The 5 Best Water Storage Containers for Emergency Preparedness

ProsTight sealDoesn’t leach plastic flavorDurableEasy to transport ConsIt doesn’t leach taste but still releases microplastics The Scepter Water Container stands out for its reliability and convenience, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness. With its lightweight, portable design, this 5-gallon tank is made from food-grade, BPA-free material, helping keep water free of unwanted taste, odor, or chemicals.The large cap assembly, with a smaller pour-cap opening and vent, enables precise pouring, while a locking tab and plastic tether keep the cap securely fastened to the container.The tall, narrow construction offers ample capacity without sacrificing portability. Whether off-roading or preparing for unforeseen circumstances, the Scepter BPA-Free Water Container is a dependable and practical choice.Key SpecsCapacity5 gal / 20 LMaterialsBPA-free food-grade plasticDimensions13.5 x 6.75 x 19 in.ProsSuitable for outdoor recreational use as well Easy to transportConsHigher potential for leaking than other container optionsThe Reliance Aqua-Tainer is an affordable and reliable water storage solution for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness. Despite its low price, it is surprisingly durable thanks to its thick walls.Equipped with a hidden spigot, the Aqua-Tainer offers easy water dispensing while maintaining a sleek, compact design. Its ergonomic, contoured handle makes it easy to carry—ideal if you might need to evacuate at some point.With a 7-gallon capacity, this FDA-approved, BPA-free container provides ample water storage for extended trips, camping, or emergency preparedness.Key SpecsCapacity7 gal / 26.5 LMaterialsFDA-approved and BPA-free PlasticDimensions11.25 x 11 x 15.25 in.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsRugged, durable buildTwo handles make it easy to carry when fullConsPour spout instead of a built-in spigotThe Igloo 6 Gallon Water Container is a simple, affordable way to start your emergency water supply. Its heavy-duty plastic body is tough enough for camping trips, tailgates, and years of storage in a closet or garage. The container weighs just 2.2 pounds empty, and its two molded handles distribute the roughly 50 pounds of a full load, making it manageable to carry to the car during an evacuation. It's tall and narrow, so it takes up little floor space, and a few of them fit easily in a pantry or under a workbench.The low price comes with trade-offs. You pour from a spout instead of using a spigot, so dispensing is slower and less precise. User reviews also say the push-in vent plug doesn't always seal tightly, so store it upright to avoid leaks. Still, for anyone who wants dependable water storage without spending a lot, the Igloo is hard to beat.Key SpecsCapacity6 gal / 22.7 LMaterialsPlasticDimensions14 x 8 x 21 in.ProsFlat tops and bottoms interlock for stackingKit includes spigots, cap wrench, and water preserverConsLids can be tricky to seal tightlyThe Saratoga Farms kit gives you a complete emergency water supply in one box. It includes six 5-gallon containers made of food-grade, BPA-free HDPE, two screw-on, no-drip spigots, a cap wrench, and a bottle of water preserver. The preserver treats up to 110 gallons and keeps water safe for up to five years.The containers have flat tops and bottoms that interlock, and you can stack three high without wobbling, so 30 gallons fits in a corner of a garage or pantry. Built-in handles make each container easy to carry, and a twist vent keeps water flowing smoothly when you pour.Some owners say the lids are hard to seal, so it’s important that you tighten each lid with the included wrench before you put the containers away.Key SpecsCapacity5 gal / 18.9 L eachMaterialsBPA-free food-grade HDPEDimensionsN/AAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsEasy access with spigot Stackable design Excellent seal ConsHard to move with water in it due to the size This WaterPrepared drum is a reliable 55-gallon container, well-suited for waiting out disasters. Weighing just 16 pounds (empty), this tank offers convenience at the cost of some portability. Still, its fairly compact footprint makes it perfect for attachment to ATVs or camping trailers.Crafted from specially blended UV-proof plastic and HDPE, this tank helps prevent bacterial buildup, improving the safety of your water supply even during extended storage. Accessing emergency water is easy thanks to the included spigots, which are compatible with standard garden hoses, while the front-and-center “utility valves” add flexibility. And if you have limited storage space but want more than one tank, these stack.Key SpecsCapacity55 gal / 208 LMaterialsHigh-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)Dimensions28 x 22 x 30 in.Tom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.Meg Carney is an outdoor and environmental writer with a passion for environmental advocacy. She primarily covers topics within the outdoor industry ranging from the best new products and greenwashing to the scientific coverups of hazardous chemicals. Her work can be found in digital publications such as Field and Stream and GearJunkie, and her environmental journalism extends into podcast production with her original shows, Outdoor Minimalist and Forever Chemicals.Brad Greer is the CEO of DrySee, manufacturer of waterproof bandages, and an experienced emergency preparedness specialist.