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Cleaning, Filling, and Labeling Water Containers

There are three steps in preparing your water containers for long‑term storage. Doing these three things correctly will go a long way in producing a successful long‑term water storage. A little care on the front end prevents contamination, preserves water quality, and reduces the chance of surprises when you actually need to use your stored supply. By setting up your containers properly now, you’re building a reliable reserve you can count on during an emergency. Here are the three important steps to follow:

Cleaning & Disinfecting

Using soap, water, and bleach for thorough cleaning.

Filling with Water

3 questions to ask yourself before you start filling.

Labeling Before Storing

Labeling tips that will help years down the road.

Water Storage

Cleaning & Disinfecting Containers

Before filling your food-grade plastic water containers for long-term storage, it's crucial to first clean and disinfect them properly. Steps taken are generally the same regardless of the container's size - but there are differences.

Portable Containers

Using Soap, Water, and Bleach

  • 1. Prepare soapy water: Fill the container halfway with warm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap.
  • 2. Scrub the container: Use a bottle brush or a long-handled brush to scrub the inside thoroughly, reaching all corners and crevices.
  • 3. Shake: Close the container and shake vigorously to clean the entire interior surface.
  • 4. Rinse thoroughly: Empty the soapy water and rinse completely with clean water until no soap residue remains.
  • 5. Sanitize: Mix 1 tsp bleach per 1 quart water. Add solution to container, cap and shake to coat all interior surfaces, wait 30 seconds, then drain. Soak/swish the cap in the bleach solution 30 seconds, then drain.
  • 6. Rinse (optional): Draining is typically sufficient. If you rinse, use safe drinking water so you don’t reintroduce germs.
  • 7. Air‑dry only if storing the container empty: If filling immediately, drying is not required.

Larger Water Storage Barrels and Tanks

Using Soap, Water, and Bleach

The cleaning steps above work for larger barrels and tanks as well - you’ll simply scale up the amount of soapy water and sanitizing solution. Because large containers cannot be shaken or easily scrubbed, use the following adjustments:

  • 1. Prepare a larger batch of soapy water: Make enough to cover the bottom several inches of the container.
  • 2. Take a long‑handled brush or tank‑cleaning wand : Use this brush to scrub accessible interior surfaces.
  • 3. Slosh the container: Gently rock or tilt it (if possible) to help the soapy water reach more areas.
  • 4. Drain completely: Empty the soapy water and rinse completely with clean water until no soap residue remains.
  • 5. Add a scaled‑up sanitizing solution: Mix 1 tsp bleach per 1 quart water - enough to wet all interior surfaces (use a clean broom handle, mop, or long brush to distribute the solution if needed) - let sit for 30 seconds, then drain thoroughly.
  • 6. Open the vent: When applicable, open the tank's vent or secondary opening to help fumes escape while sanitizing.
  • 7. Rinse (optional): Draining is typically sufficient. If you rinse, use safe drinking water to avoid reintroducing contaminants.
  • 8. Air‑dry only if storing the barrel or tank empty: If filling immediately, drying is not required.
Water Storage

What to Do Before Filling the Containers

Before filling the water storage containers, ask yourself the following three questions. The answers will determine what items you will need during the filling process and how long your stored water will remain usable once sealed.

How long am I storing water?

Decide how long you would like to store the water before replacing it. The answer will determine whether you need to add a water preserver before sealing the lid. More details are below under Do you need a water preserver.

Decide how long you would like to store the water before replacing it. The answer will determine whether you'll need to add a water preserver.

Decide how long you would like to store the water before replacing it. The answer will determine whether or not you'll need to add a water preserver.

Is my water safe to drink?

If you are using municipal city water, you're good to go - it has already been treated with chlorine and is safe for storage. If you are using well water, captured rainwater, or any untreated source that has not been chlorinated, you must treat it first.

If you are using municipal city water, you're good to go. If you are using any untreated source that has not been chlorinated, you must treat it first.

If you are using municipal city water, you're good to go. If you are using any untreated source that has not been chlorinated, you must treat it first before filling your containers.

Am I using a water hose?

If yes, purchase a food-grade plastic hose, the type used for RVs. Regular garden hoses may contain lead and are not designed for the flow of safe drinking water. Using a power nozzle can help you control the flow, especially when filling containers on concrete or in tight spaces.

If yes, purchase a food-grade plastic hose, the type used for RVs. Regular garden hoses may contain lead and are not designed for the flow of safe drinking water.

Do you need a water preserver?

Rotation at 6 Months

If you plan to rotate your water within 6 months, no preserver is needed. Municipalities pretreat their water with chlorine before it is piped to customers so additional treatment is unnecessary for short-term storage.

Rotation at 5 Years

If you want to store water longer than 6 months, adding Water Preserver™ is an excellent insurance policy. When used at the correct dosage, it helps prevent microbial growth and keeps properly stored water potable for up to 5 years. However, storage conditions matter.

Storage Conditions and Water Preserver

Temperature plays a major role in how long water stays safe with or without water preserver:

  • In cool indoor spaces (closets, basements, interior rooms), water treated with a preserver can reliably last the full 5 years.
  • In garages, temperatures often rise higher and fluctuate more dramatically. Heat accelerates chemical leaching, weakens seals, and shortens the effective lifespan of preservatives.

