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Water storage container

October 28, 2023 // 30 minutes read

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Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com

These sturdy water storage containers will guarantee you safe and clean water wherever you are!

Staying hydrated is crucial not only for survival but also in living a healthy life. However, drinking water all the time can be tough due to varying factors. 

That’s where water storage containers come in.

We’ve tried and tested each one of these storage containers— so you won’t have to— and handpicked only the best! 

In this article we’ll cover: 

  • The anatomy of a water container;
  • How to choose the best water storage container for you;
  • The best water containers for all budgets and needs;
  • How we arrived at our verdict;
  • And much more…

Whether you’re an avid camper or someone who simply wants to store water in case of emergencies, we’ve got you covered! 

Read further to see our top picks and see which water storage container suits your needs the most! 

Let’s plunge right into it!

Introduction

Water is one of the most important things in life that keeps us alive. No one wants to ever end up in a situation where there’s no water available. 

With that in mind… 

Investing in a good quality water storage container is one of the best things you can do to be prepared in any situation.  

Storing water may seem like such a simple task, but you still need to know how to do it properly.

You might be wondering… What are the basics of storing water?  What are the best water storage containers out there?  What are the criteria for choosing the right one? Well, sit back and let us guide you through the process of choosing the right water storage container for you. Let’s get started!

Best Water Storage Containers

Editor's Choice

Best Contemporary Water Storage Container – Editor’s Choice Award

Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money100
Durablity100
Portability100
Capacity90
  • Material: Polyethylene
  • Storage Space: 7 Gallon
  • Item Dimensions: 15.5 x 7.25 x 21.75 inches; 2.6 Pounds
  • Included Components: Features tap style spigot and dual grip-through handles
  • Brand: Reliance Products
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

98

The Bottom Line:

Reliance 7 Gallon Water Container combines functionality, portability, and durability without sacrificing storage space.

What’s Good

  • Affordable
  • Made with BPA free food grade polyethylene
  • Functional design
  • With dual handles for easy carrying
  • Big capacity
  • Portable

What’s Bad

  • Can have a plastic smell at first (easily remedied with warm water and dish soap)

Summary

Camping enthusiasts and people who are looking for excellent emergency water storage containers alike will love this water container! 

Made with solid food grade polyethylene, it offers both durability and the assurance of it being BPA-free, and thus completely safe for your family to use!

It’s designed for total portability, with its dual grip-through handles for easy pouring, lifting, and carrying. 

This durable water container can carry up to 7 gallons, so you won’t have to panic about running out of water during camping or emergency situations.

Worried about storage space? 

There’s no need to, with this water container’s narrow design, you can fit in more than one of these, whether in your camping van or your kitchen storage.

Moreover…

Reliance 7 Gallon Water Container comes with a reliable tap-style spigot which makes dispensing water much easier.  

One thing though… 

After purchasing, you might notice a plastic smell. 

Fret not! 

All we did was fill it with about a gallon of warm water, put in some dish soap, swish it around a couple of minutes, and voila, the smell was gone! 

With all its great features and good value for money, we can confidently say that we made the right decision in making this our Editor’s Choice!

Related: Best Tactical Multi Tool

Best Value

Best Budget Water Storage Container – Best Value Award

WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money100
Durablity90
Portability100
Capacity80
  • Material: PVC, DEHP, BPA Free Plastic
  • Storage Space: 1.3 Gallon, 2.3 Gallon, 5.3 Gallon
  • Item Dimensions: Based from the product details on the link this is the dimension – 8.5 x7.7x 1.6 inches ; 6.38 Ounces
  • Included Components: Quick-flow Lid/Spigot And Comes with a 30pg Camping and Emergency Preparedness Survival Guide eBook
  • Brand: WaterStorageCube®
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

93

The Bottom Line:

WaterStorageCube BPA Free Collapsible Water Container is a great easy to use, easy to store, and easy to transport portable container ideal for small spaces and environmentally conscious consumers.

