While water may seem like an infinite resource, clean drinking water is a precious commodity. There’s no point in preparing for the worst without having fresh water available. Getting the best water storage containers is a sensible solution.
But what makes the best water storage container? It’s vital that it doesn’t become contaminated, holds enough water and is able to be properly secured. There are other features such as stacking ability that could be very useful and it can be hard to know which the best water storage containers are for you.
That where we can help. We’ve spent countless hours researching to come up with the 10 best water storage containers out there. Once you’ve reached the end of this guide, you’ll know which model is the perfect one for those emergency water needs.
Table of Contents
Best Water Storage Containers – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Capacity | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | WaterPrepared Blue | 55 Gallon | Enhance HDPE | Check Latest Price |
 | Reliance Products Aqua | 7 Gallon | HDPE | Check Latest Price |
 | WaterBrick Tan Water Storage | 3.5 Gallon | Plastic | Check Latest Price |
 | Augason Farms Water Storage | 55 Gallon | Food-Grade Polyethylene | Check Latest Price |
 | WaterStorageCube BPA Free | 3.5 Gallon | PE plastic | Check Latest Price |
 | Legacy Premium Food Storage | 15 Gallon | Food Grade Plastic | Check Latest Price |
 | API Kirk Containers | 5 Gallon | High Density PolyEthylene | Check Latest Price |
 | Midwest Brewing and Winemaking | 5 Gallon | BPA Free Plastic | Check Latest Price |
 | Scepter BPA Durable | 5 Gallon | LDPE and HDPE plastic | Check Latest Price |
 | REDCAMP Gallon Portable | 4/4.9 Gallon | – | Check Latest Price |
The 10 Best Water Storage Containers for Preppers
Here are our reviews of the 10 best water storage containers that will give you precious freshwater in any emergency situation.
1. WaterPrepared Blue 55 Gallon Water Storage Tank
When looking at water storage containers you’ll have the option of going for a big tank or a smaller and more portable solution. If it’s the former that you’re looking for then this would be a great option as it’s able to hold a huge amount at 55 gallons.
If you wanted to have the potential for even more storage, the tanks are stackable when empty to make them very easy to store. They aren’t very portable with no handles available and they will be extremely heavy once they are filled.
Despite having an initial plastic smell when you first get the container, they are extremely safe. This includes being free from BPA. The durability is also high and therefore you won’t have to worry about them cracking and leaking.
A great feature of this water container is the high-quality spigot it features. It makes it very easy to release the water without being worried about moving the huge tank. All the components are of a brilliant quality to give you peace of mind.
If you’re in a storm zone and face the risk of being without freshwater then this could be perfect. The water inside will last for a good number of days and you have the option of stacking them should your needs be higher. It gives you the ultimate emergency preparation.
What we liked:
- Huge 55-gallon capacity
- Stackable design
- Free from BPA
- Heavy-duty plastic
- Perfect for storm zones
- High-quality spigot
- Impressive durability
- Brass valve
What we didn’t like:
- No handles
- Initial plastic smell
2. Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
If you’re looking for something a little smaller, this would be perfect. At 7 gallons it is still able to hold a huge amount of water and can be carried over small distances. There is a wide grip that will enable you to carry it either inside your home or to a car for traveling.
The spigot on this is a very good feature as it will allow you to have easy access to your water at any time. You can also point it into the container for storage if you don’t need to use it. It can break if your leave it pointing outwards so you do have to be careful.
These containers are promoted as being stackable but it’s important to note that they can’t be stacked on top of each other when full. They are simply too heavy and the bottom container will start to get crushed. When empty, their stacking ability makes them very easy to store.
If you’re looking for a lot of water storage but don’t want an immovable huge tank, they are a great option. You are able to buy as many as you like and have all the water you need. They are also perfect for camping as they are big but not too big.
The screw-on vent is an excellent feature and there also measurement markings if you need to keep tabs on just how much water you’re using. The full container maybe a little too heavy for some but for a lot of users, they will be a perfect size.
What we liked:
- Comfortable molded grip
- Space-saving design
- Screw-on vent and spigot
- Great for multi-buying
- Perfect for camping
- Can hide the spigot
- Sturdy design
- Measurement markings
What we didn’t like:
- Can’t stack when full
- Spigots can break
3. WaterBrick Tan Water Storage Container
Want the ultimate in portability? This could well be exactly what you’re looking for. When full they will weigh around 25 pounds. That makes them an ideal size be carried around but they have also been made specifically to be stacked.
You can link them up like bricks, hence the name. This includes when they are full as they are extremely sturdy and durable. They can be interlocked up to 4 feet in height for easy storage and the ability to store a huge amount of water in a compact space.
Even though they have a very portable size, the handles aren’t the highest quality. Also, the lids of the storage containers are slightly recessed which can make them hard to loosen or tighten. Apart from that, the containers are of the highest quality.
