WaterBrick Review: Stackable Emergency Water Storage Pros & Cons
If you’re looking for a practical way to store emergency water at home, WaterBrick is one option worth considering. These stackable water storage containers hold 3.5 gallons each, are easier to move than large drums (water weighs ~8 pounds per gallon), and can be stored in closets, basements, garages, or other available spaces.
I have been prepping for a long time. Over the years, I’ve purchased and used a variety of water storage containers in all sorts of sizes, including a 250-gallon outdoor tank for rainwater collection, several 50-gallon water drums, and a number of portable water jugs.
I live in a rural area, and my water source is pumped from a natural spring. Because of that, I’m always conscious of potential disruptions. Storing water is simply a practical, sensible thing to do.
Regardless of where you live, water is one of the most important survival requirements.
There are a number of good emergency water storage containers available, and the right choice depends on your space, budget, and preparedness goals.
This WaterBrick review covers the pros and cons, why I like the design, where it makes sense, where it may not, and how it compares with other options such as AquaBrick.
What Is a WaterBrick?
A WaterBrick is a stackable, brick-shaped emergency water storage container designed to hold drinking water in a compact and portable format. The standard WaterBrick holds 3.5 gallons, while the smaller version holds 1.6 gallons. Unlike large water barrels or drums, individual WaterBricks can be carried, moved, stacked, and stored in different areas around the home.
The official WaterBrick specs list the standard size as 3.5 gallons, with dimensions of 9″ wide, 18″ long, and 6″ high.
WaterBrick containers are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a food-grade, BPA-free plastic that is both tough and long-lasting. Unlike large 55-gallon drums that are bulky and immobile once filled, WaterBricks hold 3.5 gallons (or 1.6 gallons in the smaller version) each, making them far easier to manage.
Their rugged, brick-like shape is not just for looks. It’s functional. The modular, stackable design allows for efficient use of space, whether you’re storing them in a closet, under a bed, or in a garage.
Each unit is designed to interlock when stacked, which adds a level of stability and organization you won’t get with traditional water jugs or irregularly shaped containers. Their compact footprint also means you can distribute water storage throughout your home, reducing the risk of losing your entire supply to a single point of failure.
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→ 6-Pack of Stackable 3.5 Gallon WaterBrick Containers
Like any water storage option, WaterBrick has advantages and trade-offs. Here’s how I would summarize it.
WaterBrick Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stackable and space-efficient | More expensive per gallon than large drums |
| Easier to carry than 5-gallon or 55-gallon containers | Multiple containers means multiple caps to check |
| Good for closets, shelves, garages, and under-bed storage | Takes longer to fill many bricks individually |
| Can be used for water or dry goods | Full bricks still weigh about 30 pounds |
| Modular, so one leak does not ruin your entire supply | Not as cheap as basic water jugs |
WaterBrick vs AquaBrick
→ AcquaBrick(Amazon)
WaterBrick and AquaBrick are both stackable emergency water storage containers, but there are a few practical differences. The standard WaterBrick holds 3.5 gallons, while AquaBrick holds 3 gallons. AquaBrick lists its container as holding 3 gallons of water or 20 pounds of food, and says it is made from BPA-free high-density/high-impact polyethylene plastic.
For most home emergency preparedness users, the main advantage of WaterBrick is the slightly larger water capacity per container. AquaBrick may appeal to those who prefer its shape, pouring design, or related accessories. Either one can work. If your main goal is compact water storage with a little more capacity per container, WaterBrick has the edge.
| Feature | WaterBrick | AquaBrick |
|---|---|---|
| Water capacity | 3.5 gallons | 3 gallons |
| Dry food storage | Up to 27 lbs, according to WaterBrick | Up to 20 lbs, according to AquaBrick |
| Stackable design | Yes | Yes |
| Best use | Compact water storage | Water storage, dry goods, accessory flexibility |
How Many WaterBricks Do You Need?
A simple preparedness guideline is to store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and basic needs. Since one standard WaterBrick holds 3.5 gallons, one brick covers roughly 3 days for one person at that minimum level.
| Household Size | 3-Day Water Supply | 7-Day Water Supply |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 1 WaterBrick | 2 WaterBricks |
| 2 people | 2 WaterBricks | 4 WaterBricks |
| 4 people | 4 WaterBricks | 8 WaterBricks |
This is a minimum water-storage estimate. In hot weather, with pets, cooking, sanitation, or medical needs, you may want more.
Portable Water Storage That Is Easier to Move
In an emergency situation, mobility can be just as important as storage capacity. If you need to evacuate or transport water to another location, WaterBricks can be easily carried thanks to their built-in handle and manageable weight when full (approximately 27–30 pounds per brick). This level of portability is ideal for individuals who may not have the strength or space to manage large, heavy drums.
Additionally, WaterBricks can serve as both a stationary storage solution and a mobile supply, allowing you to keep some units ready for transport while leaving others safely stored.
WaterBrick Uses Beyond Water Storage
One of WaterBrick’s most compelling features is its multi-purpose design. While it’s marketed primarily as a water storage solution, each brick is also suitable for storing dry foods, medical supplies, pet food, or even small tools. This makes it especially appealing for people who want to build a comprehensive emergency preparedness kit without investing in multiple types of containers.
Because they are air- and watertight when properly sealed, WaterBricks protect their contents from moisture, pests, and contaminants which are critical factors when storing items long-term.
WaterBrick Cleaning, Rotation, and Long-Term Storage
For general home use, WaterBrick containers offer an ideal blend of low maintenance and safety. They are designed to last for years when stored in a cool, dry environment.
When filled with clean, treated water, such as chlorinated tap water or water treated with water preserver drops, stored water can remain usable for a long time. Even so, rotating it every 6 to 12 months is still a practical best practice.
I drain and refill my own water storage drums once per year.
👉 How Long Can Water Be Stored?
Cleaning and sanitizing WaterBricks is also simple. Their wide mouth allows for easy filling, emptying, and scrubbing.
Cost-Effective for the Average Household
While WaterBricks may seem more expensive per gallon compared to a single large drum, the value is in their flexibility and reusability.
Many users find it easier to gradually build a supply over time, buying a few WaterBricks at a time to meet their water storage goals.
While it is possible to simply buy cases of bottled water or gallon jugs from the grocery store, they are not designed for long-term durability or repeated reuse. WaterBrick costs more up front, but it is built as a reusable storage system rather than disposable packaging.
FAQ: WaterBrick Emergency Water Storage
A WaterBrick is a stackable emergency water storage container shaped like a brick. The standard size holds 3.5 gallons of water and can be stacked to save space.
Yes. WaterBricks are especially useful for home emergency preparedness because they are portable, stackable, and easier to move than large water barrels.
A full 3.5-gallon WaterBrick weighs roughly 30 pounds, depending on the exact container weight and fill level.
Yes. WaterBrick says the standard container can hold water or up to 27 pounds of dry food.
WaterBrick holds slightly more water at 3.5 gallons, while AquaBrick holds 3 gallons. WaterBrick may be better if your priority is storing more water per container. AquaBrick may still be worth considering if you prefer its pouring design, shape, or accessories.
Conclusion
When it comes to general-purpose home emergency water storage, WaterBrick offers a practical balance of capacity, convenience, and durability. Its modular, stackable design can work well for homes where space is limited, and its manageable size makes it easier to move than large water barrels or drums.
WaterBrick is not the only good water storage option, but it is a sensible one for people who want a scalable system that can be built gradually over time. Whether used for emergency water, dry goods, or other supplies, it provides a flexible storage solution that fits well with practical home preparedness.
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