Look, I get it. You’re staring at that empty gas can in your garage, and it seems like a perfectly good container going to waste. Maybe you’re prepping for emergency storage or just looking to save a few bucks. I had the same thought last year during hurricane season. But here’s the thing – using a gas can for drinking water is one of those ideas that seems clever at first but could actually be really dangerous. Let me explain why.
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Why You Really, Really Shouldn’t Do This
I’m going to be straight with you – using a gas can for water storage is never a good idea. Not even if it’s brand new, not even in an emergency, not even if you clean it until your arms fall off. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when researching emergency prep for my family.
The Chemistry Behind the Warning
Here’s something wild I learned while talking to a materials engineer (thanks, Uncle Jim!) – those red plastic gas cans are basically designed to be toxic. Not in a sinister way, but they’re deliberately made with chemicals that help them handle gasoline without falling apart. It’s like they’re permanently “contaminated” right from the factory.
The plastic contains stuff like:
- Chemical stabilizers (fancy words for plasticizers and BPA)
- Anti-static additives (so your gas can doesn’t turn into a bomb)
- UV protectors (to keep the plastic from breaking down)
And guess what? These chemicals love to leach into water way more than they do into gas. Weird, right?
What Could Actually Happen?
Let me paint you a picture of what drinking water from a gas can might feel like. Remember that time you accidentally swallowed pool water and felt queasy? This would be way worse. We’re talking:
- Stomach doing somersaults
- Headaches that make your worst hangover seem pleasant
- That horrible chemical taste that no amount of Kool-Aid can mask
And that’s just the immediate stuff. Long-term exposure? Let’s just say your liver won’t be sending you any thank-you notes.
Better Options That Won’t Poison You
Look, I know proper water containers aren’t exactly cheap, but neither are hospital bills. Here’s what real people actually use for water storage:
| Container Type | Real Talk | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Water Bricks | These bad boys stack like Legos. Great for apartments. | $20-30 each |
| Blue Water Drums | The prepper favorite. Overkill for most but bombproof. | $50-150 |
| Regular ol’ Water Jugs | Basic but gets the job done. Watch for cracking. | $15-40 |
My Personal Recommendation
After trying pretty much everything on the market (my garage looks like a container store), I’ve settled on Water Bricks. They’re not the cheapest option, but they stack neatly, and my wife doesn’t complain about them taking up too much space. Plus, they’re basically indestructible – I accidentally dropped one down the basement stairs, and it just bounced.
What About Emergencies?
Okay, let’s say the zombie apocalypse hits tomorrow (or more likely, another hurricane). If you absolutely can’t get proper water containers, here are some better alternatives than gas cans:
- Clean 2-liter soda bottles (rinse them well!)
- Those big juice containers from Costco
- Your bathtub with a liner (you can buy special ones for this)
- Large cooking pots (not ideal but better than gas cans)
Real Talk About Storage
If you’re serious about storing water (and you should be), here’s what I’ve learned works best:
- Keep it cool and dark (your garage is probably fine, your sun porch isn’t)
- Switch out the water every 6-12 months (set a phone reminder – you’ll forget)
- Label everything with dates (trust me, you won’t remember when you filled them)
- Don’t store directly on concrete (it can affect the taste and degrade containers)
The Bottom Line
I know it’s tempting to cut corners and repurpose that gas can. We’ve all been there – looking at empty containers and thinking, “Well, why not?” But some corners aren’t worth cutting. Spring for proper water containers. Your future self (and your stomach) will thank you.
Quick story: My neighbor tried using a cleaned-out gas can during a water shortage last summer. One sip, and he said it tasted like he was drinking from a car’s fuel tank. He ended up throwing out the whole container and buying bottled water anyway. Don’t be like my neighbor.
What to Do Instead
- Start small – get a few proper water containers when you can afford them
- Check your local outdoor stores for sales (REI has great ones around holidays)
- Join local prepper or emergency prep groups – they often have leads on good deals
- Consider splitting a bulk purchase with neighbors or family
Wrapping It Up
Look, I know proper water storage isn’t the most exciting thing to spend money on. It’s like buying insurance – not fun, but you’ll be really glad you have it when you need it. Skip the gas can idea and do it right the first time. Your body will thank you, and you won’t have to explain to your family why the water tastes like a gas station.
Disclaimer: Hey, I’m just a regular person sharing what I’ve learned about water storage. While I’ve done my research and spoken with experts, you should always follow official guidelines and manufacturer recommendations. In emergencies, check with your local authorities – they know what’s up.
