For a planned municipal water interruption, store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days; aim for a 2-week supply if you can. Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable emergency source, according to the CDC. If you fill containers yourself, use food-grade containers, sanitize them first, and store them cool and out of sunlight. A planned shutoff does not automatically mean the water is unsafe: follow the instructions from your water utility and local health department for the specific event.
How much water should you store?
The CDC recommends at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and other uses. It advises households to try for a 2-week supply when possible. Store extra for pets, pregnancy, illness, or hot conditions.
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For advisory planning, CDC communication guidance suggests about 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation, and 2 gallons per person per day when conditions are likely to be very warm. That is advisory-planning guidance, not a universal requirement for every planned interruption. See the CDC Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox.
Choose a safe source and container
Commercially bottled water
Unopened commercially bottled water is CDC’s safest and most reliable emergency source. Check and follow its expiration date. The CDC recommendation appears in “How to Create an Emergency Water Supply,” dated June 27, 2025.
#1 Best Overall
- Large Water Tank: Whether you're camping, hiking, or embarking on a road trip, rely on the 55-gallon water tank to meet your liquid storage needs with ease
- Safe Design: Specially blended UV-proof plastic safeguards water, preventing bacteria build-up, and ensuring its safety for extended periods
- Durable Container: Drum constructed from rugged high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ensuring durability for on-the-go liquid storage needs
- Integrated Spigot: Easy access to emergency water with a spigot that connects to standard garden hoses for versatile use
- Stackable Design: Water tanks have a unique stackable design, allowing for efficient space utilization; Measures 22"L x 23"W x 30"H
Reusable food-grade containers
If you fill water at home, choose an FDA-approved, food-grade water storage container. If you cannot confirm that it is food-grade, ask the manufacturer. CDC describes useful features as durable, unbreakable construction; a tight-closing cover; a small opening and narrow neck that let you pour without putting hands or objects inside; and a handle you can carry comfortably. CDC’s emergency guidance says not to use glass. Never reuse a container that held toxic chemicals, including pesticides or petroleum products.
A food-grade water storage container holds water that is already safe; it does not make contaminated water safe.
Rank #2
- LARGE-CAPACITY WATER STORAGE (55 GALLONS): Store enough emergency drinking water for a family of four for up to two weeks. Perfect for preparedness, camping, off-grid living, or disaster response.
- SPACE-SAVING STACKABLE DESIGN: Engineered to stack securely and safely, giving you big-tank capacity without taking up extra floor space—ideal for garages, basements, or sheds.
- ROBUST DESIGN: Manufactured from high-quality rotationally molded polyethylene that’s safe for long-term potable water storage and built to withstand decades of use.
- EASY FILLING, DRAINING & CLEANING: Includes a 5-inch twist lid for quick filling and internal cleaning, plus a built-in brass spigot for simple dispensing and water rotation.
- BUILT TO LAST: Backed by over 70 years of tank-manufacturing experience, our emergency water tanks are tested for strength, leak integrity, and safety—so you can rely on them when it matters most.
Clean, sanitize, and fill containers
- Wash: Wash the container with soap, then rinse it completely.
- Mix sanitizer: Combine 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach (5%–9% sodium hypochlorite) with 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
- Sanitize the inside: Pour in the solution, cover the container, and shake it so the solution contacts all interior surfaces.
- Wait and air-dry: Leave the solution in contact for at least 30 seconds, pour it out, and let the empty container air-dry.
- Fill: Fill the dry container with clean water and close it tightly.
These are CDC directions for sanitizing a household emergency-water container. They are not dosing instructions for disinfecting a larger volume of water or a cistern. Follow the CDC container-cleaning instructions.
Recommended Free Tools
Store and rotate your water
- Label each container “drinking water” and write the storage date on it.
- Keep it in a cool place. CDC’s recommended range is 50°F–70°F.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and toxic substances such as gasoline and pesticides.
- Replace water you filled yourself every 6 months. For store-bought water, follow the expiration date.
These storage and rotation recommendations are from the CDC’s emergency water supply guidance.
