The Best Water Storage Containers

I want to share the best water storage containers today. We all want to store water for our family in case of an unforeseen disaster. In my book, “Prepare Your Family For Survival,” I recommend four gallons of water per person daily.

Now, The American Red Cross recommends one gallon per person per day. I get thirsty just thinking about only one gallon. Is it because I live in the desert? Possibly. In case you missed this post, The Best 5-Gallon Water Jugs.

I use a product called Water Preserver to protect the water in my containers from contamination, so I only have to change out the water every five years. I know other products are available, but I use this. Water Preserver

Unscented Bleach

I don’t recommend unscented bleach, but if you decide to use it, you should add two drops to one quart of water and rotate your water every six months using the bleach treatment approach.

If you are still deciding which water storage container(s) to buy, let’s discuss some options today. Keep in mind that I’m talking about long-term containers.

You may have seen some of my containers before, but many people have not. Please keep in mind that we need several ways to store water. Let’s get started with a few today. I’m visual, so I will share pictures of my containers with you so you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Please keep your water safe by storing it on two-by-4s to keep it off the ground or concrete. You don’t want chemicals to leach into the water container(s). Please use a lead-free hose, like this one, when filling your water containers. Lead-Free Hose

The Best Water Storage Containers

High-Capacity Water Tanks

The tank shown below holds 250 gallons of water. It sits on top of 2 by 4’s to keep it off the concrete. We also used a strap around it that was attached to the wall with a strong hook screwed into a wood stud to hold it in place in case of an earthquake.

You can fill it from the top and drain it with a stopper about 18 inches off the ground. Another spigot is close to the floor, so it can be completely drained when needed.

Medium Size Tanks

Some years ago, I purchased the water storage tank shown below from WaterInsured.com. I just tried to check out any new product offerings on their website, but they didn’t come up, so I’m not sure this company is still in business. I’m sure there are other companies with similar tanks.

This one stores 160 gallons. It is unique in shape since it is oblong, measuring 36″ x 29″. It measures approximately 42″ tall, including the tank filler cap on top. I understood that they built it at that width so it could fit through a door that is at least 30″ wide.

Note the large filler cap that screws on the top of the unit. I did notice it had a small cap in an indentation on the side of the tank’s top, so you can use natural water pressure when draining by simply loosening the cap.

Also, note the raised ridges on top. These were designed to accommodate another tank stacked on top so the tank wouldn’t be prone to shifting or sliding. The tank has a fixture on the bottom to drain efficiently if needed.

I also used the Water Preserver product in this tank to protect the 160 gallons. Note the 2″ x 4″ wood slats on the bottom for support. This is the company where I bought mine years ago, Water Prepared.

Small 55-Gallon Barrels

This is my least favorite way to store water. The good thing is, at least in Utah, they cost about $40.00 without the covers.

Because I live in the desert, I opted to buy UV Barrel Bags to protect the blue barrels from the heat. I purchased the first set of Barrel Bags about ten years ago.

I just recently replaced them. Remember that temperatures get up to 117 degrees here in the summer. When I removed the old covers, the barrels looked like new ones. I was so happy to see no destruction from the sun.

Occasionally, we get freezing temperatures, so I never fill them full. I leave room for expansion if the water freezes in the winter. Here are the things you will need if you decide to get 55-gallon barrels:

• A Bung (to loosen or tighten the closure cap)
• A Barrel Pump ( you need this to get the water out; there are no stoppers)
• UV Barrel Bags
• Water Preserver (one container per barrel)

WaterBricks

The WaterBrick on the left can hold 3.5 gallons of liquid and 27 pounds of dry food. The WaterBrick on the right can hold 1.6 gallons of water (currently unavailable) or 13 pounds of dry food. If you want a WaterBrick Spigot, this is it. The Water Preserver is needed if you only want to rotate your water every five years.

Years ago, in my guest room, I stored 56 gallons of water in my WaterBricks under a queen-size bed (depending on your bed frame and leg height).

WaterBrick Tips

• Dimensions of the WaterBricks (3.5-gallons)  9″ W x 18″ L x 6″ H 
• Dimensions of the WaterBricks (1.6-gallons) 9″ W x 9″ L x 6″ H
• These are stackable; 16 of the 3.5-gallon sizes will fit under my queen-sized bed (56 gallons total)
• They also stack/interlock for easy storage, yet you can quickly grab one and go.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of Water Preserver to store for five years; change the water every five years (for the 3.5-gallon size) 
• They have convenient handles with a “grip” to protect your hand. The handle folds into the unit for easy storage and stacking.

What about using smaller containers like empty milk jugs?

I’ve often been asked why I don’t write about or recommend the smaller jugs. I worry about several issues, like whether they were adequately cleaned out before the water was added, whether they are made of plastic designed for food or water storage for extended periods, whether chemicals will leach into the container if left on the ground or concrete, etc.

My experience has been that they are also prone to leaking. However, they are pretty handy for short-term use if other options aren’t available, and they are free since you are reusing them.

A better option may be the heavier plastic containers used for fruit juices. They tend to have thicker plastic that should hold up better over time. I’ve also heard that the larger vinegar containers tend to hold up okay for water storage on a shorter-term basis.

Final Word

Please think about adding more water storage containers to your stash. It’s all about being prepared for the unexpected. We can do this one container at a time, right?

Please tell me your favorite containers where you like storing water; I’d love to hear from you. May God Bless this world, Linda

The post The Best Water Storage Containers appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms