Choose a container made for drinking water and marked or documented as FDA-approved food-grade. Then size it to your household’s needs, make sure it closes securely, and check that you can clean, carry, and dispense from it safely. A suitable container helps keep clean water from being contaminated; it does not make unsafe water safe.
Choose a container intended for drinking water
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers for water you fill yourself. As the CDC explains, “FDA-approved food-grade storage containers will not transfer toxic substances into the water.” Food-grade containers may be available through camping or surplus supply stores. If a product’s food-grade status is unclear, ask its manufacturer before using it. CDC, “How to Create an Emergency Water Supply,” June 27, 2025.
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If you cannot get a food-grade container, CDC’s emergency guidance advises choosing one that is durable, will not break like glass, and has a top that closes tightly. A narrow opening is preferable because it makes pouring easier without putting hands or objects inside. Never reuse a container that held toxic chemicals, including pesticides, petroleum products, or bleach.
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Choose capacity only after estimating demand. CDC advises storing at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, and recommends aiming for a 2-week supply if possible. Needs may be higher in hot climates and for pregnant people, people who are sick, and pets. The 1-gallon figure is a minimum planning guideline, not a limit on what a household may need. CDC emergency water-supply guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Space-Saving Up To 100-Gallon Emergency Water Storage: Transform your existing bathtub into a clean, safe water storage system that holds up to 100 gallons of fresh drinking water—minimizing the need for expensive bottled water purchases or bulky barrels that consume valuable storage space in your home, garage, or apartment while providing enough emergency water supply for your entire family during hurricanes, storms, or water main breaks.
- Sealed Food-Grade Liner Keeps Water Fresh Up to 16 Weeks: Heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic liner meeting USFDA food-grade guidelines protects your emergency drinking water storage from dirt, soap film, and debris that would contaminate an open bathtub, ensuring your family has access to clean, safe water for cooking, washing, and flushing throughout extended emergencies when municipal water supplies are compromised or unavailable.
- Trusted by 500,000+ Families and Featured on Major Media: As the original patented emergency water storage solution (U.S. Patent No. 8,627,980 and Patent No. 10,293,982), waterBOB has been recognized by CNN, Fox News, and Bob Vila as a reliable preparedness standard—join hundreds of thousands of prepared families who rely on the proven water container that established the category for bathtub emergency water storage systems.
- Simple setup in as little as 20 minutes with No Complicated Installation: Quickly prepare for disasters by laying the water storage container liner in any standard bathtub, attaching the included fill sock to your faucet, and filling to capacity in approximately 20 minutes—no tools, technical skills, or permanent modifications required, making emergency preparedness accessible for every nearly household when severe weather or water emergencies threaten your area.
- Included Siphon Pump for Convenient Access to Drinking Water Storage: Easily dispense your stored emergency water supply into jugs, pitchers, or water containers without heavy lifting, spills, or contamination risk—the included hand pump allows you to conveniently access clean drinking water for daily cooking, washing, and hydration needs throughout extended power outages or when municipal water systems are shut down during hurricane season or natural disasters.
Multiply the daily amount by the number of people and days you are planning for, then add water for pets and any higher household needs. Divide the total among containers you can realistically fill, move, and dispense from. Smaller containers are easier to handle individually; larger ones can reduce the number of containers but may be cumbersome when full.
CDC’s broader safe-water storage guidance mentions 20 liters as a standard container volume, but it does not establish 20 liters as a required size for household emergency supplies. Treat it as a general safe-storage design reference, not a capacity target. CDC, “Safe Water Storage,” April 22, 2024.
Rank #2
- LARGE-CAPACITY WATER STORAGE (55 GALLONS): Store enough emergency drinking water for a family of four for up to two weeks. Perfect for preparedness, camping, off-grid living, or disaster response.
- SPACE-SAVING STACKABLE DESIGN: Engineered to stack securely and safely, giving you big-tank capacity without taking up extra floor space—ideal for garages, basements, or sheds.
- ROBUST DESIGN: Manufactured from high-quality rotationally molded polyethylene that’s safe for long-term potable water storage and built to withstand decades of use.
- EASY FILLING, DRAINING & CLEANING: Includes a 5-inch twist lid for quick filling and internal cleaning, plus a built-in brass spigot for simple dispensing and water rotation.
- BUILT TO LAST: Backed by over 70 years of tank-manufacturing experience, our emergency water tanks are tested for strength, leak integrity, and safety—so you can rely on them when it matters most.
Compare practical features before buying
| What to check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Food-grade status | Intended for drinking-water storage, with FDA-approved food-grade status confirmed on the label or by the manufacturer. |
| Closure | A lid or top that closes tightly to help prevent contamination. |
| Construction | Durable, unbreakable material rather than glass. |
| Opening and dispensing | A narrow neck or opening that allows pouring without hand or object contact with the water. |
| Capacity and handling | A volume that fits your calculated supply while remaining practical to fill, sanitize, carry, and dispense. |
CDC’s broader safe-storage guidance also describes durable plastic, ceramic, or metal; a small 5–8 cm opening that can be tightly closed; and a comfortable handle. These are general safe-storage design considerations, not a claim that every material or feature is suitable for every product. Check the container’s intended use and food-grade documentation. CDC safe-water storage guidance.
