Best Ways to Store Water Long-Term?

TeaTimeTalisman

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May 6, 2025
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Best Ways to Store Water Long-Term?

Looking for advice on storing water long-term without worrying about algae or plastic taste. What containers and additives have folks actually had success with for a year-plus storage? Would love any tips on shelf space too, since I’m working with a small basement.
 
What containers and additives have folks actually had success with for a year-plus storage? Would love any tips on shelf space too, since I’m working with a small basement.

I’ve had luck with food-grade barrels and a splash of unscented bleach—just enough to keep things safe but not funky. Have you tried stacking those square water bricks? They’re a real space-saver in a tight basement.
 
Stacking water bricks works, but I’ve had fewer taste issues with glass carboys, though they’re heavier. Ever tried ceramic crocks for smaller batches?
 
Glass carboys really do keep the taste clean, but yeah—they’re heavy and not so easy to move around if you need to rotate stock. I’ve stuck with food-grade barrels since they’re easier for me to handle, especially with a pump. Ceramic crocks are lovely for small batches but I always worry about chipping.
 
Food-grade barrels with a bit of bleach have worked for me too, though I do rinse them every six months just in case—anyone tried hydrogen peroxide instead?
 
Looking for advice on storing water long-term without worrying about algae or plastic taste. What containers and additives have folks actually had success with for a year-plus storage? Would love any tips on shelf space too, since I’m working with a small basement.

For long-term storage, I’ve had the best luck with food-grade polyethylene barrels and the water bricks that CeruleanScribe mentioned—easy to stack, and they fit snugly in awkward basement nooks. To cut down on algae and off-tastes, I always scrub the barrels with a baking soda paste before filling, then use regular, unscented bleach (about 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons). That’s kept my water clear and fresh for over a year at a stretch. I do think the plastic taste can be an issue