reverse osmosis tank on our list, this product may be used in either a horizontal or vertical position. Regardless of where you place the tank, the tank will remain efficient and the flow rate won’t change. As a result, you should be able to bring the product into any room in your house.
The water in this container will also always be clean due to the reverse osmosis system. This storage tank is also made from polyethylene of food-grade and butyl. Therefore, the water contained in it is considered safe for drinking.
The manufacturer also guarantees that this tank will not leak. You will also prevent contaminants from entering your water supply. The post-curing process for some of the components also distinguishes this product from the rest. By doing so, all odors will be removed from the tank.
Buying Guide: Water Storage Container
It is important to consider your individual needs carefully before purchasing water storage containers. Many popular products come with numerous features suited to their intended uses. The following factors are important when considering the water storage container.
Size
When we say that a water storage container has a maximum capacity, we refer to the amount of liquid it can hold when completely full. You should consider this information when selecting the best water storage container for your needs. For hydration and hygiene, every family member should drink 1 gallon of clean water per day. Purchasing larger tanks or multiple, stackable containers is a good option if your family is large.
According to FEMA, you should keep at least three days’ worth of clean water on hand. If you want to be safe, you should have a few weeks of water available. If you have a large family, ensure the water you have in storage can provide you with enough water for at least three days, and ideally for a few weeks.
Materials
You should first pay attention to what kinds of materials were used to make the water storage container. Plastic containers are commonly made from food-grade plastic because they are so light and durable. During construction, it is essential that the building material is BPA-free.
Ease of Use
The wide and sturdy spouts on water containers make it easier to pour out the water. You ought to ensure that the spout’s cap forms a tight seal so the water stays pure. Ensure that the container has a large and sturdy handle to make it easier for you to lift.
Portability
It’s important to think about how you will use the container before making a decision. People who want emergency water stored at home may prioritize different things from those who want to take water camping or as spare water in their vehicle.
If you’re going camping, collapsible containers are great because they take up little space when not in use. However, it would not be a good choice for emergency storage because it is not as durable.
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Durability
Water comes out of a storage container if it leaks or cracks while it is in use. Hence, make sure that whatever container you choose is especially tough and durable. Containers that come with a warranty are an indication of their durability.
Conclusion
People underestimate how important it is to have a backup water supply in case of an emergency. Several examples of natural disasters and freak accidents have shown that we need to be prepared for clean water when it is needed. Thanks to the market’s several options, each one possesses its own characteristics that set it apart from others.
Choosing the right water storage container may be challenging depending on your specific situation. With the help of our buying guide and some of our reviews, we think you will find the right solution. Please accept our sincere thanks for reading this article, and best wishes in your search for the best water storage container.
Video: Emergency Water Storage: WaterPrepared Water Storage Tank Review
Frequently Asked Questions
A 55-gallon barrel of water is easier to store than 55 one-gallon bottles of water, as far as the storage area is concerned. However, large water storage containers tend to be impractical for many people. The weight of a gallon of water is 8.33 pounds.
It is estimated that even a “small” 5-gallon water container will weigh over 41 pounds when full. Water can be difficult to pour from a container so heavy, not to mention the hassle of transporting it.
If the seal is adequate, water can be stored indefinitely. It is recommended, however, that water be switched every six months to prevent contamination. Prior to refilling the container, make sure that it is cleaned and disinfected.
As a first step, it is important to ensure that the entire container is BPA-free. You will then need to ensure that the plastic grade is #1, #2, or #4. Plastics rated for long-term and short-term water storage are listed here.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that you include at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day in your earthquake or disaster kit for drinking, food preparation, washing, and personal hygiene.
Water containers made of plastic, glass, enameled metal, or fiberglass need to be cleaned and disinfected before storing water. To keep dust, bacteria, and other contagions out of your drinking water, the storage container must be tightly sealed. Label the container once it has been sealed with the storage date and store it in a dark, cool environment with no toxic substances. Ensure that the water is changed every 6 months.