What containers are safe for water storage?

The number that matters

Look at the recycling symbol on the bottom of any plastic container. The number inside the triangle tells you the plastic type. For long-term water storage, you want HDPE, recycling symbol #2.

HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene. It is the plastic used in food-grade water storage containers, WaterBricks, Aqua-Tainers, and most purpose-built water jugs. The FDA approves HDPE for food and water contact. It does not leach harmful chemicals under normal storage conditions, does not impart taste or odor to water, and holds up to years of storage without degrading.

BPA-free is a related but separate designation. Most HDPE containers are BPA-free by default — BPA (bisphenol A) is more commonly associated with polycarbonate plastics (recycling symbol #7). When a container is both food-grade HDPE and BPA-free, you have the appropriate material for water storage.

What to avoid

Milk jugs. This is the most common mistake. Milk jugs are HDPE #2 — but they are single-use containers, manufactured to be biodegradable. They develop pinhole leaks within months, retain milk protein residue that supports bacterial growth, and are not rated for repeated filling. The CDC guidance is specific: do not store water in containers that previously held milk or juice.

Soda and water bottles (PET, #1). PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is safe short-term — commercially bottled water uses it. But PET degrades over time with repeated cleaning and refilling, and the bottles are not designed for long-term storage. A 2-liter soda bottle filled from the tap and stored for three months is acceptable. A 2-liter bottle used as a permanent water rotation container is not.

Any container that held non-food products. Even trace residue from household cleaners, automotive fluids, or pesticides cannot be fully removed from plastic. Never repurpose these containers for water storage regardless of the plastic type.

What works

Purpose-built water storage containers in food-grade HDPE are the right answer. The Reliance Aqua-Tainer (7 gallons, $15 to $20), WaterBrick (3.5 gallons, $30 to $40), and Scepter military-style containers (5 gallons, $30 to $50) are all food-grade HDPE. They are made specifically for this use, rated for repeated filling, and built with airtight lids that prevent contamination.

55-gallon food-grade drums are the most economical option for large-volume household storage. Available from beverage distributors and online retailers for $50 to $80. They require a barrel wrench, siphon pump, and a stable location — once filled with 458 pounds of water, they are not movable.

Commercially bottled water is acceptable for storage, though expensive per gallon. The sealed PET bottles from commercial production maintain quality for the date printed. For a household budget, purpose-built HDPE containers filled from the tap are a better long-term investment.

What to do right now

1. 1 Check what you are currently using. If you have milk jugs, juice containers, or old soda bottles serving as water storage — replace them with purpose-built containers.
2. 2 Look for the #2 recycling symbol. On any container you are considering, confirm it is HDPE and marketed for water or food storage specifically.
3. 3 Fill from the tap. Municipal tap water is already treated and safe to store without additives. Do not filter it first — the chlorine residual protects the stored water.
4. 4 Store cool and dark. Heat and direct sunlight accelerate plastic degradation and reduce water quality. A closet, interior room, or basement is ideal.
5. 5 Date your containers. Rotate every 6 to 12 months. The water stays safe longer, but quality declines over time and container inspection is worthwhile.