While we can never store enough water, there is a limit on how much we feasibly can store. You must first decide where your long-term water storage is going to be placed before you select which containers to buy. The more room you have, the bigger container options become available to you. The goal is then to match your containers to this space.
A good storage spot should maintain cool, dry, and dark conditions. Light and heat accelerate algae growth and shorten the safe storage window, even when you’re using treated water.
The best location is the one that balances protection, capacity, and practicality for your home. Indoor spaces offer the most stable environment, garages require careful management, and outdoor systems expand your options dramatically as long as you account for heat, light, and installation needs. Once you’ve chosen the locations that offer the best conditions, you can move on to finding the containers that serve your space the best.
These are the go-to options when you need to secure a large amount of water immediately - usually right before or during an emergency. They’re not meant for long-term storage; they’re meant for rapid capacity, short-term use, and minimal storage footprint when empty.
These are the workhorses of water storage. They’re easy to move, rotate, clean, and use. They’re also the most realistic entry point for families who want to start small but build a dependable water supply.
These containers offer a larger supply of long-term water storage. They stay put once filled and offer the best balance of durability and capacity - especially when you need more than what water bricks and jugs can reasonably provide.
This system supports the natural progression from “stored water” to “renewable water” as part of a long-term plan for resilience. Collecting and storing water outdoors includes setups that are simple, and others that become full systems with extra components for cleaner collection and easier use.
These collapsible water bags are portable, space-saving containers designed for emergency water storage and short-term outdoor use. Typically made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic materials, they can hold a useful amount of potable water while folding flat when empty for easy storage. When filled, they expand into a flexible, soft-sided container and often include a handle and spigot (or pour cap) for easier carrying and dispensing.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly
Type: Portable, collapsible short-term water storage container (temporary-use flexible bag)
Portable or Stationary: Portable
Typical Capacity: 5 gallons (some similar versions are available in 3- to 10-gallon sizes)
Best Storage Location: Indoor (stored empty in a drawer, tote, closet, or emergency kit); can be filled and used temporarily indoors or outdoors during an emergency
Best for Water Type: Potable water
Use Timing: Short-term / temporary emergency use
Main strength: Stores flat when empty, making it excellent for compact storage and quick emergency use
Main tradeoff: Less durable than rigid containers and more prone to punctures, leaks, and wear over repeated use
Best role in a family plan: Lightweight backup and overflow storage for short-term emergencies, travel, evacuation kits, or temporary water transport
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: This size range is popular because it stores a useful amount of water per container while still being manageable for many adults to lift, pour, and transport. Weight does not include container weight.
Note: Materials and features can vary by model so make sure you know what you're buying.
A bathtub water liner turns a standard tub into a short-term emergency water reservoir. It’s designed for situations where you have some warning (storm, hurricane, planned shutoff) and want to quickly store a large amount of clean water inside your home. These single-use plastic containers, such as WaterBob and AquaPod, are designed to hold large volumes of water safely and are made from durable, food-grade plastic to ensure water remains clean and uncontaminated.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly
Type: Emergency bathtub water storage liner (temporary-use, single-use flexible liner for a standard tub)
Portable or Stationary: Stationary (used in place in a bathtub)
Typical Capacity: Usually about 65 to 100 gallons, depending on tub size and fill level
Best Storage Location: Indoor (stored sealed in a closet, bathroom cabinet, or emergency supplies bin until needed)
Best for Water Type: Potable water (filled from household tap before service interruption)
Use Timing: Short-term / fill-before-disaster emergency use
Main strength: Stores a large amount of water very quickly in an affordable emergency container using space you already have (the bathtub)
Main tradeoff: One-time use only and must be filled before the water service is lost or shut off
Best role in a family plan: Fast, high-capacity backup water storage for emergencies when you have advance warning and time to fill the tub
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Note: If you are considering other brands, focus on material safety, included accessories, setup instructions, and pump quality rather than price alone.
