How to store emergency water in containers: what to use, how to sanitize and how often to rotate
A practical guide to storing emergency water in jugs, jerry cans and barrels: which plastics are safe, how to clean and sanitize containers, how to fill them, where to keep them, how long tap water lasts and what to do if it smells or tastes off.
In short
- Use only food-grade containers: water jugs or containers marked with the cup-and-fork symbol or recycling codes 1, 2 or 4.
- Before filling: wash with dish soap, rinse, sanitize with 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach per quart (liter) of water, then empty.
- Tap water from a treated public supply, stored in clean sealed containers, should be replaced every 6 months.
- Keep containers dark, cool and away from chemicals and gasoline.
The simplest water supply is bottled water from the store. But for a family over two weeks you need more than 50 gallons (200 liters), and bottles take up space and cost money. Containers filled from the tap are the cheap, practical option if you choose and maintain them correctly.
How much water you need is covered in our water storage guide. This one is about containers.
Which containers
| Container | Capacity | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET water bottles | 0.5–6 L | You already have them, easy to carry | Lots of pieces, can crack |
| Water jugs / jerry cans | 2.5–7 gal (10–26 L) | Spigot, sturdy, stackable | A full 5-gallon jug weighs 40+ lb |
| Collapsible containers | 1–5 gal (5–20 L) | Take little space empty | Less durable |
| Water barrels | 15–55 gal (55–200 L) | Lots of water in one place | Heavy, need a pump or siphon |
Don’t use: containers that held chemicals, oil, fuel, detergent or milk; glass (breaks in earthquakes); plastic without a food-grade marking.
Look for the cup-and-fork symbol or recycling codes 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE) or 4 (LDPE).
How to prepare them
- Wash the container with warm water and dish soap. Rinse well.
- Sanitize: fill with a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid bleach per quart (about 1 liter) of water. Close and shake so it touches all inside surfaces. Wait 30 seconds, then pour it out.
- Rinse with clean water or let it air dry.
- Fill from the tap, to the top, with as little air as possible.
- Seal tightly and write the fill date on the container.
Use plain, unscented bleach with no added cleaners, with sodium hypochlorite listed on the label.
Where to keep them
- Dark: light encourages algae.
- Cool, ideally below 70 °F (20 °C), not next to a heater or in the attic.
- Away from chemicals, gasoline and paint: vapors pass through plastic.
- Not directly on concrete, which can transfer odors and moisture: put a board or pallet underneath.
- In more than one place in the home, not all where they could flood or be crushed.
How often to rotate
- Tap water from a treated public supply: every 6 months. A good habit is to swap it when the clocks change in spring and fall.
- Bottled water: by the date on the bottle.
- Don’t waste the old water: water plants or the garden, wash the car.
If in doubt
If water smells, tastes odd, is cloudy or the container is damaged, don’t drink it as is. Treat it by boiling, chlorine or filtering, and replace the container.
And don’t forget the hidden water in your home: your water heater and pipes can give you dozens of extra gallons.
Recommended equipment
What to look for when buying. Links go to partner shops; if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Details.
Water container with spigot, 5–7 gal (20–26 L)
Easy to dispense without lifting the container.
- Food-grade HDPE, BPA-free
- Spigot and wide cap for cleaning
- Opaque, not clear
- Comfortable handle
Collapsible water containers
Take up almost no space empty; handy as extra storage or when evacuating.
- Food-grade plastic
- Spigot
- Drop-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Can I use milk or juice jugs?
It's not a good idea. Milk proteins and sugars are hard to clean out completely and encourage bacteria, and the thin plastic breaks down within months. Well-washed PET (code 1) soda or water bottles are a better choice.
Do I need to add bleach to stored tap water?
If it comes from a treated public supply, it already contains residual chlorine and doesn't need extra treatment if you rotate it every 6 months. If it comes from a well or untreated source, treat it with bleach using the doses in our water purification guide.
My stored water tastes like plastic. Is it still OK?
A plastic taste doesn't necessarily mean the water is unsafe, but it suggests the container isn't ideal or got warm. Aerate the water by pouring it between two containers a few times. If it smells odd, is cloudy or has sediment, don't drink it without treating it, and replace the container.
Sources and further reading
Preper is for general education and does not replace instructions from your local authorities or advice from a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.