Best Ways to Store Water Long-Term—What Works?

[StarlitNavigator]

Have always used food-grade barrels for water storage, but lately I’m hearing more about WaterBricks and similar stackable options. Anyone here have experience with those—do they really seal tight long-term? Also open to tips about treatment methods that won’t alter the taste much.

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

Barrels have been my standby for years, but I’ve been gradually swapping in some of the stackable containers (have a mix of WaterBricks and another brand). The stackables are honestly easier to tuck away in small spaces—under stairs, closets, etc. Haven’t had any leaks yet after 3+ years, and the seal still feels tight when I open to check. I will say it’s a bit more work to fill and empty compared to barrels, but the convenience of moving them around if you need to is a big plus as I get older.

As for treatment, plain old unscented bleach works fine (I use the CDC’s ratio: 1/8 teaspoon per gallon), and I haven’t noticed a taste if

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Barrels have been my standby for years, but I’ve been gradually swapping in some of the stackable containers (have a mix of WaterBricks and another brand). The stackables are honestly easier to tuck away in small spaces—under stairs, closets, etc. Haven’t had any leaks yet after 3+ years, and the seal still feels tight when I open to check. I will say it’s a bit more work to fill and empty compared to barrels, but the convenience of moving them around if you need to is a big plus as I get older.

As for treatment, plain old unscented bleach works fine (I use the CDC’s ratio: 1/8 teaspoon per gallon), and I haven’t noticed a taste if

That’s reassuring to hear about the seals staying tight on the stackables after several years—I've always wondered if they’d start to lose integrity over time, especially if you’re opening them up now and then for checks. The convenience of moving them is a big draw for me too—those barrels are not exactly nimble once they're full! As I get older, I’m more conscious about lifting and shifting things, so the smaller containers sound more practical.

On the