What’s Good

  • Very affordable
  • PVC, DEHP, and BPA Free
  • Leak-proof
  • Space-saving foldable design
  • Compact and Portable
  • Reusable
  • Versatile
  • Environment-friendly

What’s Bad

  • Some people may dislike the hard-to-peel brand sticker in front of the container

Summary

Storing water is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to emergency preparedness. 

A portable emergency water storage that you can fit in any space and is also durable is a must not only for camping but also in case of any natural disaster happening.

The first time we saw WaterStorageCube BPA Free Water Container, we knew it’s not one to underestimate. 

Easy to use and store (yes, even in a small refrigerator!), this collapsible water container is extremely portable with its unique lightweight and foldable design. 

Say goodbye to bulkiness! 

In case you’re wondering… 

Yes, it does retain its shape even after being folded many times! 

Featuring soft molded handles, it’s easy to transport and carry so that you won’t have to struggle in moving it during emergency situations. 

Its custom-made lid and spigot ensure good water flow and a leak-proof experience.

But wait, it gets even better! 

This water container is made of environment-friendly PE plastic, which is not only certified BPA-free but also PVC- and DEHP-free! 

This means that you don’t have to worry about any toxic materials that can harm your family’s health… or the environment… or about any odor or taste affecting your water.

Talk about triple wins!

Considering its insane quality to price ratio, no wonder we’re giving this product our Best Value Award. Bang for your buck!

This water container is available in different sizes: 1.3 gallons, 2.6 gallons, and 5.3 gallons.

Related: Best Utility Knife

Top Pick

Best Water Storage Container For Emergency – Top Pick Award

WaterBrick Stackable Emergency Water and Food Storage Container

Value for Money90
Durablity100
Portability90
Capacity100
  • Material: HDPE Resin (High-Density Polyethylene Resin)
  • Storage Space: 3.5 Gallon
  • Item Dimensions: 25.5 x 18.6 x 18.7 inches; 7.05 Ounces
  • Included Components: Detachable carrying handle
  • Brand: WaterBrick
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

95

The Bottom Line:

WaterBrick Emergency Water and Food Storage is perfect for those who prioritizes sturdiness and storage versatility.

What’s Good

  • Made with HDPE Plastic Resin, which is BPA Free plastic material
  • Stackable and compact
  • Storage versatility
  • Great capacity
  • Durable
  • Extreme sturdiness and durability

What’s Bad

  • Can be expensive
  • The spigot has to be bought separately

Summary

Looking for an exceptionally durable emergency water storage that’s also easy to store? 

Look no further than the WaterBrick Emergency Water and Food Storage! 

This solidly built container can store not only water but also food, sugar, salt, rice, and other essential items that you want to keep dry, which makes it ideal for optimum emergency and natural disaster preparedness.

But wait, its versatility doesn’t end there…

Do you know that it can also be used for brewing and storing beer and wine? And keep things cold, too?

That makes it great for picnics, camping, and other fun activities as well!

You’re probably wondering how can a mere plastic container be capable of all that? 

It’s because this storage container is made with quality high-density Polyethylene, which is known as one of the most versatile and sturdiest types of plastic. 

It’s also a BPA-free and food grade material, so you can be assured that it’s completely non-toxic.

These water containers come in an interlocking design so that you can easily stack them on top of each other, like Lego blocks, for maximum storage-saving. 

Great for those living in small apartments with little space to spare.

Now you’re probably looking at this and thinking how heavy this must be to carry. Well, not at all! 

The unit includes a detachable carrying handle which, combined with the container’s sleek rectangular shape, makes it easy to carry around and transfer from place to place during emergency situations.  

Its notched lid with Full Rubber Gasket enables you to seal it tightly, so you won’t have to worry about it leaking even when you lay it horizontally.

Cleaning it is fairly easy. 

