The 6 Best Emergency Water Storage Containers to Get You Through a Natural Disaster

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Best Overall Emergency Water Storage Container

Reliance 7-Gallon Aqua-Tainer

43.1953% OFFAvailable for $19.88

Combining a useful balance of capacity and portability, the 7-Gallon Reliance Aqua-Tainer is our top pick for best emergency water storage containers overall. It’s constructed of food-safe and FDA-approved HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and colored blue to limit light exposure—so it’s not only rugged and sturdy, but safe and effective for clean water storage.

Our favorite feature of this container is its reversible spigot, which flips around and into the container when not in use. This design is not only more convenient to store, but it also prevents the spigot from being damaged. Whether you’re stocking up for an emergency or just want to stay hydrated at a campsite, this is a great option.

Pros

• Multifunctional capacity
• Good value for the price
• Hideaway spigot
• Convenient shape for storage

Cons

• Cannot be stacked when full

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Best Budget Emergency Water Storage Container

WaterStorageCube Collapsible 5.3-Gallon Container

$13.22 at Amazon

For less than $20, this collapsible water container from WaterStorageCube holds up to 5.3 gallons of water. Its collapsible body only takes up as much space as is being used for water and easily folds up when not in use—unlike hard-sided alternatives that take up valuable storage space even when empty. The collapsible container also comes in a smaller 1.3-gallon model, perfect for an emergency go-bag.

Despite its pliability, this container is still strong enough to withstand 4-foot drops and heavy pressure. Its single-piece construction doesn’t have any seams that could leak or split, and the spigot’s reinforced neck adds even more durability. We’re also impressed with its soft, molded handle centered on the top, which provides a comfortable and well-balanced feel during transport. An added bonus? The container’s food-safe construction is BPA-, PVC- and DEHP-free.

Pros

• Budget-friendly price
• Wide mouth is easy to fill up
• Spigot is convenient for kids to use
• Folds down when empty

Cons

• Drying out takes longer than hard-sided containers

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Best Stackable Emergency Water Storage Container

Saratoga Farms 5-Gallon Stackable Containers

122.006% OFF$115 at Amazon

If you’re interested in maintaining a large supply of water at home but don’t want to commit to a single massive container, consider these Saratoga Farms 5-gallon stackable containers. Designed with recessed handles and lids, the containers’ flat bottoms and tops nestle together so you can store more water in less space.

The sturdy handles are comfortable to lift and carry, which is important if you need to evacuate quickly. Made of BPA-free HDPE, this set of four containers safely holds 40 days’ worth of drinking water.

Pros

• Stack tightly together
• Rugged construction
• Opaque material inhibits bacterial growth
• Good value for the price

Cons

• Doesn’t have a spigot

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Best Large-Capacity Emergency Water Storage Container

WaterPrepared 55-Gallon Tank with Spigot

$297.99 at Amazon

If you plan on hunkering down at home or in a cabin and want to be prepared for extended periods without tap water access, these 55-gallon WaterPrepared Emergency Water Storage Tanks are a great choice. Each of these heavy-duty tanks holds enough water to keep a single person safely hydrated for 55 days.

The tank’s thick, blue-pigmented HDPE construction resists UV rays, inhibiting harmful algae growth. The stackable design saves space when storing multiple units, and the recessed spigot connects right to a standard garden hose.

Pros

• Hydrates a single person for 55 days
• Rugged construction
• Stackable design
• Easy-access spigot

Cons

• Not portable

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Best Portable Emergency Water Storage Container

Scepter 5-Gallon True Military Jug

81.2042% OFF$46.69 at Amazon

The Scepter True Military Water Jug is large enough to store 5 gallons of water and, thanks to a sturdy handle and vertical shape, is still comfortable to hold and carry. The rugged design is well-suited for the wear and tear that comes from frequent use and travel—so you won’t have to worry about it cracking or splitting when you toss it into a truck bed or accidentally drop it when hustling to evacuate.

My favorite feature of this container is its versatile cap design: In addition to the large 3.5-inch opening, it also features a built-in, 3/4-inch option for more precise pouring. This not only saves time when emptying the entire container, but prevents accidental spills and water waste when filling smaller bottles. Both of these caps are connected to the container, so you don’t need to worry about them getting lost.

Pros

• Comfortable to carry
• Rugged construction
• Dual-pour cap

Cons

• Limited water storage