Stacked water storage containers on a pantry shelf

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Emergency Water Storage

Water containers, stackable tanks and purification tablets so your household has safe water when the tap stops working.

8 picks

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waterBOB bathtub water storage bladder

Holds up to 100 gallons, food-grade liner, hand pump included

Why it's here: Turns your bathtub into a clean drinking water reservoir. Perfect when a hurricane or freeze is in the forecast, and it folds back into a drawer afterward.

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Stackable 5-gallon water containers, 6 pack

30 gallons total, includes 2 spigots, cap wrench and water preserver

Why it's here: Flat tops let them stack in a closet corner. The included preserver treats up to 110 gallons, so the kit covers a family of four for about a week.

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WaterStorageCube collapsible containers, 2 pack

2.6 gallons each, with spigot, BPA free

Why it's here: Folds flat when empty, which makes it the best pick for apartments. Light enough to carry full, even up stairs.

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WaterPrepared 55-gallon stackable tank

UV-resistant HDPE, built-in spigot

Why it's here: A serious long-term supply in one tank. The built-in spigot means no pump needed, and the shape stacks if you add a second one later.

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30-gallon water storage barrel

BPA-free food-grade plastic, made in the USA

Why it's here: A middle size for homes that want more than jugs but don't have room for a 55-gallon drum.

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15-gallon food-grade water drum

HDPE, UN rated, 2 inch and 3/4 inch fittings

Why it's here: Fits under a workbench or in a closet. A good first drum if you're starting small.

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Collapsible rain barrel, 53 gallons

Screw-in faucet, folds away when not in use

Why it's here: For non-drinking water like flushing toilets, cleaning and the garden, which is where most household water goes in a long outage. Treat or filter before drinking.

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Aquatabs water purification tablets, 100 pack

Each tablet treats a set amount of water, see package directions

Why it's here: Small, cheap insurance. If your stored water runs out or a boil-water notice hits, these make clear water safe to drink.

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How much water do you actually need?

The standard rule from Ready.gov is one gallon per person, per day, for drinking and basic hygiene. Keep at least a 3-day supply, and aim for two weeks if you have the space. Add more for pets, hot weather, nursing mothers or anyone who is ill.

For a family of four, that’s 12 gallons for three days, or 56 gallons for two weeks.

How to choose a container

  • Jugs and collapsible containers (2 to 7 gallons): easy to carry and fill, good for apartments and go-bags.
  • Stackable 5-gallon containers: the sweet spot for most homes. Enough volume to matter, still light enough to lift.
  • Barrels and drums (15 to 55 gallons): the most water for the floor space, but too heavy to move once full. Fill them where they’ll stay.
  • Bathtub bladders: best for storms with a warning. Fill them right before the event instead of storing water all year.

Storage tips

  • Use food-grade, BPA-free containers only. Never reuse milk jugs or anything that held chemicals.
  • Store in a cool, dark place, away from gasoline, paint and cleaning products. Plastic can absorb fumes.
  • Replace stored tap water every 6 months, unless you’ve treated it with a water preserver.
  • Keep a way to purify water as a backup: tablets, a filter or the ability to boil.

Get the free winter storm checklist

A one-page printable that covers your home, car and supplies. Stick it on the fridge and check things off.

Open the printable