Often called pillow tanks, these large water bladders are flexible containers that let you store a lot of water right when you need it, while taking up very little space when empty. They work best as temporary bulk storage for situations anywhere from storm prep to planned shutoffs, or to add capacity without having to buy barrels or tanks. They’re especially handy if you want something you can access and fill quickly, then fold up and put away between emergencies.
Preparedness level: Moderate
Type: Temporary bulk, flexible fill-in-place potable water storage bladder
Portable or Stationary: Stationary when in use (fill-in-place); portable only when empty
Typical Capacity: Varies widely by model, often from about 50 gallons to several hundred gallons
Best Use Location: Garage, basement, utility room, or sheltered outdoor areas with a smooth, level surface and enough floor space
Best for Water Type: Potable water
Use Timing: Short-term to medium-term emergency surge storage
Main strength: High-capacity potable water storage with very little storage space needed when empty
Main tradeoff: Not portable when full and needs a protected, puncture-safe surface to avoid damage
Best role in a family plan: Extra surge-capacity water storage layered on top of bricks, jugs, barrels, or tanks for short-term emergency supply expansion
Larger residential/industrial units are available.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Note: When comparing brands, focus on potable rating, filled dimensions, outlet/valve compatibility, and cleaning instructions.
Water bricks hold 3 to 3.5 gallons of water and have a general footprint of about 18" x 9" x 6", making them extremely easy to carry. These rectangular, stackable containers are made for families who need water storage that fits where larger, taller jugs won’t. Water bricks work well for tight spaces, storing neatly under beds, couches, in closets, on garage shelves, or along a wall. They are also stackable, allowing for vertical storage in larger spaces.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly
Type: Modular, stackable small-to-medium rigid water storage containers
Portable or Stationary: Portable
Typical Capacity: Commonly about 3.5 gallons each (varies by brand/model)
Best Storage Location: Indoor (closets, garages, under shelving, utility areas, or other spots where vertical stacking saves space)
Best for Water Type: Potable water
Use Timing: Short-term to long-term storage (with rotation)
Main strength: Excellent use of indoor space with manageable container weight
Main tradeoff: Higher cost per gallon and more containers/caps to manage than large barrels
Best role in a family plan: Primary indoor storage layer or companion storage alongside jugs, barrels, or tanks
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: This size range is popular because it stores a useful amount of water per container while still being manageable for many adults to lift, pour, and transport. Weight does not include container weight.
Note: When comparing brands, prioritize durability, stack stability, cap/spigot quality, and ease of cleaning over appearance.
These containers are the most popular entry point for home storage, balancing high capacity and portability. It's important to distinguish between standard utility jugs, designed for side-by-side storage only, and stackable jugs, which feature interlocking designs rated for vertical weight. While some utility models look sturdy, most are not rated to be stacked when full. While both designs hold the same about of water, they store differently so be cautious when making your purchase.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly
Type: Medium-capacity portable jug storage
Portable or Stationary: Portable
Typical Capacity: 5 or 7 gallons per jug
Best Storage Location: Indoor (garage, closet, utility room, pantry area, or other cool, protected storage space)
Best for Water Type: Potable water
Use Timing: Short-term to long-term storage (with rotation)
Main strength: Practical balance of capacity, portability, and easy rotation
Main tradeoff: Full jugs are heavy, especially 7-gallon sizes, and require regular cleaning/rotation for long-term storage use
Best role in a family plan: Everyday emergency water storage layer that is easy to fill, use, rotate, and move as needed
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: These weights are manageable for many adults, but 7-gallon jugs can be awkward for some people to lift safely. Consider how far you will need to carry the jug (and whether stairs are involved), not just whether you can lift it once. Weight does not include container weight.
Note: Other store-brand or utility jugs can work well if they are food-grade, durable, and easy to clean. When comparing jugs, prioritize material quality, handle comfort, cap/spigot reliability, and cleaning access over price alone.