To avoid any mold buildup and other impurities, which are the enemies of long term water storage, just wash the inside of the container using dish soap, then rinse with any household unscented liquid bleach. 

The catch is…

Buying one unit can cost quite a lot. 

However, we chose this as our Top Pick awardee for a reason— a lot of reasons actually, including its durability and great capacity. 

Incredibly durable and sturdy, easy to store, made with food safe material, and of course, so versatile in its storage capacity that you won’t have to buy more storage containers for your other essential items…

This is just the kind of storage container that you can rely on, whether for a fun picnic or more serious situations like natural disasters. 

What’s not to love?

Related: Best Tactical Headlamp

Best Jumbo Storage Water Container

Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Barrel Container

Value for Money90
Durablity100
Portability80
Capacity100
  • Material: Enhance HDPE
  • Storage Space: 55 Gallon
  • Item Dimensions: 28 x 22 x 30 inches
  • Included Components: Built-in spigot
  • Brand: WaterPrepared LLC
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

93

The Bottom Line:

Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Storage is perfect for long term water storage of large volumes of water.

What’s Good

  • Made with BPA free food grade materials that comply with FDA and NSF standards
  • Build with UV-resistant material
  • Wide 5’’ opening making it easy to fill
  • Built-in spigot for easy water access
  • Big capacity

What’s Bad

  • Can be difficult to clean
  • No handles included

Summary

If you’re the type who’s always planning ahead and wants to make sure that you and your family have an ample supply of water in case emergency situations like natural disasters or water supply cut-offs arise, jumbo-sized water barrel containers are perfect for you. 

Specifically, Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Storage.

Created with long term water storage as its priority, it’s built with high-density polyethylene material for maximum resilience, making it able to handle hundreds of gallons of water for years, even decades! 

Its 55-gallon capacity makes it the ideal heavy-duty plastic water storage container that ensures an adequate water supply for a person – for up to 55 days! 

Wait, it gets even better…

WaterPrepared’s Emergency Water Storage is unique among other water barrel containers in that it has a spigot at the bottom front of the barrel for effortless water dispensing. 

It also has a wide 5’’ opening at the top, making it easier to fill up with water. 

Now you might have concerns about storing water for long periods of time. 

Yes, technically, water has no expiry date, but storing it the wrong way can lead to all kinds of unpleasant things. 

This won’t be the case with this water storage container though. 

This unit is designed with a UV-resistant HDPE plastic material to protect your water from any bacteria buildup and other pollutants. 

The materials are all 100% BPA-free, FDA- and NSF-compliant, so you can be assured of the water container’s safety. 

Yes, you read that right…

You can store this huge water storage container in your garden, backyard, or garage without worrying about your water getting polluted or anything.  

Storage-wise, this big baby might look like a nuisance at first glance, but we assure you that it’s not. 

Another thing that sets this apart from other barrel water containers, which usually have rounded shapes, is its unique stackable design.

Big in size yet still managed to be a space-saver, on top of its other amazing features? It’s clear why WaterPrepared’s Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Storage is our pick for the Best Jumbo Storage Water Container!

 Best Lightweight Water Storage

Water Storage Tank – Bladder – Bag – AQUATANK2

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money90
Durablity90
Portability100
Capacity90
  • Material: Food-Grade TPU (Polyurethane) and Durable Nylon
  • Storage Space: 60 Gallons
  • Item Dimensions: 13.1 x 12.3 x 3 inches
  • Included Components: Upper Fill Hose and Lower Drain Hose
  • Brand: Extra Packaging Corp.
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

93

The Bottom Line:

AQUATANK2 Water Storage Bag is great for people looking for extreme durability and something lightweight in proportion to its storage capacity.

What’s Good

  • PVC – and BPA Free
  • Extremely durable even under extreme pressures
  • Very portable
  • Lightweight for its capacity
  • Great for outdoors

What’s Bad

  • It may not be the best for long term water storage

Summary

On the market for the perfect companion for your next camping and backpacking adventures? AQUATANK2 Water Storage Bag got your back! 

