waterBOB review

What it is and who it suits

The waterBOB is a bathtub liner with a fill sock and a siphon pump. You lay it in the tub, attach the sock to the faucet, run the cold water, cap it, and pump water out into jugs or pitchers as you need it. waterBOB says it fits any standard bathtub and is designed for one-time use and then recycling.

It suits households in hurricane or ice storm country who get a day or two of warning and have a bathtub. It is the opposite of stored containers: it holds nothing until you fill it, so it is only useful while the tap still runs. This review is researched, not tested, and relies on waterBOB's product page, FAQ and instructions, and on CDC and Ready.gov guidance.

Capacity: up to 100 gallons, but check your tub

waterBOB says the liner holds up to 100 gallons. Its own FAQ adds that most standard bathtubs hold about 60 to 70 gallons, and says not to fill the bag over the edge of the tub, so a typical bath will give you less than the headline figure. waterBOB puts the fill at about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on water flow and tub size.

Even the 60 to 70 gallon figure is a lot of water. CDC says to store at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days and to try for a 2-week supply if possible, and Ready.gov's one gallon per person per day covers drinking and sanitation. Our how much water to store guide does the household maths.

Materials and how long the water keeps

waterBOB says the liner is heavy-duty 10 mil food-grade linear low density polyethylene, and that the material follows US FDA guidelines. We found no BPA wording on its page. The FAQ says the bladder is made by a China-based company; the product was invented in Wisconsin.

waterBOB says the water stays fresh for up to 16 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature, and says to keep direct sunlight off the bag by covering it with towels or a sheet. One answer on the same page refers to a 4-week safe storage time, so we would plan on the shorter figure. If you have well water, waterBOB says to treat it as soon as the bag is filled. For comparison, CDC says to replace water you store yourself every 6 months, which is a container rule rather than a bathtub-bag rule.

If the water sits too long

If you need to treat stored water, Ready.gov says to use only regular household liquid bleach containing 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite, never scented or color-safe bleach or bleach with added cleaners. Add 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of water, stir and let it stand for 30 minutes; the water should have a slight bleach odor, and if it does not, Ready.gov says to repeat the dose. Our guide to making water safe covers boiling and other methods.

How it compares with the other picks

On our water storage comparison the waterBOB holds far more than the WaterBrick four-pack, the Aqua-Tainer jugs or the Scepter can, but those keep water ready all year. The WaterPrepared 55-gallon tank is the year-round bulk option. Most households are best served by a few filled containers plus a waterBOB for the storm.

Verdict, and who should skip it

For a forecast storm it turns a bathtub into a large, covered, clean reservoir for little storage space. Skip it if you have no bathtub, if your outages tend to arrive without warning, or if you want water stored year-round. waterBOB offers a 30-day money-back guarantee; we found no longer warranty.

How much water does a waterBOB really hold?

Up to 100 gallons, waterBOB says, but its FAQ notes that most standard bathtubs hold about 60 to 70 gallons, and it says not to fill the bag over the edge of the tub. Your tub sets the real figure.

How long will the water stay drinkable?

waterBOB says up to 16 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature, but one answer on the same page mentions 4 weeks. Keep it covered and out of sunlight, and treat the water if it has sat a long time.

Can I reuse the waterBOB?

waterBOB says no: it is intended for one-time use, because the bag would need to be emptied, completely dried and kept free of contaminants before refilling. Plan on a new one for the next storm.

Why not just fill the bathtub?

waterBOB points out that most bathtubs carry dirt and soap film that would contaminate the water, and that debris can fall into an open tub and spoil it. The sealed bag keeps drinking water apart from both.