Water storage is one of the most important aspects of emergency preparedness. Every home should have a supply of clean drinking water for each who lives in that home. Water storage tanks can simplify water storage and are a fantastic way to store a lot of water in a little footprint.

What is the ideal water storage tank to store drinking water for emergencies? WaterPrepared makes a 55-gallon and a 160-gallon water storage tank that makes it easy to rotate and access clean stored drinking water. Access to clean drinking water is as easy as turning a spigot.

In this post, I am going to review the WaterPrepared 160-gallon water storage tank. I’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Water Storage is Critical

Let me start this review with my standard lecture. GET YOUR WATER STORAGE! Having stored water is so important in being prepared. Please make this a high priority. End of lecture! … for now. Learn more about storing water in these posts from The Provident Prepper.

When Austin asked us to review his water storage system, I was stoked. Being an engineer, I get excited about things that are efficient and make the best use of available resources. After getting the tanks, I was even more impressed.

Water Storage Tanks

Water Supply Tanks has several products that may be of interest, but this review will focus on the 160-gallon and the 55-gallon storage tanks. Depending on the space you have available, and the amount of water you want to store, you can choose one or both of these sizes. Both sizes allow for stacking 2 high to maximize water storage in that footprint.

Advantages of WaterPrepared Water Storage Tanks

Let me discuss the things I really like about these tanks.

Space Efficient

In the case of the 160-gallon tanks, I really like the efficiency of being able to store 320 gallons in a space that is 29-inches wide by 36-inches deep and 89-inches tall. These were sized just right to fit in standard 8-foot tall room.

For the 55-gallon tanks, the ability to get 110-gallons of storage in a space that is 22-inches by 28-inches and 60 inches tall is really nice.

User-Friendly Design

I really like the large opening and cap to allow for easy filling. I also really like the vacuum relief valve that is built into the cap. This prevents tank collapse when pulling the water out. I learned about tank collapse after acquiring a used 275-gallon tote. I filled the tote with water and closed the bung to let it soak. A while later, and without sufficient rational thought, I opened the valve without loosening the cap for air relief. I should have known better, but just didn’t stop long enough to think it through. I folded that tote into a “V”. Having the build-in vacuum relief valve keeps that from happening.

Convenient Access Taps

The access taps are also a big hit for me, particularly the 2 taps on each 160-gallon tank. The upper tap is perfect for filling a bucket or pitcher, and the lower tap works well for connecting a hose for use or for draining and rotating the water. The 55-gallon tanks only have the tap on the bottom…still workable, but not quite as convenient, especially on the bottom tank. I really prefer the quarter-turn taps and that’s what they have used. Good choice!

Simple Installation

Installing the tanks was very quick and easy. With the space clean, the first tank is put in place, filled, and treated (if you are using a treatment method). The next tank is stacked on top where it locks in. It can then be filled as before.

The empty 160-gallon WaterPrepared tank only weighs about 45 pounds, so they are not overly heavy, but they can be just a little awkward. Stacking the second tank is easier with 2 people. The 55-gallon tanks weigh only about 25 pounds each and are easily stacked with 1 or 2 people.

Note: if these tanks will be stored where freezing could occur, leave 10% head space (or about 4.5 inches) to allow for expansion.

Tanks Lock Together for Increased Stability

When the tanks are locked together, they are quite stable. In many situations, I wouldn’t do anything further to stabilize the tanks. Since we live in earthquake country, and because I am an engineer, I chose to use 3 pieces of plumber’s tape to secure them further. I don’t want the tanks to dance if/when we have an earthquake.

When using water from these tanks, or when emptying or rotating water, empty the top tank first, followed by the bottom tank.

Disadvantages of WaterPrepared Water Storage Tanks

As with any product, there are some things you should consider as you make your purchase decision.

Filled Water Tanks are Heavy

Water tanks have an issue of weight. When full, the 160-gallon tanks weigh about 1380 pounds. Two tanks stacked together weigh nearly 2800 pounds. That is no problem for a concrete floor in a basement, home, or garage, but could be an issue on some wood-framed floors. Just something to be aware of.

Cost of WaterPrepared Water Storage Tanks

The WaterPrepared water storage system is a bit more expensive than some other options. For example, if you purchase the standard blue water barrel, you will likely pay about $1 +/- per gallon of storage. With the 160-gallon tanks, you are looking at about $2.80 +/- per gallon. The 55-gallon tanks come in at around $4.00 per gallon.

Having said that, in my opinion, if these tanks can fit your budget, they make water storage extremely easy and efficient. These costs include free shipping. You can learn more from WaterPrepared.

WaterPrepared Water Storage Tanks Are Worth the Price

I am extremely impressed with the WaterPrepared water storage system. If you use the promo code PROVIDENT they will give you 5 percent off. Although a bit pricier than some options, it is an easy and efficient way to store a lot of water in a small footprint. I think it is a great way to go if you can fit it into your budget.

However you decide to store your water, the important thing is that you have water stored for emergencies.

Thanks for being part of the solution!
Jonathan and Kylene Jones

Emergency Water Storage: WaterPrepared Storage Tank Review

Water Storage is Critical

Water Storage Tanks