Originally designed for military use, the jerry can (or Jerrycan) is the gold standard for rugged, mobile water storage. Unlike standard jugs, these feature a slim, vertical profile and reinforced handles specifically engineered for transport and vehicle mounting. Their narrow footprint makes them ideal for tight spaces in a vehicle or garage, though their rounded tops mean they are designed for upright use rather than stacking. They are perfect for grab & go scenarios and home use.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly
Type: Rigid, medium-capacity water storage containers
Portable or Stationary: Portable
Typical Capacity: Commonly about 5 to 7 gallons each
Best Storage Location: Indoors (garage, utility room, closet), with vehicle use for transport/evacuation
Best for Water Type: Potable water (when using food-grade / water-rated containers)
Use Timing: Short-term to long-term storage (with rotation)
Main strength: Strong balance of portability, durability, and practical capacity
Main tradeoff: Heavy when full and more expensive per gallon than barrels or tanks
Best role in a family plan: Flexible primary or backup storage for daily access, rotation, transport, and evacuation use
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: This size range is popular because it stores a useful amount of water per container while still being manageable for many adults to lift, pour, and transport. Weight does not include container weight.
Note: When comparing brands, prioritize potable-water safety, durability, cap/spout quality, and ease of cleaning over brand name alone.
This “in-between” option is bigger than a jug yet smaller than a barrel - perfect for people who want to store more water without jumping straight to a barrel. These containers, such as the Wurx, are engineered with a low, wide profile and interlocking "male-to-female" grooves that allow them to be stacked securely (often up to three high) into a solid column. Once filled, they are stationary, but the included built-in handles allow for repositioning when partially filled.
Preparedness level: Moderate
Type: Large, modular, stackable, stationary water storage containers
Portable or Stationary: Stationary when full
Typical Capacity: About 20 gallons per container
Best Storage Location: Indoor (garage, utility room, basement, or other protected area with strong, level flooring)
Best for Water Type: Potable water
Use Timing: Medium-term to long-term storage (with rotation)
Main strength: High capacity in a compact, stack-friendly footprint
Main tradeoff: Too heavy for most households to move once full, so placement needs to be planned in advance
Best role in a family plan: Main indoor reserve storage paired with smaller bricks or jugs for easier everyday access and transport
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
A 55-gallon barrel (often called a drum) is one of the most popular “big jump” upgrades. This gives you the ability to store more water in a relatively small footprint and is one of the most popular water storage options on the market today. These drums are extremely common in shipping/industry, but for potable water, you want one that’s clearly labeled food-grade. Never use a barrel that previously held toxic chemicals. Other barrel options include 15-gallon, 30-gallon, and 50-gallon capacities.
Preparedness level: Moderate
Type: Bulk, stationary, long-term water storage barrel
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: About 55 gallons per barrel
Best Storage Location: Indoor or sheltered outdoor area (garage, basement, shed, or covered space) on a strong, level surface
Best for Water Type: Potable water
Use Timing: Long-term storage / long-duration reserve
Main strength: High capacity with strong cost-per-gallon value and a relatively compact footprint for the amount stored
Main tradeoff: Very heavy when full and usually requires a pump, siphon, or spigot/transfer setup to use water easily
Best role in a family plan: Core home water reserve paired with smaller containers for everyday access and transport
Note: Choosing between 30 and 55 gallons often comes down to space, handling preference, and how much water you want per container.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Note: When comparing suppliers, focus on potable-safe material claims, drum style (open vs. closed top), and accessory compatibility.
These outdoor systems act as high capacity, heavy-duty reservoirs designed for semi-permanent "daisy-chain" installation. Here, multiple 30-gallon barrels (made from high-density, UV-stabilized plastic) are connected via a standard garden hose or a specialized PVC manifold. This setup creates a large, interconnected water supply that can be filled from a single source, producing a controlled water rotation that continually refreshes your water supply. The use of a food-grade hose is highly recommended.