This soft-looking storage bag is the perfect example of “Don’t judge the book by its cover”.

You might take a look at it and think to yourself that there is no way this could be durable. 

 Uh-huh, think again…

This unit is made of 100% food grade polyurethane plastic housed within a lightweight yet durable nylon, which gives it its sturdy quality. 

How durable it is, you wonder? 

Well, accepting the manufacturer’s challenge, we tried tearing it, folding it, even stepping on it, you name it – and there’s not a tear in sight!  

Very impressive. 

We can definitely say that this water storage will remain puncture-free in transport, as long as you store it properly, preferably in a box or some kind of container.

You don’t have to worry about any weird taste or odor in your water ruining your outdoor fun, as it is both PVC – and BPA-free. 

Accessing water from it and filling it are pieces of cake too. Just attach a food-grade water hose to the inlet and outlet tubes, and you’re good to go! 

Aside from its durability and portability, its best asset is its incredible lightness. 

Of course, it will get heavier once filled with water, but even then, it’s surprisingly lightweight for something that carries 15 gallons of water! 

Best Water Storage Container For Outdoor

Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money90
Durablity90
Portability100
Capacity90
  • Material: BPA-free Polyethylene
  • Storage Space: 7-gallons/26.5-liters
  • Item Dimensions: Based on the amazon link – 11.3 x 11.0 x 15.3 inches
  • Included Components: Reversible hideaway spigot and screw-on vent And Screw-on vent cap
  • Brand: Reliance Products
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

93

The Bottom Line:

If you love being outdoors a lot, the Reliance 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container is the perfectly reliable water storage container that you need.

What’s Good

  • BPA Free
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Stackable
  • Rectangular shape for easy storage
  • Screw-on vent cap that prevents leakage
  • Includes a reversible hideaway spigot
  • Liquid level indicator

What’s Bad

  • Spout can be difficult to screw on

Summary

Being outdoors a lot is fun, but one of the biggest concerns is how to keep everyone hydrated at all times and have a sufficient water supply. 

That’s where Reliance 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container comes in!

This water storage container is so sturdy that we still own the one we had bought many years ago!

Built with durability and portability for outdoor activities in mind, this water container is made with rigid BPA-free food grade polyethylene material and features an ergonomic, contoured handle for ease of transport. 

It also has a sleek, rectangular shape that allows it to be stackable (when empty) and a screw-on vent cap that makes for easy storage— no problems with water leaking in your car whatsoever!

Planning to use this as a beverage container during camping, picnics, and music festivals? 

Be assured that this thing can hold both hot and cold liquids without its structure getting damaged. 

And because we value cleanliness and safety, it’s important to not only hydrate ourselves but to also wash our hands very often.

Reliance Water Container has you covered in that aspect too! 

Featuring a reversible hideaway spigot, it makes accessing water super quick and easy!  

Another special feature is the liquid level indicator that shows you how much water you have left. 

Cool, isn’t it?

With its smart design and features, this water storage container has served us well during recreational activities outdoors – and for emergency preparedness too. 

Just make sure to avoid it being exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, as its material isn’t built to handle that, and it may lead to brittleness later.

Trust us when we say that this amazing water container will last for years, as long as you take care of it – it sure did for us!

Best Portable Water Storage Container

Scepter 05935 Military Water Container

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money100
Durablity100
Portability90
Capacity80
  • Material: Food Grade Low Density/High-Density Polyethylene
  • Storage Space: 5 Gallons
  • Item Dimensions: 13.5 x 6.75 x 19 inches
  • Included Components: A small spout and breather hole
  • Brand: Scepter
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

93

The Bottom Line:

You can’t go wrong with Scepter Military Water Container if you’re after a powerfully durable product that will last you years.

