Water Storage Containers

Water should be stored in new, food-grade plastic containers. While it may seem more cost effective to re-use Clorox bottles, milk cartons, or soda bottles, there are pitfalls to re-using these types of containers.  

Portability is another important factor to keep in mind when choosing containers for your water storage.  Each gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds so you must take consider how portable the container will be when it’s full of water. 

There are a variety of container options to consider (prices provided are estimates):

PRE-PACKAGED WATER

Individual water boxes

• Cost $1.08 per 8.5 oz box

• Useful in individual 72-hour kits, auto emergency kits, get home bags

Individual water pouches

• Cost $.60 – $.80 per 4 oz pouch

• Very portable and uses less space than boxes

• Useful in individual 72-hour kits, auto emergency kits, get home bags

Packs of individual water bottles

• Cost $4.00 – $5.00 per flat of 24 16 oz bottles (about 3 gallons)

• One flat per person for 72 hour emergency storage

1-gallon water bottles

• Cost $1.25 per gallon bottle

5-gallon bottles

• Cost $15.00 each

• Weighs 40 pounds when filled

FILL YOURSELF CONTAINERS

WaterBrick ^TM

• Cost $75.00 per 4 pack

• Each brick holds 3.5 gallons and 27 pounds when filled)

• Space saving

5-gallon containers

• Cost $8.00 – $30.00 each

• Weighs 40 pounds when filled

15-gallon barrels

• Cost $50.00 – $100.00

30-gallon barrels

• Cost $75.00 – $150.00

55-gallon barrels

• Cost $100.00 – $250.00

That’s a lot of options! There are pros and cons to each type of container. Space requirements, weight, cost, etc. You will need to choose according to what works for You and your family.

Don’t forget, your water storage needs to be rotated.