The containers are food-grade and you won’t have to worry about your water becoming contaminated. They are also BPA-free and you won’t have to worry about plastic leaching. It helps to makes them highly versatile and could even be used for sand or ice.
You get immense value for money here and you’d be able to get as many or as few as you want. They look great and will help to keep you prepared in any circumstances. All you need to do is use the bricks to build your perfect water storage solution.
What we liked:
- Brilliant to stack
- Portable 3.5-gallon size
- Can be interlocked up to 4 feet
- Food-grade container
- BPA free
- Highly versatile
- Excellent durability
- Value for money
What we didn’t like:
- Can be hard to loosen
- Low-quality handle
4. Augason Farms Water Storage Barrel 55-Gallon Drum
Augason Farms is another company that has been able to make a huge water storage solution. At 55 gallons, you’re going to be able to have enough water supply to last you for several days if you’re ever cut off.
It makes it perfect for emergencies or simply as a back-up water supply. The plastic itself is as safe as it can possibly be. It’s free from BPA and therefore they’ll be no plastic leaching. It also reaches food standards of quality which shows the quality it has.
The top can’t be removed and that may be a little annoying for some. Also, you’re going to need to get a siphon pump and a bung wrench to use it properly. That’s just because of how big the container is and you have to weigh up if it’s worth it.
When you have the right tools, it’s very easy to use and you’ll be able to easily get the water from it. The ways it’s built will reassure you that your water won’t ever be contaminated. The construction is also very sturdy and highly durable.
Once filled, the container is going to weigh nearly 500 pounds so it’s safe to say it isn’t portable so look elsewhere if that’s what you’re after. There are a few buying options and if you need long-term storage you can buy more than once container.
What we liked:
- Perfect for emergencies
- Free from BPA
- Food-grade polyethylene
- Multiple buying options
- Huge 55-gallon capacity
- Very sturdy
- Easy to use
- Keep the water safe and clean
What we didn’t like:
- Top can’t be removed
- Siphon pump and bung wrench required
5. WaterStorageCube BPA Free Collapsible Water Container
Need a portable solution that you can easily store? This is probably the container for you. It not only has a more compact design but it is collapsible. That makes it perfect for camping where you can fold it up in transport and fill it up and expand it when you need too.
There are different size options depending on your needs but all of them are easy enough to carry. The wide handle helps with that. The portability and size don’t just make them perfect for camping but also keeping in your vehicle or home emergencies.
If you want to collapse it back down then it can take an annoyingly long time for it to be able to do that. Also, the flow of water is fairly slow. That spigot is leak-proof however, therefore, you won’t find yourself with a puddle of water.
They aren’t stackable when full and instead are a good alternative. It could be that you love that with their folded design you’re going to be able to keep them out of the way when you don’t need them. For those who want permanent water storage, they probably aren’t the right solution.
No plastic odor can be found which isn’t always the case and also you’ll have no odd taste to your water. Despite being foldable, the containers themselves are highly durable and will be able to take a lot of punishment and repeated use.
What we liked:
- Compact design
- Able to be folded
- Perfect for camping
- No plastic odor
- Leak-proof spigot
- Several buying options
- Tough materials
- Easy to store
What we didn’t like:
- Takes a while to empty
- Slow water flow
6. Legacy Premium Food Storage Water Storage Barrel
Legacy has been able to make a perfect storage solution for anyone who wants to have a tank of water but sees the huge tanks we’ve looked at a little too big. At 15 gallons it stores a huge amount of water without being immovable. In fact, the container has two large handles on the top of the container. This will allow you to pick it up and carry it close to the ground. You can then move it short distances such as from your garage into your home should you have an emergency.
When full it’s still going to weigh over 120 pounds so it’ll take effort but it can be done. The top of the tank will give you an extremely secure closure system that will make sure that the water doesn’t contaminate while it’s being stored.
We’ve mentioned leaching a few times and that’s where plastic wears away and chemicals get into the water. This can create hormone imbalances and lead to health issues. BPA was a form of plastic that was commonly used for water bottles but was found to leach badly. It’s vital your container is BPA-free and that’s exactly what we see here.
It means you can fill it up time and time again without having to worry. This large tank has just two spouts for pouring and venting. Draining can be a little difficult overall this is a brilliant water container and one that is ideal for many circumstances.
What we liked:
- Two wide handles
- Heavy-duty material
- Food-grade and BPA free
- Secure close
- Two pour/vent spouts
- Color restricts light
- Portable size
- Large capacity
What we didn’t like:
- Hard to drain
- Could be too heavy for some
7. API Kirk Containers 5 Gallon Samson Stackers
At 5 gallons, these containers are a lot more portable and a few of the other options we’ve looked at. It gives them portability that a lot of people will look for. They are also easy to store as they are stackable even when full.
