Best Ways to Store Water Long-Term?

[MeadowWhisperer]

Looking at options for long-term water storage—what containers hold up best over 5+ years without leaching chemicals or degrading? Also, any experience with additives like Pool Shock or is plain bleach more reliable for purification? Appreciate any firsthand tips before I invest in bulk containers.

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Food-grade HDPE barrels have lasted me over a decade with no issues. I stick with plain bleach—easier to dose right. Anyone ever tried glass carboys for backup?

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Storing water for years is trickier than it seems. I’ve had good luck with blue food-grade HDPE barrels like you mentioned, but I rotate the water every 18-24 months just in case—plastic does age, especially if it’s anywhere near sunlight or heat. Never had any taste

 

[AquaFern1028]

I’ve always trusted blue HDPE barrels too, but I keep them in the coolest spot I can find—heat will make even good plastic taste funny over time. For purification, regular unscented bleach is what I reach for, since Pool Shock can be easy to overdose if you’re not super careful with measurements. Glass carboys seem nice, but too heavy and fragile for bulk—maybe for a small emergency batch. Have you ever had issues with algae if the barrels aren’t 100% opaque?