Preparedness level: Moderate
Type: Semi-permanent, linked, multi-barrel, potable water storage system
Portable or Stationary: Stationary (semi-permanent once installed)
Typical Capacity: Varies by setup - often 60 to 180+ gallons total (this represents two to six 30-gallon barrels linked together)
Best Storage Location: Outdoor (alongside a home, fence line, side yard, or patio area on a stable, level base; ideally protected from direct sun when possible)
Best for Water Type: Potable water
Use Timing: Medium-term to long-term storage
Main strength: Expandable “bridge” system between single barrels and larger tanks, allowing capacity to grow in stages
Main tradeoff: More fittings, hoses, and connection points to monitor and maintain than standalone barrels
Best role in a family plan: Medium-to-high capacity home reserve for families who want more storage than a single barrel but are not ready for a full tank installation
Note: Larger systems are possible, but complexity (fittings, balancing, overflow/venting, and maintenance) increases as you expand.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Once you move beyond barrels, “tanks” become the catch‑all category for larger, stationary water storage. These tanks commonly range from about 160 gallons to 500 gallons and beyond - and in multiple shapes so you can match the container to your actual space: go tall (vertical), go narrow (slimline/doorway), or go low and long (horizontal/leg and low‑profile tanks). Larger tanks also tend to cost less per gallon, especially compared to storing the same amount of water in many small containers.
Preparedness level: Moderate to Advanced
Type: High capacity, stationary, bulk water storage tanks
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: Varies widely by tank type and footprint, often from a few hundred gallons to several thousand gallons
Best Storage Location: Outdoor or dedicated indoor/utility space (depending on tank style, size, and local space limitations)
Best for Water Type: Potable or non-potable, depending on setup
Use Timing: Medium-term to long-term storage
Main strength: Serious household capacity with multiple shape options to fit real spaces
Main tradeoff: Requires permanent placement, a proper base/foundation, and a planned fill/dispensing setup
Best role in a family plan: Long-term home reserve paired with smaller containers for everyday access and transport
Note: For typical home preparedness, 100-500 gallons is a common and practical home-scale tank range. Larger vertical tanks can go well beyond this range and often move into dedicated installation territory.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include tank weight.
Note: When comparing tank options, focus first on potable rating, shape/fit, fittings, and dimensions rather than brand alone.
Slimline tanks are a natural next step after barrels when floor space is limited, because they’re built for narrow areas like side yards, hallways, or tight garage walls. Instead of taking up a large footprint, these vertical tanks, typically 15 to 150 gallons, are designed to go tall rather than wide. They fit neatly against walls or in other constrained spaces while still offering far more capacity than barrels. Many homeowners like them because they provide meaningful storage without requiring major rearrangement.
Preparedness level: Moderate to Advanced
Type: Tall, narrow, stationary tank for high capacity water storage in tight footprints
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: Varies by model - from 100 to 1,000 gallons
Best Storage Location: Garage or sheltered outdoor area
Best for Water Type: Potable or non-potable, depending on setup
Use Timing: Medium-term to long-term storage
Main strength: High capacity with a smaller footprint than many wider tanks
Main tradeoff: Can be top-heavy so a level surface is manditory and seismic straps are suggested for earthquake-prone areas.
Best role in a family plan: High capacity home reserve where width is limited but height is available
Note: As capacity increases, expect added height and/or length depending on the specific slimline design
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Precaution: For garage placement of a 500-gallon tank, ensure the concrete slab is in good condition without major existing cracks. Placing the tank near a load-bearing wall or the edge of the slab (where the concrete is often thicker) is recommended.
Precaution: Placing a 1,000-gallon tank (over 4 tons) outside requires a properly prepared foundation to prevent sinking, tilting, or structural failure. Contact a professional for guidance.