What’s Good

  • Top-notch sturdiness and durability
  • Impact-resistant
  • Easy to transport
  • BPA Free

What’s Bad

  • Expensive

Summary

For those who are looking for tough-as-nails water storage containers, Scepter Military Water Storage Container is hard to beat. 

The scepter is already a well-known name when it comes to portable products for the military and consumer markets alike, for a reason. 

Their products are engineered for maximum endurance and handling heavy pressures. 

And their Military Water Storage Container is no exception.

Built specifically for military needs, this bad boy will surely be strong enough for your off-road and outdoorsy escapades too!

It is constructed with BPA-free, low and high-density polyethylene materials, giving it its super thick and impact-resistance quality.

What does this mean for you? 

It means that it’s so tough that you can throw it around, drop it from a height, do whatever you like with it, and we swear that it will take any abuse, resulting in no damage whatsoever!  

It also means that you won’t have to worry about your water tasting or smelling odd, giving you access to safe and clean water wherever you are!

Its single carrying handle allows for easy transport, while its small spout and breather hole with a cap makes pouring and filling water easy and uncomplicated.

You might be thinking, there has to be a catch, right? 

Well, there kind of is. 

This water storage container is on the pricier side, but in our opinion, it’s absolutely worth every cent, considering its great portability, unbelievable sturdiness, and the fact that it will last for years and years. 

Sure beats buying a water storage container every month because the one you bought is low quality and breaks down at the first sign of pressure, right?

We don’t know about you, but we’d rather invest in something that can stand even the most violent storms, and feel assured that it won’t let us down.

Best 5 Gallon Stackable Water Storage Container

Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackables

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money90
Durablity80
Portability90
Capacity100
  • Material: BPA Free HDPE
  • Storage Space: 5 Gallons each container
  • Item Dimensions: Based on the amazon link its – 11x 14 x 10 inches; 60 pounds
  • Included Components: Vent hole for better airflow
  • Brand: Ready Store
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

90

The Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for stackable water storage containers that can sustain your family during emergencies, this is what you need.

What’s Good

  • BPA Free
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent storage capacity
  • Great for storing water in large households
  • Opaque blue color for sun protection
  • Stackable

What’s Bad

  • No included spigot

Summary

Be one step ahead of any emergency situations or natural disasters with these 5 Gallon Stackable Water Storage Containers from Saratoga! 

Did you know?

It’s recommended to have a 2-week water supply stored for each person, which means you should have 1 gallon of water per person per day during emergencies.

The set includes 12 stackable containers with 5 gallons capacity each, which makes it suitable for emergency preparedness, as it can sustain a household’s daily water needs during an emergency, for up to 120 days.

These water containers are all made of BPA-free, food grade High-Density Polyethylene plastic, which, you can be assured, is 100% non-toxic and very much safe for your loved ones to use. 

The cool thing is…

The containers come in an opaque blue color for a reason: The dark blue shade fends off sunlight from getting into the water. 

Prolonged sun exposure and heat, by the way, promote the build-up of harmful bacteria in your water. 

So yes, you read that right, the color and opaqueness are there for a reason, which is to protect your water from pollution!

That said, it’s still best if you make an effort to protect these containers from sun exposure by storing them in shaded areas.

In case any need to move or transport them arises, you definitely can, as these also include molded handles and heavy-duty caps to ensure safe transport and make sure that the water remains intact. 

As for the weight, don’t worry, they’re not very heavy at all! 

Weighing only about 40 pounds when filled with water, they’re very lightweight, and anyone with decent muscle strength can pick them up and carry them. 

By now you might be wondering…

Will your water be easily accessed when stored in these containers? 

And the answer is yes! 

The unit features a wide opening and a vent hole for better airflow. Each of the containers’ lids has a centerpiece in which you can attach a spigot. 

Just screw in the spigot, open the vent hole, and let the water flow out!

