I searched and didn't see much in the way of this being covered.

What do you guys recommend for good 2.5 and 5-7 gallon water containers? I already have a couple of cases of 20-ounce bottles, and roughly 10 gallon jugs. I'm looking to add to this with larger size containers. Will be stored indoors, away from heat, not moved very often. Don't really see the need in steel Jerry cans as $ as they are if solid plastic ones are available that won't leak.

I like the Reliance Aqua-Tainer. 7 gallons. $16

I have several -- for camping and for home.

http://www.rei.com/product/618168

I agree with Dagny. The Reliance Aquatainers are great. I used the 2.5 gallon collapsables and recently upgraded to the 4 gallon Aquatainers. (Cabelas was having a nice sale on them with fee shipping.) The collapsable containers are great but as they empty they tend to fall off the table a lot. Or for 5 gallon can similar to the military Spectre cans you can go with LCI. Great water cans. Looks like they raised the prices though.

Scepter makes good cans - 2.5 and 5 gal, available at various places, such as:
http://www.brigadeqm.com/store/qsearch/search.aspx?query=scepter

You can also buy "imitation" scepters, for $19 (though apparently they work fairly well) at LC Industries.
https://www.redcheetah.com/lci/index.php (log in under "guest", then search "water can." There's lots of items, but you can skim the thumbnails and find the 5-gal types)

Finally, you can just go get the typical 2.5 or 5 gallon water jugs that companies deliver to your house. Many grocery stores, or Lowe's, sell them. Supposedly they're good for several years.

Personally, I have about 10 gallons in store containers (a few 1-gal, a few 2.5 gal, and a few pallets of 20oz bottles) in the house. My garage also has 2 5-gal scepter cans that I just bought, with the idea that I fill them as events evolve. Being on the east coast, I anticipate either winter storm or hurricanes as my biggest events, both of which typically have some warning. The pre-packed is more of a catastrophic, no-warning storage.

The "Five Gallon Water Jug" is only $10. If you keep it in a dark place, it can't be beat for an economical solution. I've used some over ten years. Both indoors and in a storage shed where they freeze. Never had a problem.

I would also suggest two of these 7 gallon jugs with built in water filters. One as a backup of the other. Stick them in seperate locations. Perhaps two different closets. Aqua-tainer® 7-Gallon Water Container

I store mine in rubbermaid bins -- in case of leakage. Also keeps the light out.

Anyone store them with stabilizer? I.e. Bleach?

LCI sells real US issue military plastic 5-gallon water containers.

https://www.redcheetah.com/lci/item_deta...&sku=906396

I've had good luck (defn: long term storage, no leaks) with water storage from Emergency Essentials. The 5 gallon container is especially good in this class, and only $9.95. Their 15 gallon drums are the bomb.

http://beprepared.com/category.asp_Q_c_E_160_A_c2c_E_ln_A_name_E_WaterStorageandAccessories.

Disclaimer: no interest in Emergency Essentials, just a happy customer.

Thanks guys, a lot of good info. I knew about the Scepter ones but just wanted to see what everyone else is using before making a decision on what to buy.

One more question, I own one of the 5 gallon knockoff plastic Jerry cans already, but used it once and never cleaned it out. It is probably quite funky inside by now. What would be the best way to get it REALLY clean inside to be able to use it for potable water again?

I had the same situ.,1 of my 2 Knockoffs got Real Funky!I filled it 1/3 full,poured about 1/2 carton of Morton salt,& shook the daylights out of it,for 5 or so minutes,dumped it,then tossed a box of Baking soda in,then about a pint of Vinegar,Let it foam out,Rinsed it out,while swirling it,2 times over,It was spotless,& Smelled like the plastic it is.When I dumped this thing out,I did it into my trashcans,Sweetens them up,a bit,& kills flies/other nasties!