Note: When comparing slimline tanks, prioritize exact dimensions, doorway fit, port locations, and potable rating before brand name.
Low profile water tanks are short, wide, shallow tanks designed to fit in places a barrel never could, like under a bed frame, beneath a platform, inside a storage bench, or tight against a wall in a garage. Although these tanks are smaller, often in the 30‑gallon to 60‑gallon range, they’re still part of the tank family because of their rigid construction and stationary design. They’re commonly sold as RV/marine freshwater tanks, but they work beautifully for home preparedness low-height water storage.
Preparedness level: Moderate
Type: Stationary low-height tank for hidden or tight-space bulk water storage
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: Varies by model - 50 to 1,500+ Gallons
Best Storage Location: Outdoor or sheltered utility areas where height is limited (along walls, under decks, beside buildings, or other low-clearance spaces)
Best for Water Type: Potable or non-potable, depending on setup
Use Timing: Medium-term to long-term storage
Main strength: Fits where barrels and taller vertical tanks cannot
Main tradeoff: Uses more floor area/footprint
Best role in a family plan: Low-profile reserve storage paired with smaller containers for everyday access and transport
Larger units are available.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Note: When comparing low-profile tanks, focus on exact dimensions, port layout, potable rating, and fitting options before brand name.
Leg tanks are designed to provide generous capacity while keeping the weight and height close to the ground. Their molded support legs help position the tank securely on the floor in places like a garage, shed, or side yard. This style works well when you need more storage than standard barrels can offer but prefer a tank that stays low and unobtrusive rather than tall and vertical. Many people prefer this type of water storage specifically because the built-in legs make the tank stable and easy to position.
Preparedness level: Moderate to Advanced
Type: Low-profile, stationary, bulk water tank with a built-in leg base
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: Varies by model - 65 to 325+ gallons
Best Storage Location: Outdoor or sheltered utility area with a strong, level base and enough floor space for the tank footprint
Best for Water Type: Potable or non-potable, depending on setup
Use Timing: Medium-term to long-term storage
Main strength: Good to high capacity in a lower, more stable tank format
Main tradeoff: Requires significant floor space as tank size increases
Best role in a family plan: Mid-to-large home reserve when vertical height is limited but wider footprint space is available
Note: Larger sizes exist (500+ gallons and beyond), but these often move into more dedicated installation planning.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Note: When comparing leg tanks, prioritize support requirements, outlet/fitting layout, dimensions, and potable rating before brand name.
An IBC tote is a large, cube‑shaped container with a protective metal cage, usually mounted on a pallet for easy handling. It’s a popular choice for emergency water storage because it holds a high volume of water in a clean, efficient footprint. If you go with this option, make sure the tote is food‑grade and potable‑rated. Many reputable suppliers clearly list food‑grade materials and NSF/ANSI 61 certification on their potable IBC models, making it easier to confirm you’re getting a safe container for drinking water.
Preparedness level: Advanced
Type: High capacity, caged, bulk water tote (intermediate bulk container)
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: 275 to 330 gallons per tote
Best Storage Location: Outdoor or large utility/garage space on a very strong, level base with room for safe access and dispensing
Best for Water Type: Potable or non-potable, depending on tote history and setup
Use Timing: Medium-term to long-term storage
Main strength: Are the most rugged and stackable, making them the "final tier" for serious, high-volume home setups
Main tradeoff: The structural footprint is industrial - stored in a steel cage on a pallet
Best role in a family plan: Large home reserve for properties with adequate space, a solid base, and a plan for safe filling, dispensing, and water rotation
Note: For most families, 275 gallons is the most practical balance of size, weight, and space planning.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Note: Retailers and resellers vary widely, so verify the exact tote configuration, condition (new vs used), and potable suitability for the specific unit you are buying. When comparing IBC options, prioritize potable rating, valve/fitting compatibility, and tote history (if used) over price alone.