Rank #3
- PORTABLE, STACKABLE WATER CONTAINERS: These 5-gallon water containers are designed with flat bottoms and tops that nestle together to help stack more water in less space. The handles make them ideal for moving around, and the built-in twist breathing ports make it easy to pour out the contents of your containers without them getting air locked. This kit includes 4 individual 5-gallon water containers with lids.
- 40 DAYS OF DRINKING WATER: It’s recommended to have half a gallon of water per person per day when preparing an emergency water reservoir for your household. This kit provides 4 containers that are 5 gallons each for about 40 days of washing, cooking, or fresh drinking water storage. The amount of water needed varies by a person’s size and use, and each portable container weighs about 40 lbs. when filled with liquid.
- MADE FROM BPA-FREE HDPE PLASTIC: Our high-quality water containers are made from 100% food-grade plastic, which also makes them useful for storing other liquids or food necessities. They are BPA-free and made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), so you’ll have a safe, durable, refillable water container that can weather any storm.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL & EMERGENCY STORAGE: If you’re looking for a reliable water container for emergency storage, camping, boating, or beach trips, or even for a watering station for an outdoor event, this kit is exactly what you need. The handle on each 5-gallon container makes it a breeze to transport, and it can easily stack in the back of your car or truck for road-tripping adventures.
- PREPARE, STORE & SAVE: As a family-founded company with years of experience, we know the importance of preparedness. Our water storage containers and accessories ensure that you’re never without the essentials when you need them the most. We provide high-quality American-made products at the fairest prices possible to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
Dispense water without contaminating it
Use a clean scoop each time you draw water. Keep hands and used utensils out of the container, and do not scoop with your hands. A narrow neck that allows pouring can help you avoid touching the water or the inside of the container.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the utility notice when service is interrupted
Read the water utility’s notice to determine whether the interruption affects availability only or whether water quality is also affected. Do not assume that every planned shutoff requires boiling or disinfection. Follow instructions specific to your service area from the utility and local health department; national CDC guidance is not a municipality-specific outage plan.
Rank #4
- Industrial Storage Drum: Bushman 55 gallon tight head plastic drum designed for safe storage and transport of water, chemicals, oil, and other liquids in industrial or agricultural settings; rated 1H1/Y1.9/150 and approved for holding FDA- and USDA-compliant food-grade items
- Heavy-Duty Container: Made from high density polyethylene that resists corrosion, impact damage, and UV exposure for reliable long-term use indoors or outdoors
- Tight Lid Design: Closed-head barrel with secure lid and plug closures helps prevent leaks, spills, and air exposure during storage or shipping; Please note the lid is not removable and is glued shut to the barrel
- Space-saving: Designed to stack securely when sealed, saving floor space and improving efficiency in warehouses, garages, or transport
- Large Capacity Size: Measures 22.5"L x 22.5"W x 34.75"H with a full 55-gallon capacity to support bulk storage, rainwater collection, or fermentation needs
If officials issue an advisory or declare tap water unsafe, follow their directions. CDC advises using bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene during an advisory, as directed by local authorities. If water may be contaminated by toxic chemicals or fuel, do not use it for drinking or bathing; boiling does not make it safe. Consult the CDC guidance for drinking-water advisories and the applicable local notice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [What’s Included?] With this purchase, you'll receive a 2-pack, 5-Gallon Hedpack with cap, made with Food-Grade & BPA-Free material for brewing, fermenting, or food storage.
- [Leak-Proof & High-Capacity Design] Engineered with a threaded cap and durable build to ensure a secure, spill-resistant seal—ideal for safely storing or transporting up to 5 gallons of liquid
- [Versatile Multi-Purpose Use] Ideal for homebrewing, kombucha fermentation, winemaking, and emergency water storage. These containers also work great as waste oil container or as durable, lightweight alternatives to a 5-gallon glass water jug—ideal for both everyday and specialty liquid storage needs.
- [Smart, Space-Saving Design] This 5-gallon Hedpak offers a durable yet lightweight build with a space-efficient square shape, making it easy to stack and store. It’s a practical upgrade or alternative to a traditional 5gal water jug, complete with secure sealing and graduated markings for accurate filling.
- [Our Commitment to You] At FastRack, we stand behind the quality of our products and the trust our customers place in us. Your experience matters. If your order arrives damaged or incomplete, reach out—we’ll make it right.
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