Best Ways to Store Water Long-Term?

[EchoTangoFox]

Looking to shore up my water storage, but I’m seeing mixed advice on plastic vs. glass vs. those big blue barrels. For those who have done this long-term, what methods keep water safest and freshest without a ton of maintenance? Also curious if anyone has had issues with water going “off” despite using treatment tabs or bleach. Any favorite containers or rotation schedules that actually hold up year after year?

 

[ChamomileCraze]

Plastic food-grade barrels (the blue ones) have worked well for me, especially if you keep them out of sunlight and in a cool place. Sunlight will encourage algae and degrade the plastic over time. I add a small amount of unscented bleach (about 1/4 tsp per 5 gallons) after rinsing the barrel with a vinegar/water mix and letting it air dry fully. Honestly, I’m not a fan of glass for big quantities—too heavy and breakable for my taste, and it doesn’t scale up well.

I rotate my water every 6 months, but if you use a good seal and keep it in the dark, I’ve tasted water after a year that was still fresh. Haven’t had water go “off,” but I only use well-cleaned barrels and avoid any that previously held food

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Honestly, I’m not a fan of glass for big quantities—too heavy and breakable for my taste, and it doesn’t scale up well. I rotate my water every 6 months, but if you use a good seal and keep it in the dark, I’ve tasted water after a year that was still fresh.

Rotating every 6 months is about what I do too, though I’ll admit sometimes I go closer to a year if things get busy. I agree—glass just doesn’t work for me either, especially anywhere with kids or pets running around! Have you ever had seal failures with plastic? I’ve found some of the cheap containers let air in over

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Plastic barrels work best for me too—never had water go bad, but I always double-check seals before refilling. Anyone tried storing in stainless steel for really long-term?

 

[GarnetDusk]

Had a few lid issues with budget barrels, mostly after a couple years out in the shed. Anyone using gaskets or extra sealing tricks to keep ‘em airtight?