Emergency Preparedness
Once you move past a few jugs, the question becomes where to put the water. A household of four at one gallon per person per day needs about 56 gallons for two weeks, which is exactly what a 55-gallon drum or tank holds. The WaterPrepared stackable tanks we list are food-grade, BPA-free HDPE and appear on The Prepared's shortlists; the 160-gallon version takes less floor space than three separate drums. If you rent or live in an apartment, WaterBrick-style stackable containers slide into closets and under beds and are easier to carry. Keep big tanks off bare concrete, out of sunlight and away from fuel or chemicals. Have a siphon or pump ready, and refresh self-filled water every six months as FEMA recommends.
Why it's hereOn The Prepared's 50–55 gal shortlist: BPA-free food-grade HDPE, stackable; ~2 weeks for 4 people at 1 gal/person/day.
Recommended by The PreparedThe Prepared review last updated Jan 2021 (listed it at $185 then)
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | WaterPrepared Blue 55-Gallon Stackable Water TankRecommended by The Prepared | On The Prepared's 50–55 gal shortlist: BPA-free food-grade HDPE, stackable; ~2 weeks for 4 people at 1 gal/person/day. | ~$269Price checked Oct 20, 2026at waterprepared.com View product | |
| Runner-up | WaterPrepared Blue 160-Gallon Stackable Water TankRecommended by The Prepared | On The Prepared's 100–200 gal shortlist: stackable HDPE, takes less floor space than two 55-gal drums. | ~$699Price checked Oct 20, 2026at waterprepared.com View product | |
