Water storage container
Choose a drinking-water container by its full weight, cleaning access and ease of dispensing, not just its capacity.
Choosing this equipment
Choose a drinking-water container by its full weight, cleaning access and ease of dispensing, not just its capacity.
Use the guidance below to compare suitable equipment before buying.
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A refillable water carrier can be useful for collecting an alternative supply during an interruption. For long-term household emergency storage, current government advice favours sealed purchased bottled water as the starting point.
What to look for
Choose a container explicitly intended for drinking water. Check the handle, lid seal and whether you can clean and dry it according to the instructions. A tap can make dispensing easier, but it is another part to inspect and maintain.
Think about the full weight. Five litres of water adds about five kilograms; 20 litres adds about 20 kilograms before the container itself. Choose a size the intended user can lift and pour from safely, including along any stairs or collection route.
Match it to the collection job
Check that it can be filled conveniently and kept closed during transport. A collapsible carrier saves space when empty but needs testing for stability when full. Do that at home before relying on it.
Use clean drinking-water equipment and follow any supplier instructions about collected water. Keep drinking and non-drinking supplies clearly distinguished.
Before you buy
The photograph is representative. No specific retailer product is being presented as tested. Use these criteria to compare suitable containers and read the full guide before choosing a size.
Read the water-container guide
Sources
Keep reading
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