What’s Your Go-To Emergency Water Storage Solution?

[StarlitNavigator]

Curious what everyone’s main water storage setup is—barrels, IBC totes, something else? I rotate out 55-gallon drums every 6 months but it’s getting harder physically. Looking for manageable alternatives that won’t break the bank. Any recommendations for compact or modular systems?

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Curious what everyone’s main water storage setup is—barrels, IBC totes, something else? I rotate out 55-gallon drums every 6 months but it’s getting harder physically. Looking for manageable alternatives that won’t break the bank. Any recommendations for compact or modular systems?

Rotating those 55-gallon drums is tough, especially as the years go by. I've switched to using a bunch of 5- and 7-gallon stackable containers instead. They’re easier for me to move around, and if one springs a leak or gets funky, I’m not losing the whole supply at once. Plus, it’s a lot easier to wash out and refill smaller jugs. I tend to keep a few in the pantry, some under beds, and a couple out in the shed.

If space is a concern, those “brick”-style water containers really help because they nestle together nicely. For cost, maybe check local food-grade container sources—sometimes bakeries or delis sell their old food-safe buckets cheap. That can be useful if you’re into DIY setups. I also keep a few collapsible bags for quick fills if a storm’s coming and need to top off in a hurry.

How often do you really use your stored water, StarlitNavigator? I find I use mine for plants and then

 

[ChamomileCraze]

Those big barrels get unwieldy after a while, don’t they? I traded mine out for a collection of 3- and 5-gallon BPA-free jugs a couple years ago—much easier to carry when full (especially if you’ve got some arthritis or just don’t feel like hefting 400+ lbs at once). Love that I can fit them on shelves or tucked away in corners, and if one gets cloudy or the seal goes, it’s not a total loss. I rotate them seasonally and use the oldest water for plants, too—herbs soak it up and I don’t feel wasteful.

Something else I like: old glass carboys from winemaking. They’re heavy but inert, so you never