They come in a pack of 6 which could be seen as positive or negative. It means you get great value for money but you might not want to be stuck with 6 containers. With 30 gallons of total storage available, however, the 6-pack is a clever storage solution.
The quality of the plastic used is the highest. As with all of the containers that we are showing you here, you can have complete confidence in its ability to store water. It makes it ideal for those looking for long-term storage.
The small containers do come with a spigot but it’s not the highest of quality and can be a little difficult to use. Their size does make them easy to pour and if the spigot breaks or you find it too difficult to use, you can still easily get the water out.
The lid is easy to lock and it will hold the water securely in place and prevent any leaks. These containers are perfect for anyone looking to store a huge amount of water but don’t want to do it with one big tank and instead spit it into smaller chunks.
What we liked:
- Highly portable
- Stackable design
- High-quality plastic
- Easy to store
- Comes in a pack of 6
- Comfortable handle
- Keeps water clean
- Easy to lock
What we didn’t like:
- Poorly designed spigot
- No buying options
8. Midwest Brewing and Winemaking Supplies Plastic Hedpack
Not only are there different types of plastics but they also have varying degrees of quality. The high-density polyethylene used here is brilliant and will not only not contaminate the water but also give it a good level of versatility.
A problem that some have with this container is that, while the plastic may be high quality, it’s not very thick. It means that it doesn’t quite have the same durability we have seen with other models but it’s not going to break easily by any means.
We’ve listed the material being translucent as something we liked but there is also a negative aspect to it. It allows you to keep a close eye on just how much water you have left and this is aided by the graduated markings on the side of the container.
The negative is that there is no blocking of the sunlight which can damage the plastic and accelerate the growth of bacteria. Most people will keep their storage containers indoors so this isn’t going to be an issue for most users. Annoyingly, the water storage container also comes with stickers attached to it. This wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact they are very difficult to remove. That’s only a minor annoyance on an otherwise great container that is easy to carry and can be emptied quickly.
What we liked:
- High-density polyethylene
- Wide neck
- Large carry handle
- Compact squared design
- Great versatility
- Translucent material
- Graduated markings
- Can be emptied quickly
What we didn’t like
- Stubborn sticker used
- Thin material
9. Scepter BPA Durable 5 Gallon Container (2 Pack)
With the army-style design of these containers, many people are going to love them. They look great but more importantly, they also work very well. At 5 gallons they are easy enough to carry and that’s aided by the large handle that they have.
They come in a pack of two which will be a little annoying to anyone just looking for one. The two-pack is great value for money so you can’t really complain. They also may be a little too small for some people who want to have more storage.
This is a perfect container for anyone looking to decant their water into smaller bottles for drinking. It has a small spout that makes pouring very easy. Other containers are much wider and unless they have a spigot, it can be very difficult.
The container is the ultimate in durability and this is a container that should be able to last for many years of continuous use. It will stand up to a lot of punishment, even in the most demanding of emergency environments.
It doesn’t offer you the highest amount of water storage but it’s perfect for those on the move. They could even be used to store other materials such as oil or stand. They are highly versatile but are great if you’re just focused on water storage.
What we liked:
- Army-style design
- Great portability
- BPA free
- Can fill water bottles
- Pack of two
- Heavy-duty material
- Tight screw top
- Impressive versatility
What we didn’t like:
- No buying options
- Smaller size
10. REDCAMP Gallon Portable Water Container
REDCAMP offers both a 4 and 4.9-gallon container that is easy to transport while still holding a significant amount of water. It’s perfect for all types of outdoor activities and it is a perfect size for taking on a camping trip with you.
The problem with this container is that it has a fairly significant leaking issue from the lid. The importance of this will depend on how you intend to use it. If kept upright, you’re not going to have any issues.
A positive aspect of this container is that it’s perhaps the easiest to clean out of all the ones we looked at. It’s, therefore, a brilliant option for anyone that wants to use the container for different types of liquids and there is even a cleaning brush included.
It’s made from safe plastic but some users have referenced a slight plastic taste when they first use the container. It’s always a good idea to give them a rinse before deciding to store water for any significant period of time.
It comes with a wide opening making it very easy to pour and fill up. It also comes with a spigot that will allow you to get the perfect amount of water without having to worry about any spillages. It’s a very good container that is very easy to use.
What we liked:
- Two sizing options
- Ideal for outdoor activities
- Easy to clean
- Wide opening
- Comes with a spigot
- Cleaning brush included
- Safe plastic
- Durable design
What we didn’t like:
- Leaking issues
- Some taste problems
Wrap Up
As we have seen here, water containers come in all shapes and sizes. Some people will want a huge container and others will be looking for something a little more portable. In this list, you’ll find the perfect solution as we’ve looked at many different options.
Whatever container you choose, you want to make sure it’s using the highest quality plastic, is easy to use and suits your needs. All the containers on this list will keep your freshwater safe and secure. Simply choose the best water storage container for you and enjoy that peace of mind.