A cistern is a large, high‑capacity water storage tank designed for long‑term use when you need significantly more volume than standard above‑ground tanks can provide. These tanks can be installed above ground or underground and can be filled by a hose, well, or integrated into a rainwater system. Cisterns defining feature is sheer capacity. They are a dependable, long-term water storage solution, especially when paired with durable, potable‑safe construction for drinking water use.
Preparedness level: Advanced
Type: Very high-capacity stationary water storage system
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: Varies widely, often from several hundred gallons to many thousands of gallons
Best Storage Location: Outdoor, partially buried, or underground installation (depending on cistern type, site layout, and system design)
Best for Water Type: Potable or non-potable, depending on source water and treatment setup
Use Timing: Long-term storage / long-duration reserve
Main strength: Long-duration household reserve with scalable capacity
Main tradeoff: Requires real system planning (base/excavation, pump, overflow, venting, treatment, and installation)
Best role in a family plan: Long-term “home reserve” for serious preparedness, larger households, or property-level water backup
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: At this scale, support, installation, and dispensing design are just as important as tank size.
Note: Other regional tank manufacturers and dealers may offer cistern systems in polyethylene, fiberglass, or concrete formats depending on your location. When comparing cisterns, prioritize potable rating (if needed), installation type (above/below ground), fittings/access, and system planning over brand alone.
Underground or partially buried tanks are designed for properties where appearance, space, or climate control matter. Underground tanks provide a durable, discreet storage solution, all while providing large-scale water storage. These tanks are engineered with structural ribbing and reinforced walls to handle surrounding soil loads when installed below grade. While they can offer substantial capacity, their primary appeal is installation style - concealment, temperature stability, and a cleaner visual footprint.
Preparedness level: Advanced
Type: Buried or partially buried high-capacity stationary water storage system
Portable or Stationary: Stationary
Typical Capacity: Varies widely by tank and site design, often from several hundred gallons to many thousands of gallons
Best Storage Location: Underground or partially buried outdoor installation on a property with appropriate excavation access, drainage planning, and code-compliant placement
Best for Water Type: Potable or non-potable, depending on source water and treatment setup
Use Timing: Long-term storage / long-duration reserve
Main strength: Large-capacity storage with minimal visual impact and built-in light protection
Main tradeoff: Project-level installation with excavation, access, and system planning required
Best role in a family plan: Long-term property-level reserve when above-ground tanks are not desirable or practical
Note: Choosing the size depends on property space, installation budget, water source plan, and how long you want the reserve to last. At larger sizes, installation planning becomes just as important as the tank itself.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: These weights are one reason underground systems must follow proper installation/support guidance.
Note: When comparing buried tanks, prioritize underground rating, installation requirements, access/serviceability, and potable suitability over brand name alone.
A rainwater barrel is a small, easy to use rainwater collection setup that captures roof runoff from a downspout and stores it in a compact container, typically between 45 and 65 gallons. It’s a convenient way to gather non-potable water for tasks like watering plants, rinsing gear, or basic outdoor cleaning. Because rainwater can carry contaminants, barrels are generally intended for non-drinking uses. If you want to make rainwater potable, it generally requires a more carefully designed system than a basic barrel alone.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly
Type: Outdoor rainwater collection barrel
Portable or Stationary: Stationary (when full)
Typical Capacity: Varies - 55 gallons is common
Best Storage Location: Outdoor (typically under or near a roof downspout on a stable, level base with overflow direction planned)
Best for Water Type: Non-potable by default (utility water unless treated)
Use Timing: Seasonal to ongoing collection / utility storage
Main strength: Easy, affordable entry point for roof-runoff collection
Main tradeoff: Limited capacity per barrel and requires basic maintenance (screens, overflow management, and mosquito control)
Best role in a family plan: Starter rainwater collection system for outdoor utility use while learning the basics of capture, overflow, and maintenance
Note: Weight does not include container weight.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: These are fill-and-leave-in-place containers once full.