The kicker is…

The spigots are not included in this unit, you have to buy them separately. 

Worry not, as they’re widely available and very cheap. You only really need one anyway.

All in all, having these 5 Gallon Stackable Containers around is a great way to store water for emergency purposes, especially for large households.

Best BPA Free Water Storage Container

Foldable Cube Camping Water Container

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money90
Durablity80
Portability100
Capacity80
  • Material: BPA Free, Culinary-grade LDPE4
  • Storage Space: 5 Gallons
  • Item Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 3 inches
  • Included Components: Leak-Proof Spigot with Large Water Outlet
  • Brand: TOPOKO
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

88

The Bottom Line:

We highly recommend this to anyone looking for a solid portable container that is foldable and you can bring anywhere, extremely lightweight, and has a decent storage capacity.

What’s Good

  • PVC, DEHP, and BPA Free
  • Eco friendly
  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Portable
  • Foldable and collapsible
  • Leak-proof

What’s Bad

  • It may not be the best option for heavy-duty water storage

Summary

Being outdoors is great and all, but running out of water while you’re out and about? Not so fun. 

If that happened to you before, well, that sucks. 

Fortunately, you won’t ever have to go without water again… And you don’t have to carry heavy water storage containers to stay hydrated while outdoors.

Foldable Cube Camping Collapsible Water is an incredibly lightweight water storage bag that’s so lightweight you can even carry it inside your backpack!  

What’s more…

It’s manufactured with high-quality PVC-, DEHP-, and BPA-free, Culinary-grade Low Density Polyethylene that is not only 100% non-toxic, but also eco-friendly! Win-win! 

This foldable water storage container is not only useful while enjoying the outdoors, but it can also be one of the most vital aspects of your emergency preparedness kit!

This leads us to…

We can’t predict what will happen, so it’s always best to stay prepared at all times, and storing emergency water is one of the best things you could do. 

This water storage container is definitely up to the task. Perfectly foldable and collapsible, it can fit in any small space such as your kitchen cabinets and will save you tons of space. 

It also has a handle that makes it easy to just grab and go when rushing during an emergency situation.

One of its key features is its Leak-Proof Spigot with a Large Water Outlet.

With its faucet’s notable design, you won’t have to worry about anything leaking. Compared with other collapsible water storage containers, you can control the rapidity of the water flow more with this water container. 

It may not be the most heavy-duty water container out there, but it does the job of basic water storage just fine.

Best Water Storage Container For Camping

Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage Container

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
  • Save
Value for Money100
Durablity90
Portability90
Capacity90
  • Material: BPA Free Plastic
  • Storage Space: 6 Gallon
  • Item Dimensions: 14 x 8 x 21 inches
  • Included Components: Molded-in top and side handles, pull-up vent and spout
  • Brand: Igloo
Click to view ReviewsClick to Buy Now

Overall Score:

93

The Bottom Line:

Perfect find for anyone looking for a durable and sturdy water storage container for an affordable price.

What’s Good

  • Affordable
  • Sturdy
  • Great durability
  • Ideal for rough outdoor activities
  • Has two handles
  • Includes a spout

What’s Bad

  • You have to play around with the lid first to ensure that it’s leak-proof

Summary

Finding the perfect water storage container is not an easy task, especially when you’re on a budget. 

We know the feeling… 

Anyway, may we introduce you to the Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage Container?

Ruggedly built, with heavy walls, it’s made to survive rough conditions while camping, trekking, or doing just about any off-road activities. 

It’s ideal for transport too, with not one but two molded-in handles on the top and the side!

Moreover… 

The unit features a pull-up vent that allows for smoother water flow and includes a spout, which you can conveniently hide inside the container when you’re not using it. 

Sounds good?

By now you’ll be wondering if its durability can compete with other water container products with higher price tags.

You bet it can!

We all have personally used this already during many backpacking trips, and we have to say that it indeed served us well and kept us hydrated throughout our outdoor adventures. 

