Being able to store water before and after disaster strikes dramatically improves your chances of survival. Water is not just for drinking, but also important for cooking, cleanliness, and sanitation purposes. Storing an adequate supply of water ahead of a disaster will sustain you and your family for a while, but you may need additional water storage contain
Find answers to the most common questions about water storage containers, from how long water stays safe and how to treat it to container sizes, materials, and the best place to store it at home — because clean water is the one supply you can't afford to run out of.
Municipal tap water stored in clean food-grade containers lasts 6 to 12 months without treatment. With water preserver drops, stored water lasts up to 5 years. Rotate annually for best quality.
Not strictly required, but recommended for storage beyond 6 months. We carry Water Preserver Concentrate that treats 55 gallons; preserver drops extend water shelf life from 6 months to up to 5 years.
For households, stackable water containers or 55-gallon barrels are most common. Cube-shaped water containers are easier to move and fit into tight spaces, and range in size from 3.5 - 7 gallons; we carry a 5-gallon stackable container. Barrels hold more per unit but require a siphon pump and dedicated storage space.
Yes, 55-gallon water barrels are made from food-grade HDPE plastic and are BPA-free. Never store water in non-food-grade plastic or reused drums that previously held chemicals.
A cool, dark location at stable temperature: basement, interior closet, or north-facing garage wall. Avoid direct sunlight (causes algae growth) and temperatures above 85 degrees F. Elevate barrels off concrete with a pallet or platform.
Bleach treats water for immediate safety but is not a long-term preservative. Add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented household bleach (5 to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of clear water. Stir and let stand 30 minutes before use. Double the amount for cloudy water. Rotate bleach-treated water every 6 to 12 months. For extended shelf life of up to 5 years, use a dedicated water preserver product instead.
Store water in food-grade HDPE containers. Use clean tap water and add water preserver concentrate or unscented household bleach (8 drops per gallon). Store in a cool, dark location above 40 degrees F. Rotate every 5 years with preserver or annually without.