Recommended Free Tools
Clean and sanitize the container before filling
- Wash: Clean the container with soap and rinse it completely.
- Prepare sanitizer: Mix 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach containing 5%–9% sodium hypochlorite with 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
- Coat the inside: Pour the solution into the container, cover it, and shake so it reaches all interior surfaces.
- Wait and empty: Leave the solution in contact with the inside for at least 30 seconds, then pour it out.
- Air-dry and fill: Let the empty container air-dry, fill it with clean water, and close it tightly.
This is a container-cleaning and sanitizing procedure; it does not treat water that is unsafe to drink. Follow CDC’s steps and bleach specifications as stated in its emergency water-supply guidance.
Rank #3
- PORTABLE, STACKABLE WATER CONTAINERS: These 5-gallon water containers are designed with flat bottoms and tops that nestle together to help stack more water in less space. The handles make them ideal for moving around, and the built-in twist breathing ports make it easy to pour out the contents of your containers without them getting air locked. This kit includes 4 individual 5-gallon water containers with lids.
- 40 DAYS OF DRINKING WATER: It’s recommended to have half a gallon of water per person per day when preparing an emergency water reservoir for your household. This kit provides 4 containers that are 5 gallons each for about 40 days of washing, cooking, or fresh drinking water storage. The amount of water needed varies by a person’s size and use, and each portable container weighs about 40 lbs. when filled with liquid.
- MADE FROM BPA-FREE HDPE PLASTIC: Our high-quality water containers are made from 100% food-grade plastic, which also makes them useful for storing other liquids or food necessities. They are BPA-free and made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), so you’ll have a safe, durable, refillable water container that can weather any storm.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL & EMERGENCY STORAGE: If you’re looking for a reliable water container for emergency storage, camping, boating, or beach trips, or even for a watering station for an outdoor event, this kit is exactly what you need. The handle on each 5-gallon container makes it a breeze to transport, and it can easily stack in the back of your car or truck for road-tripping adventures.
- PREPARE, STORE & SAVE: As a family-founded company with years of experience, we know the importance of preparedness. Our water storage containers and accessories ensure that you’re never without the essentials when you need them the most. We provide high-quality American-made products at the fairest prices possible to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
Label, store, and maintain your supply
Label each container “drinking water” and write the storage date on it. Keep it in a cool place at 50°F–70°F, away from direct sunlight and toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides. Replace home-filled water every 6 months. For commercially bottled water, follow the expiration date on the bottle. CDC emergency water-supply guidance.
When drawing water, use a clean scoop or another clean device each time. Do not touch the water or the inside of the container with your hands. This reduces the chance of contaminating the supply during use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Large Water Tank: Whether you're camping, hiking, or embarking on a road trip, rely on the 55-gallon water tank to meet your liquid storage needs with ease
- Safe Design: Specially blended UV-proof plastic safeguards water, preventing bacteria build-up, and ensuring its safety for extended periods
- Durable Container: Drum constructed from rugged high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ensuring durability for on-the-go liquid storage needs
- Integrated Spigot: Easy access to emergency water with a spigot that connects to standard garden hoses for versatile use
- Stackable Design: Water tanks have a unique stackable design, allowing for efficient space utilization; Measures 22"L x 23"W x 30"H
Rank #4
- FOOD-GRADE ODORLESS GREAT TASTE: PE plastic made with highest quality USA raw material. Environmentally friendly non-toxic, No BPA PVC or DEHP, No plastic PVC odor and water taste will not be affected, Transparent.
- LIGHT, COMPACT, PORTABLE AND REUSABLE Foldable space saving design store away easily. Remains soft and flexible even when cold yet retains shape and is easy to fill, dry, drain and reuse. Soft molded handles make holding and transport easy. Perfect for outdoor activities like camping, RV, hunting, hiking, backpacking, fishing, picnics, BBQs, sports, festivals, parties and beach.
- WORRY-FREE AND LEAK-PROOF Custom made lid and spigot with gasketless design means no leaks or parts to replace. Good spigot water-flow. Thicker lid to withstand heavy pressure. Easy on/off spigot with controllable flow. Our premium collapsible container is 1-piece design with no seams to leak or handles to break. Durable and dependable.
- EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DAILY USE Enables you quickly and safely store all the water your family needs in the event of an emergency or natural disaster like hurricane, tornado, earthquake, fire, flood or drought. Include in your Emergency / Survival Kit. Also great for daily use. Dispense right out of refrigerator. Automobile emergency water. Hand-washing stations at events and festivals. Transport large amounts of water easily.
- EBOOK INCLUDED: Included is our 30pg eBook Camping and Emergency Preparedness Survival Guide
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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