Note: Many local city programs and garden centers also sell rain barrels and kits that can be great starter options. When comparing rain barrels, prioritize screen/overflow design, spigot quality, and linking compatibility over appearance alone.
A rainwater barrel system links multiple barrels together to capture more roof runoff from one or more downspouts. These systems increase total capacity while keeping the footprint flexible, making them a practical option for gardens, landscaping, and general non‑potable outdoor use. Many setups include simple connection hardware to keep the system clean and manageable. Because the collected water still comes directly from the roof, it remains non‑potable unless properly filtered and disinfected.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly to Moderate
Type: Linked multi-barrel outdoor rainwater collection system
Portable or Stationary: Stationary and semi-permanent once connected
Typical Capacity: Varies by setup; often 100 to 300+ gallons total using multiple linked barrels
Best Storage Location: Outdoor (near one or more downspouts on stable, level bases with overflow routing planned)
Best for Water Type: Non-potable by default (utility water unless treated)
Use Timing: Seasonal to ongoing collection / utility storage
Main strength: Expandable capacity using familiar rain-barrel components and a step-by-step upgrade path
Main tradeoff: More fittings, maintenance points, and space requirements than a single barrel setup
Best role in a family plan: Scalable outdoor utility-water system that expands beyond a single barrel before moving to larger tanks or cisterns
Note: For many families, a linked barrel system is a practical stepping stone before moving to tanks or cisterns. 2-4 barrels equal roughly 100-250 gallons total, depending on barrel size. Some homeowners expand beyond this, but space, overflow planning, and maintenance become more important as the system grows.
Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon.
Note: Total system weight adds up quickly, so plan for stable surfaces and safe placement for every barrel in the system. These are fill-and-leave-in-place systems once full.
Note: Many homeowners also build linked systems from compatible rain barrels and fittings, but it is important to use proper water-safe hardware and secure seals. When comparing multi-barrel systems, focus on linking hardware quality, screen/seal design, and expansion flexibility more than barrel appearance.
A rainwater flush diverter is an optional but key addition to any rainwater harvesting system. These kits prevent the first, dirtiest rain from entering the barrel, significantly improving water quality. This initial flow often carries dust, pollen, bird droppings, and debris from the roof surface. A flush system automatically captures and isolates that dirty water so cleaner runoff can continue into your barrel, tank, or cistern. These systems are especially useful when you want clearer, lower‑sediment water for non‑potable uses.
Preparedness level: Beginner-friendly to Moderate
Type: Rainwater system upgrade component (first-flush diverter; not a storage container by itself)
Portable or Stationary: Stationary (installed as part of a rainwater collection system)
Runoff Capacity: Sized by runoff diversion volume (often designed to capture the first few gallons of roof runoff before cleaner water enters storage)
Best Storage Location: Outdoor (installed inline with gutter/downspout piping on a rain barrel, multi-barrel system, or tank setup)
Main strength: Improves incoming water quality by diverting the dirtiest first runoff before it reaches barrels or tanks
Main tradeoff: Adds components and requires periodic cleaning, inspection, and resetting/maintenance
Best role in a family plan: Practical upgrade for homeowners moving from basic rain barrels to a cleaner multi-barrel system
Now that you know what type of containers you want to buy, here are a few pointers when looking for a reputable vendor. Remember, not all plastic is created equal when it comes to water storage.
What to look for when buying
Helpful tips
Once you have invested your time and money, this last step is vital to the success of your long-term storage.
Choose a location that provides optimal conditions—cool, dry, and dark, with temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. (Note: Garages can become very warm in the summer; consider using your garage only as a last resort, unless you are willing to rotate your water supply every six months.)
It is imperative that you minimize the light, or at the very least, direct sunlight. Light exposure promotes organism growth, quickly reducing your water storage time.
Store your water containers at least 6 inches from the ground. Learn more about water storage placement.