Water storage containers: pick the size, then store them right
We research products from makers' specs, manuals and safety agencies; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
Quick answer
CDC says to store at least 1 gallon per person per day: 12 gallons for a family of four for 3 days, or 56 gallons for 2 weeks. Refillable food-grade containers make that manageable. WaterBrick's 3.5-gallon bricks interlock and weigh 27 lb full. Reliance's 5-gallon Water-Pak stacks 3 high when full and has a spigot. Its 7-gallon Jumbo-Tainer 2.0 is slim enough to fit under many surfaces. Whichever you choose, CDC says to clean and sanitize it first, label it and replace the water every 6 months.
Three refillable containers compared
| Spec | WaterBrick standard | Reliance Water-Pak | Reliance Jumbo-Tainer 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 gal (half size: 1.6 gal) | 5 gal (also 2.5 gal) | 7 gal (26 L) |
| Size | 9 x 18 x 6 in | 10.5 x 9.5 x 15.5 in | 15.3 x 8.5 x 18.0 in |
| Empty weight | 2.52 lb | 1.76 lb | 2.9 lb |
| Stacking | Interlocking, brick style | Up to 3 high when full | Not stated; slender upright shape |
| Dispensing | 3¼ in wide lid | Hideaway spigot | Hideaway spigot |
| Materials stated | HDPE, BPA free, FDA compliant | LFGB certified, FDA compliant, PFAS and BPA-free | LFGB certified, FDA compliant, PFAS and BPA-free |
WaterBrick lists 27 lb for a standard brick filled with water and says its detachable carry handle is designed for carrying, even over long distances on foot.
How many containers you need
CDC's minimum is 1 gallon per person per day, with a 2-week supply as the goal and more for pregnant women, people who are sick, pets and hot climates. For a family of four:
- 3 days: 4 x 1 x 3 = 12 gallons.
- 2 weeks: 4 x 1 x 14 = 56 gallons.
To hold 56 gallons you would need 16 WaterBricks (56 divided by 3.5), 12 Water-Paks (56 divided by 5 is 11.2, rounded up) or 8 Jumbo-Tainers (56 divided by 7). Footprint differs too: a WaterBrick covers 162 sq in for 3.5 gallons, a Water-Pak about 100 sq in for 5 gallons, and a Jumbo-Tainer about 130 sq in for 7 gallons. For larger amounts, see our water barrel and tank guides.
What makes a container safe for drinking water
CDC says FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers are best because they will not transfer toxic substances into the water; if you are unsure, ask the maker. If you cannot get one, choose a container that:
- Has a top that closes tightly.
- Is durable and unbreakable, not glass.
- Has a narrow neck or opening if possible, so you can pour from it.
Never reuse a container that held toxic chemicals such as bleach or pesticides. WaterBrick also says its bricks are not for fuels or oils.
Clean and sanitize before the first fill
CDC's steps for any storage container:
- Wash with soap and rinse completely.
- Sanitize with 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household bleach (5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite) mixed into 1 quart of water.
- Cover and shake so the solution touches every inside surface.
- Wait at least 30 seconds, then pour it out.
- Air-dry the empty container.
- Fill with clean water and close the lid tightly.
Store, rotate and use it cleanly
- Label each container "drinking water" with the storage date.
- Replace self-filled water every 6 months; for store-bought water, follow the expiration date. CDC calls unopened commercial bottled water the safest emergency source.
- Keep it at 50 to 70°F, out of direct sunlight and away from gasoline, pesticides and other toxic substances.
- Pour, don't dip: spigots on the Water-Pak and Jumbo-Tainer help here. If you must scoop, use a clean scoop each time and never touch the water or the inside of the container.
What to look for when you buy
Interlocking example: WaterBrick 3.5 gallon
Best for: Building a compact, stackable wall of water in a closet or under a bed
WaterBrick lists a 3.5 gal HDPE container, 9 x 18 x 6 in, interlocking design, a 3¼ in gasketed lid, BPA free and FDA compliant materials, and 27 lb when filled with water.
Watch out: No spigot; pour or use a clean scoop. A 1.6 gal half size suits tighter spaces.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Spigot and stacking example: Reliance Water-Pak 5 gallon
Best for: Stacked storage you can dispense from without lifting
Reliance lists 5 gal, stacking up to 3 high when full, a hideaway spigot, a swivel handle, LFGB and FDA compliance, and PFAS and BPA-free plastic.
Watch out: At 15.5 in tall, three stacked need about 46.5 in of height.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Slim 7-gallon example: Reliance Jumbo-Tainer 2.0
Best for: Fitting more water into narrow spaces under shelves or counters
Reliance lists 7 gal in a rigid 15.3 x 8.5 x 18.0 in body with dual handles and a hideaway spigot, LFGB and FDA compliant, PFAS and BPA-free.
Watch out: Reliance lists no filled weight or stacking guidance for it.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- What containers are safe for storing drinking water?
- CDC recommends FDA-approved food-grade containers. Otherwise use durable, non-glass containers with tight tops, never ones that held chemicals.
- How often should I change stored water?
- CDC says replace self-filled water every 6 months and follow the expiration date on store-bought water.
- How do I clean a water storage container?
- Wash with soap, rinse, sanitize with 1 teaspoon of unscented 5% to 9% bleach per quart of water, shake, wait 30 seconds, pour out and air-dry.
- How much water should I store?
- At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, and a 2-week supply if possible, per CDC.
Sources
- How to create an emergency water supply, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- WaterBrick product specifications, WaterBrick International
- Water-Pak, Reliance Products
- Jumbo-Tainer 2.0, Reliance Products