I don't have a useful comment on the type of container, but just based on general engineering principles I wouldn't use a single container. Containers fail, water can get contaminated, you could spill it while trying to use it, etc. You've selected a couple of low cost options, so having a spare shouldn't be difficult unless you're extremely short on space.
In my case, I'd go with the two liter bottles... they're much more portable, they're easier to stow, and if you want to "donate" to a neighbor, you don't have to hunt up a smaller container.
Troy
P.S. There's also the point that, if one of your containers develops a leak, you've lost two liters, not five or thirty gallons.
There is an additional problem with a 30 gallon drum; moving it. You have 250 pounds of water, plus the drum weight. Suppose you need to move? That's a XXXX of a lot of weight to manhandle into a vehicle, or up/down stairs.
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Similar question in another forum ; short answer is go to one of the Super center market's{my area PathMart} you'll find water container's 2.5 gal with carry handle and spigot reqtangular for easy stacking 2 year shelf life Price US $2.95 . But do the bottle's for super easy transport as a back up to your main supply.
#53705 - 11/14/0504:55 AMRe: Cheap home water storage
Anonymous
Unregistered
I've stored mine the in the 5 gal blue containers. I've had water stored in them for over 4 years now and the water is perfectly fine...yes I did a test.
The main point about water is if the container is clean, and the water is clean, and it is stored cool out of the sun, then from what I understand there is nothing to contaminate...the water will be fine for long term storage..
Those 2.5 gallon containers from the supermarket leak pretty easily especially in hot weather. I've had better luck with the 1 gallon clear bottles. For larger volumes (30 gallons isn't that much) you might look at Aquaflex tanks: www.aquaflex.net . I'm thinking of getting one of the 60 gallon ones and putting it under my bed. Finally, people here seem to like the Reliance 7-gallon Aqua-tainers which are rugged and stackable. At about $10 each the investment for 3 of them is not that large. I don't have any myself but may pick up a couple next time I'm at REI.
Registered: 01/08/04
Posts: 351
Loc: Centre Hall Pa
Actually I would recommend a combination of different sized containers rather than just one type. This gives you more flexibility to allow for any need to rapidly changing situations. A 30 Gallon is good for single storage at a fixed location. You can add more to increase capacity of the entire system. Yes at 250 plus pounds each. 5 or 2 gallon containers would work well if you have to evacuate using a vehicle at 38 to 15 pounds apiece. But quickly moved. But if you have to grab and go on foot The 2 liter bottles are best Each person can grab 1 or 2. Much more and you won't carry it very far.
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