In our experience though, you have to play around with the lid 2-3 times first to be able to enjoy a leak-proof experience, but it’s just a very minor thing to complain about in an otherwise solid water storage container.

Why Trust Us

My teammates and I have been long-time outdoor enthusiasts. 

We’ve been traveling and camping whenever we can (every weekend, if possible) and been to the rockiest parts of various forests and steepest parts of mountains. 

For us, staying well-hydrated is a top priority. 

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
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And that’s why we have been trying out different water storage containers for years, searching for the best ones that will complement our lifestyle.

I think I can speak for my teammates when I say that we are some kind of, uh, water container connoisseurs now, not to brag or anything…

Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Water Storage Containers

1 – Different Types of Water Storage Containers

  • Big Water Storage Tanks, Barrels, and Drums – Great for long term water storage
  • Portable Water Storage Containers – Ideal for transport during emergency situations or for outdoors

2 – Features To Look Out For

  • Handles for easy transport
  • Vent-up hole for better airflow 
  • Spigot for easier access to water 

3 – Water Storage Containers and specifications explained

water storage container is useful for storing water and staying hydrated wherever you are, whether enjoying yourself outdoors or during an emergency crisis.  

Water storage containers have the following specifications:

  • Material – Water storage containers can be made from various materials, but plastic is the most common. Just make sure to read the label and choose only those that are made with BPA-free, food grade plastic materials.
  • Storage Space – Refers to the capacity of a particular water storage container.
  • Item Dimensions – Water storage containers come in various weights and sizes. It’s important to know these so that you’ll know if a water container is portable, easy to carry, easy to store, and easy to transport.
  • Included Components – Some water storage containers include some extra components like a spigot, handle, etc.

These are things to consider

  • A water storage container must be made with BPA-free, food-grade materials to ensure safety and avoid toxic materials from getting into your water. Always look for the numbers #1, #2, and #4 at the bottom of the container
  • Durability and sturdiness are vital, especially if you’re storing water for emergency purposes  
  • It’s also preferable for water storage containers to be heavy-duty and portable

5 – Jargon Buster

  • BPA – Stands for Bisphenol A, a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Some research shows that exposure to this chemical can be dangerous to the health, and thus, best avoided.
  • Low and High-Density Polyethylene – Types of plastic that are often used in manufacturing containers, Tupperware, bottles, etc. They are considered safe to use as long as they are marked with the numbers #1, #2, and #4 at the bottom of the container.

Water Storage Containers Top Tips

  • Keep your water storage container out of direct sunlight and heat. This will prolong their shelf life, as those can damage the container’s plastic material, which will eventually lead to leakage.
  • Some containers are more durable than others, but it is still important to store any container properly.

How do you store emergency water?

First things first. We can’t stress enough the importance of choosing a water storage container made from non-toxic, food grade materials for the safety of your loved ones.

As for the size of the container, CDC recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking, sanitation, and other basic purposes. If you have a lot of family members, you may need more, so it’s best to invest in large water containers so that you can be sure that you won’t run out of water supply in emergencies.

Store your containers in a dry place to avoid pollutants and ensure proper long-term storage.

How do you clean a water container?

Wash the container first with water and any dish soap. Rinse well. Then to sanitize it completely, get some unscented household chlorine bleach and dilute it with 4 cups of water. Cover the container with the lid, shake well for at least 30 seconds, making sure the solution reaches every crevice inside, then empty the container. Rinse the container with water, and it’s ready to use!

How long can you store water in a container?

It will depend on how you store your water. If stored properly, water can last for years without going bad.

Our Analysis. Comparisons & Test Results

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

Everybody wants the highest quality they can afford, but of course, not everyone has tons of money to spare.

The good news is, you really don’t have to spend a lot to get a good product.

