WaterPrepared 55 gal review
WaterPrepared 55 Gallon Stackable Water Tank
By Tom Calder
Key specs
The maker's figures.
- Capacity
- 55 gal
- Type
- Stackable tank
A 55-gallon tank shaped to stand against a wall or stack, rather than a round barrel. 55 gallons is about two weeks of water for a family of four at Ready.gov's one gallon a person a day.
- Best for
- A big store that fits against a wall
- Skip it if
- You can't spare the floor space
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Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's specifications, owner reports and our own sizing.
What we like
- 55 gallons
- Stackable shape
Worth knowing
- Very heavy when full
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Our review
WaterPrepared's 55-gallon tank is a squared-off, stackable alternative to a round water drum, made in Utah with garden-hose spigots on the front. This researched review covers the maker's specs, its stacking and filling rules, where its advice is looser than CDC's, and how it sits beside the other water storage picks.
What it is and who it suits
WaterPrepared, based in Brigham City, Utah, makes rectangular water storage tanks in 55 and 160 gallon sizes. The 55-gallon tank lists dimensions of 22 by 28 by 30 inches, a large cap for filling, and a stackable shape. Its product page says the tank is made and assembled in the USA.
It suits a household with a garage, basement or utility room that wants a large stock of drinking water on hand all year, in a shape that sits flat against a wall instead of a round drum. This review is researched, not tested. It relies on WaterPrepared's product page, FAQ, installation and warranty pages, and on CDC and Ready.gov guidance for storing water.
Materials and fittings
WaterPrepared says its tanks are high-density polyethylene, recycle code number two, made with FDA and NSF approved food-grade materials and BPA free. That matters because CDC says it is best to use FDA-approved food-grade containers, which will not transfer toxic substances into the water. These are the maker's statements, not an independent test.
WaterPrepared says its tanks come with two lead-free brass hose-bib spigots, Teflon tape, a spring-loaded cap and instructions, so no extra fittings are needed. The spigots take a standard garden hose. That makes drawing water far easier than with a barrel that needs a siphon or a drum pump. Its installation page says to fill the tank through the 6-inch top opening with a lead-free, drinking-water-safe hose.
Stacking, placement and weight
WaterPrepared says not to stack more than two tanks, to fill the bottom tank first, to empty the top tank before the bottom one, not to plumb tanks together and never to pressurize them. It says the plastic is UV resistant but that a cool, dark place is still best, which matches CDC's advice to keep containers at 50 to 70°F and away from direct sunlight and toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides.
We found no empty weight for the 55-gallon tank on WaterPrepared's site. Full, it holds 55 gallons of water, so choose a level, solid floor before you fill it, since it will not be moved again until it is drained. WaterPrepared says the tanks are rated for -40°F and suggests leaving at least six inches of room if the water might freeze.
Rotation: follow CDC, not the looser advice
CDC says to replace water you store yourself every six months, and Ready.gov gives the same rule for water that was not commercially bottled. WaterPrepared's own installation page notes FEMA's six-month advice, then recommends at least every 12 months, and says treated water can last longer. We would stick with the six-month rule, label the tank with the fill date, and set a calendar reminder. Our how much water to store guide covers the household figures: CDC says at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, and to try for 2 weeks.
How it compares with the other picks
On our water storage comparison this tank sits beside a classic 55-gallon barrel, smaller containers like the WaterBrick four-pack and the Aqua-Tainer jugs, and the waterBOB you fill before a storm. The tank and barrel hold the most, but only the small containers can be carried.
Verdict, and who should skip it
It is a well-specified bulk tank with built-in spigots and a space-saving shape. Skip it if you rent somewhere without a sturdy floor, need water you can carry, or will not drain and refill it on schedule. Note too that WaterPrepared's written one-year warranty names only its 160-gallon tank, so ask about the 55 before you buy.
A researched review, built from the maker's specs, manual and US listings; facts checked 2 Nov 2026. Sources: WaterPrepared: Blue 55 gallon water storage tank; WaterPrepared: FAQ; WaterPrepared: Installing your tanks; WaterPrepared: One year limited warranty; CDC: How to create an emergency water supply; Ready.gov: Water.
Who shouldn't buy this
Don't buy it if you can't spare the floor space.
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check every specification against at least two independent sources, re-check the US price on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.
If this isn’t the one
Best for Stackable storage that fits in closets
Read the review →Best for Two week-plus jugs with a spigot
Read the review →Best for The tough can you can carry
Read the review →Questions
Is the WaterPrepared tank food safe?
WaterPrepared says it is made from FDA and NSF approved food-grade high-density polyethylene and is BPA free. CDC recommends FDA-approved food-grade containers for stored water; these are the maker's claims rather than an independent test.
How often should I change the water?
CDC says every six months for water you store yourself, and Ready.gov agrees for water that was not commercially bottled. WaterPrepared suggests at least every 12 months, but we would follow the official six months.
Can I stack these tanks?
Yes, but WaterPrepared says no more than two high. Fill the bottom tank first, empty the top tank before the bottom one, do not plumb tanks together and never pressurize them.
Do I need to wash it before filling?
WaterPrepared says its tanks are sterilized by a high-temperature molding process and that rinsing may help but washing is not necessary. CDC's general advice for containers is to wash, rinse and sanitize them, so a rinse is a sensible minimum.