Best Water Storage Containers for Emergencies [Tested]
Looking to store water for an emergency? We hands-on review the most popular water containers, purification methods, and effective water filters out there.
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You can survive for roughly 3 days without water.
Fine during normal days in civilization...but what happens during an emergency?
We'll cover a few of the easiest ways to store & purify water at home and in your car. Plus some alternatives for purifying on the go.
So you'll have that peace of mind for your family the next time a natural disaster or other emergency strikes.
Summary of Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Storage Solution: 5 Gallon Stackable Containers (4-Pack)Jump to Details ↓
- Best Portable Storage Solution: Emergency Water Pouch (64 Pack)Jump to Details ↓
- Best Water Preserver: ION Alkaline Water Storage Treatment DropsJump to Details ↓
- Most Affordable Emergency Purifier: LifeStrawJump to Details ↓
- Best Portable Water Filter: Katadyn Water FiltersJump to Details ↓
Table of Contents
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Best Water Storage Containers for Emergencies
Now...how much water should you store?
The rough rule of thumb is 1 gallon per person per day. You can go less (like in the chart with 2-3 liters, a gallon is roughly 4 liters), but unless you're really rationing...it's gonna suck.
1. 5 Gallon Stackable Containers
For me, with a wife and young child...I'm storing around 30 gallons of water. I'm not prepping for the end of the world...just up to 2 weeks.
I like these 5-gallon stackable containers because they are affordable, save space, and aren't too heavy.
It's great to have bigger containers, but keep in mind water is about 8 pounds a gallon.
My wife isn't going to like it...but she can move it if she has to.
Plus, since you're buying in multiple packs...you can spread them around your property.
What's your take on these stackables? Rate them below!
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2. 7 Gallon Aqua-Tainer
Slightly more capacity but will weigh more than 56 lbs when full. The Aqua-Tainer is also more robust, so you can use it for camping.
The bad news is you can't stack it easily if space is an issue. But...per gallon, it's a better deal than the stackables.
What I did was get the 20-gallon 4-pack of stackables and also two of the 7 gallons Aqua-Tainers in case we need to move with water.
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3. WaterBOB
There's always going to be that person that says they'll just fill up their bathtub. Great for a little while...but it's not sanitary and not covered.
That's where WaterBOB comes in.
It's a giant plastic bag with a nozzle where you can fill up to 100 gallons from your tap. Great for when you are able to anticipate an incoming emergency.
I'm going to get one as a backup...though my major threat is an earthquake which doesn't necessarily give me a heads up!
If you'd like more reviews on plastic water containers, check out here.
4. Emergency Water Pouches
How about for the car or your office?
You aren't going to carry around 40+ lbs of water, so that's where these emergency water pouches come in.
I first found out about them since they were in my old go-to car emergency kit. They are so convenient I ended up getting a bunch more for the office.
5. Larger Water Containers
These previous three choices are probably all you're going to need, but if you have that true prepper mentality...I've got some bigger containers for you.
Keep in mind these get heavy when filled and will not be going anywhere...
If you read enough prepping stuff, you might know you can use your water heater if it has a tank --- but I'd still suggest having emergency containers!
How to Purify Your Water
Now that you have the correct amount of water containers, you can't just throw tap water in there and expect it to last a long time. You're going to need to purify it somehow.
The easiest is with Water Preserver, which is essentially bleach. Sure, you can use some household bleach...but there are different strengths and other ingredients. Use this Department of Health site to do your research if you go that route.
I'll stick with Water Preserver, which is an easy 8 drops per gallon and should keep it good for up to 5 years.
After you do it...remember to mark down the date on the container or cap so you know when to refill it with new water.
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Best Survival Water Purifiers
What if you're on the go and need to purify some water?
One way is what I use sometimes for backpacking --- Water Purification Tablets.
Or there's the LifeStraw which lets you suck water from sources and gets rid of all the bad stuff that can make you sick.
Great for a go-bag or car kit where you don't want all the extra weight of actual water.
And if you're an avid hiker or need something more reliable and with more volume for your family, I really like Katadyn. Mine has filtered a lot of scummy water for me and my friends.
The all-metal versions like the one I use aren't cheap, but the plastic ones are still great for emergency situations.
We have more suggestions on water filters here!
Final Thoughts
There you have it --- the easiest way to store water for your family during an emergency.
My personal favorite is the 5-gallon pack of stackable containers combined with the water preserver drops, but everyone's needs are different, so choose accordingly.
No matter what you go with, remember to purify, keep the containers in different locations, and swap them out every 5 years.
Any other ways you currently store water? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want to go more hardcore, our Essential SHTF Gear List is for you.