These are what we’ve considered when we ranked these water containers: If the product has an affordable price, will you get more than what you paid for? And if it’s on the pricier side, is it worth investing in?

Value for Money Ratings

Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container
100%
WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container
100%
Scepter 05935 Military Water Container
100%
Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage Container
100%
WaterBrick Stackable Emergency Water and Food Storage Container
90%
Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Barrel Container
90%
Water Storage Tank – Bladder – Bag – AQUATANK2
90%
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
90%
Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackables
90%
Foldable Cube Camping Water Container
90%

Durablity

Considering that the two most common reasons for buying water storage containers are for emergency and outdoor purposes, you don’t want one that will break at the first sign of pressure. You want something that can withstand rough situations on the road and natural disasters. 

And that is why durability is so vital.

Durablity Ratings

Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container
100%
WaterBrick Stackable Emergency Water and Food Storage Container
100%
Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Barrel Container
100%
Scepter 05935 Military Water Container
100%
WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container
90%
Water Storage Tank – Bladder – Bag – AQUATANK2
90%
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
90%
Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage Container
90%
Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackables
80%
Foldable Cube Camping Water Container
80%

Portability

Just as important as durability, you want a water container that you can easily transport and carry with you anywhere. 

As they say, expect the unexpected, so it’s best to always be prepared in any situation, wherever you are.

Portability Ratings

Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container
100%
WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container
100%
Water Storage Tank – Bladder – Bag – AQUATANK2
100%
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
100%
Foldable Cube Camping Water Container
100%
WaterBrick Stackable Emergency Water and Food Storage Container
90%
Scepter 05935 Military Water Container
90%
Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackables
90%
Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage Container
90%
Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Barrel Container
80%

Capacity

Water storage containers come in various storage capacities. And of course, your preferred storage capacity will depend on your needs.  

But in our opinion, the bigger the capacity, the better.

Capacity Ratings

WaterBrick Stackable Emergency Water and Food Storage Container
100%
Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Barrel Container
100%
Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackables
100%
Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container
90%
Water Storage Tank – Bladder – Bag – AQUATANK2
90%
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
90%
Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage Container
90%
WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container
80%
Scepter 05935 Military Water Container
80%
Foldable Cube Camping Water Container
80%

Our Final Verdict: Best Water Storage Containers

Applause to the winner of our Editor’s Choice Award, the simply superb Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container! 

Durable, portable, affordable, reliable… Is it any wonder that it’s our top choice? 

If you’re looking to save money but still want a product that does the job amazingly well, you can’t go wrong with our Best Value awardee, the WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container. 

Storage versatility is such a good quality to have in a water storage container, and that’s why WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container is our Top Pick!

Best Overall Score

Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container
98%
WaterBrick Stackable Emergency Water and Food Storage Container
95%
WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container
93%
Blue 55 Gallon Emergency Water Barrel Container
93%
Water Storage Tank – Bladder – Bag – AQUATANK2
93%
Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
93%
Scepter 05935 Military Water Container
93%
Igloo 6 Gallon Water Storage Container
93%
Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackables
90%
Foldable Cube Camping Water Container
88%

Conclusion: Best Water Storage Containers

Best Water Storage Containers - Bugoutbill.com
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With so many great options for water storage containers out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

We totally get that, so allow us to share our humble recommendations…

The products on our list are all excellent quality, but if you want something that is top-tier in almost every aspect, our Editor’s Choice, the Reliance 7 Gallon Jerry Can Style Rigid Water Container, is pretty hard to beat.

If durability in a product is your top priority, may we suggest our Top Pick, WaterBrick Stackable Emergency Water And Food Storage Container?

Now if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a quality product, how about our Best Value awardee, the very affordable WaterStorageCube BPA-Free Collapsible Water Container?

There you have it!

We sincerely hope that this comprehensive guide has helped answer your questions regarding water storage, and also helped you choose the perfect water storage container for your needs.

Now go out there and explore the world… While being well-hydrated, of course!

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