Microplastics and Water Storage

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Are My Water Storage Containers Safe? A Look at Microplastics and Emergency Preparedness

For years, many of us in the preparedness community have relied on products like the Reliance Aqua-Tainer or collapsible tanks like this 350L water bladder for long-term water storage. They're durable, widely available, and easy to store. But with increasing talk about microplastics in our environment and their impact on human health, it's fair to ask — are these containers still a good option for our families?

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, often smaller than 5 millimeters, that can shed from larger plastic materials as they degrade. Studies have shown these particles are now found in drinking water, human blood, and even deep in our lungs (Penn State, 2023). The health risks are still being researched, but early findings suggest microplastics can trigger inflammation and may carry harmful chemicals into the body.

Plastic Containers: Are They a Problem?

Most emergency water containers — like the 7-gallon Aqua-Tainer — are made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a strong and food-safe plastic. These are generally BPA-free and considered stable for long-term storage. However, even HDPE can break down over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat, increasing the risk of microplastic contamination (NIH, 2021).

Soft-sided or collapsible containers, often made from PVC or similar materials, may degrade faster and are more likely to release chemical compounds if not properly stored. If it’s not labeled “food-grade” or “NSF/ANSI certified,” it’s worth reconsidering for long-term use.

Better Long-Term Water Storage Alternatives

  • Stainless Steel Barrels: No leaching or plastic breakdown, but they are heavier and moreexpensive. Excellent for long-term safety.
  • Glass Carboys: Ideal for short-term potable water; avoid sunlight and protect from breakage. Great for indoor preps.
  • Ceramic Storage: Traditional methods using unglazed clay jars keep water cool and microplastic-free. Best for small batches.
  • Underground Cisterns: These use concrete or buried plastic tanks for massive capacity. Requires filtration and often permits, but ideal for rural homesteads.
  • Modular HDPE Systems: WaterBricks or stackable 3.5-gallon cubes made from BPA-free plastic are great when stored in a cool, dark place and rotated regularly.

What You Can Do Right Now

  1. Store plastic containers out of sunlight and heat. Basements are ideal.
  2. Rotate your water supply every 6–12 months.
  3. Label each container with the fill date and source of water.
  4. Consider using a gravity-fed filter like Berkey or AquaRain when you retrieve water. These can remove some microplastics and pathogens.
  5. You could also store water for long-term in other containers like food-grade stainless steel, glass, or even ceramic/stoneware--but be sure that does not introduce new issues, like risk of contamination, leaks, weight, and regular maintenance.  Glass also introduces light-sensitivity, and stainless steel conducts heat easily.

Final Thoughts

Microplastics are a growing concern, and we should stay informed. But the answer isn't to throw out every plastic container — it’s to use them wisely. With proper storage, rotation, and a good filtration system, your water supply can remain safe and dependable. In a real emergency, having water stored — even in plastic — is better than having none at all.

Stay sharp. Stay safe. And remember — your preparedness today makes all the difference tomorrow.

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