Practical real-world advice for storing water in a garage:

  • If your garage stays under ~85°F most of the year, long-term storage (2–5 years) with a preserver is generally realistic.
  • If your garage regularly reaches 90–110°F, plan to rotate your water every 6–12 months, even with a preserver.
  • If you live in a mild coastal climate and your garage stays relatively cool, your stored water may safely last several years - but rotating more often is still the safest practice.

This approach gives you flexibility while keeping you aligned with best practice safety guidelines.

How to Add Water Preserver

For the best long-term results, follow these steps:

  • 1. Add the correct amount of Water Preserver to the empty container. For a 5-gallon jug, that’s 40 drops (8 drops per gallon). Press the container gently as you count - drops can come out faster than expected.
  • 2. Fill the container with clean tap water to about 1.5 to 2 inches below the cap.
  • 3. Seal the container tightly, then invert or slosh it several times to coat all internal surfaces. This ensures the preservative mixes thoroughly and sanitizes the entire interior, helping prevent microbial growth on the container walls.
Water Storage

Filling Containers

Your containers are prepped - now it’s time to fill them. Proper filling technique helps maintain water quality, prevents contamination, and ensures your containers seal correctly. Follow the steps below for both small and large containers to set your water storage up for long‑term success.

Filling 5-to-15-gallon containers

Because these containers are smaller, filling them is straightforward — just remember that they get heavy fast! If possible, fill them close to where they’ll be stored.

  • If filling with a water hose, use a food grade plastic hose. Be sure to run water through it briefly to flush out any stagnant water or debris.
  • If filling in a bathtub or shower, first clean your shower head or water faucet with sanitizing solution.
  • Carefully fill your container to the fill line, about 1.5 to 2 inches below the cap. This allows for expansion if the water freezes, easier handling without spills, and room for air if using a spigot or pump
  • Add the water preserver if storing longer than 6 months.
  • Tightly screw on the lid, being careful not to touch the inside of the lid during handling.
  • Wipe the outside dry and label the container with the fill date and whether a preserver was used. (see next)
  • Store a bung wrench nearby for easy opening later.

Filling 50-gallon and 55-gallon drums

Large barrels/drums must be filled in the location where they’ll be stored. If that’s not possible, a 55‑gallon drum dolly can help you move them safely. Also, it's strongly recommended to build a platform to keep the barrels off the ground. It should support the full weight of a filled drum (approximately 450–500 lbs). Once built, proceed with filling each drum.

  • Use a food‑grade water hose long enough to reach your storage area and flush the hose briefly before filling.
  • Carefully fill each drum. Filling slowly helps reduce turbulence and allows the water preserver to mix more evenly.
  • Add the water preserver if storing longer than 6 months.
  • Inspect the drum’s bung gaskets to ensure they’re seated properly, then close the openings with the bung plugs.
  • Tighten with a bung wrench or drum wrench to seal your water.
  • Wipe the exterior dry and label the drum with the fill date and preserver information. (See next)

Filling Larger Water Storage Tanks (100–500+ gallons)

For tanks larger than 55 gallons - such as 100‑gallon vertical tanks, slimline tanks, low‑profile tanks, or even 250-500+ gallon cisterns - the filling process is similar but on a larger scale.

  • Larger tanks (such as 100 gallon vertical tanks, slimline tanks, low profile tanks, and 250–500+ gallon cisterns) must be filled in place, as they cannot be moved once full.
  • Use a long enough food grade hose to reach the tank’s fill opening and flush the hose briefly before starting.
  • Fill the tank slowly to reduce turbulence and allow any added water preserver to distribute evenly.
  • Open the tank’s vent or secondary opening during filling to prevent pressure buildup.
  • Once full, secure all caps tightly and label the tank with the fill date and whether a preserver was used. (See next)
Water Storage

Labeling Containers

Labeling your water containers is vital for proper rotation, clear identification, and water that is ultimately safe to drink. Whether you're storing small jugs, 55-gallon drums, or large tanks, the right labeling method helps you track expiration dates, additives, and whether the water is potable.

Tips for Labeling

Labeling methods

Never write directly onto your container unless you don’t mind permanent markings. Instead, try one of these approaches:

  • Sticky label + tape: Works well for small containers and drums. Avoid placing labels on the top if containers are stackable.
  • Twine-tied tag: Ideal for containers with handles or necks where tags can be tied. Use waterproof paper or plastic tags.
  • Adhesive-backed vinyl label: For large tanks, especially those stored outdoors or in garages. Apply near the fill opening or inspection port.
  • Permanent marker on dedicated label panel: Some tanks and drums have molded label areas - use these if available.

What to include on each label

  • Storage date (when filled)
  • Planned rotation date (decided by storage location and/or treatment)
  • Additives added (e.g., Water Preserver™, bleach, etc.)
  • Planned use (potable or non-potable)
  • Tank or container ID (helpful if you have multiple tanks)

Best practices

  • Switch out labels at each rotation - don’t reuse old tags, as they can cause confusion.
  • Use waterproof materials if storing in humid or outdoor environments.
  • Place labels where they’re easy to read without moving or unstacking containers.
  • For tanks stored outdoors consider adding a second label inside a weatherproof sleeve or pouch.

Add a reminder: While labeling helps, don’t rely on it alone. For added security, place your rotation date on your calendar or set a digital reminder. This helps you stay on top of your water rotation schedule, especially for garage or outdoor storage.