Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-gal (2-pack) review

What it is and who it suits

The Aqua-Tainer is a rigid, stackable plastic water container. On Reliance's consumer site it comes in a 4-gallon and a 7-gallon size, and this review covers the 7-gallon, which Reliance lists as 26 liters and part number 9410-03R. The page lists a screw-on vent cap, a molded carry handle and a hideaway spigot that reverses for storage.

It suits a household that wants to keep a stock of drinking water at home, in a cool closet or basement, rather than carry it on foot. This review is researched, not tested. It relies on Reliance's product page and on CDC and Ready.gov guidance for storing water. We could not reach Reliance's older corporate site, so the figures below come from its current consumer site.

Size, weight and what is in the box

Reliance lists the 7-gallon size at 11.5 by 11.25 by 15.75 inches and 2 pounds empty. It gives no filled weight, so plan on moving water in smaller amounts. Reliance describes the walls as thick and says the container stacks when empty, which helps with storage before you fill it.

Reliance's page describes a single container, not a two-pack, and its product description gives no warranty term, so check the retailer's listing for what is covered. For comparison, Reliance's site also lists a Jumbo-Tainer 2.0, a 7-gallon jug at 2.9 pounds with two handles, a design Reliance calls slender, at 8.5 inches wide, and an easy-pour hideaway spigot.

Food safety claims

Reliance says the Aqua-Tainer is LFGB certified and FDA compliant, citing a test report number, and that it is PFAS and BPA-free. CDC says it is best to use FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers, and to contact the maker if you are not sure a container is food-grade. A maker's statement is a good start, but it is not an independent test, so keep the report number from the page if you want to ask Reliance about it.

Filling and storing it the CDC way

CDC's steps start with washing the container with soap and rinsing it, then sanitizing it with 1 teaspoon of unscented household chlorine bleach in 1 quart of water. The solution needs to touch every inside surface, wait at least 30 seconds, then be poured out, and the container should air-dry before use. Fill it with clean water, cover it tightly, label it as drinking water and add the date.

CDC says to replace stored water every six months, keep containers at 50 to 70°F, and keep them out of direct sunlight and away from toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides. Ready.gov gives the same six-month rule for water that was not commercially bottled. Put a reminder in your calendar the day you fill the jugs, and do not leave them on a sunny porch.

How much water this covers

CDC says to store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days, and to try for a 2-week supply if possible. Ready.gov says one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Check the capacity against your household: a single 7-gallon container is a short supply for a family. Our water storage comparison and the how much water to store guide cover the planning side.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you need to carry water any distance, since Reliance gives no filled weight and a full 7-gallon jug is a lot to lift. A smaller container, or a carrier designed for hauling, suits that job better. Do not reuse a container that held bleach, pesticides or other chemicals: CDC says not to use those for drinking water. If your stored water runs out, the guide to making water safe covers treating other sources.

Is the Reliance Aqua-Tainer food safe?

Reliance says it is LFGB certified and FDA compliant, and PFAS and BPA-free, and cites a test report number on its page. CDC's wording is FDA-approved food-grade, while Reliance says FDA compliant; CDC suggests asking the maker if you are not sure a container is food-grade.

How often should I replace the water in it?

CDC says to replace water every six months, and Ready.gov says the same for water that was not commercially bottled. Label each container with the date you filled it so you can track this.

Can I leave it outside?

CDC says to keep stored water away from direct sunlight and at a cool 50 to 70°F, and away from gasoline and pesticides. A shaded indoor spot such as a closet or basement is a safer place than a porch or the garage.

How many of these do I need?

CDC's baseline is at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, with a 2-week supply as the goal if you can. Work out your household's total and compare it with the capacity you are buying.