Water Storage

4 Vertical Water Storage Tank Picks From 35 to 1,000 Gallons in 2026

A tall gray vertical water tank in a landscaped backyard

The short answer

A vertical water storage tank stores the most water on the least floor space. Match the size to your base and your use, and pick a drinking-water-rated tank if you will drink from it.

Last updated September 2026

Contents7

Our top 4 picks

  1. 1Best small vertical tank
    Custom Roto-Molding 65VT 65-Gallon Vertical Water Tank
    Custom Roto-Molding 65VT 65-Gallon Vertical Water TankView at Custom Roto-MoldingRead our analysis
  2. 2Best for closets and sheds
    US Water Systems 35-Gallon Tank
    US Water Systems 35-Gallon TankView at US Water SystemsRead our analysis
  3. 3Best upright drum with a spigot
    WaterPrepared 55-Gallon Stackable Tank
    WaterPrepared 55-Gallon Stackable TankView at WaterPreparedRead our analysis
  4. 4Best large vertical tank
    Bushman 1000-Gallon Round Water Storage Tank
    Bushman 1000-Gallon Round Water Storage TankView at BushmanRead our analysis

A vertical water storage tank stands upright, so it holds more water on less floor. That makes it a good fit for a garage corner, a shed or a narrow strip beside the house. The trade-off is height and weight in one spot. This guide covers four picks and what to check before you buy.

#1. Custom Roto-Molding 65VT 65-Gallon Vertical Water Tank: best small vertical tank

#2. US Water Systems 35-Gallon Tank: best for closets and sheds

#3. WaterPrepared 55-Gallon Stackable Tank: best upright drum with a spigot

#4. Bushman 1000-Gallon Round Water Storage Tank: best large vertical tank

Factors to consider when choosing a vertical water storage tank

  • Height. Measure the ceiling or overhang. Leave room to open the lid.
  • Base. Water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon. The base must be flat, level and solid.
  • Light. Opaque, dark tanks slow algae. Clear tanks show the level but need shade.
  • Fittings. A drain near the bottom and a wide lid for cleaning.
  • Drinking use. Look for food-grade or NSF/ANSI 61 listings.

How we picked these vertical water storage tanks

We looked for upright tanks with clear fittings and listed materials, and we checked which ones the maker says suit drinking water. We used Ready.gov's water page for storage rules. Details come from each listing, so check the current page before you buy.

Vertical vs horizontal tanks

Vertical tanks save floor space and suit fixed spots. Horizontal tanks sit lower, which suits trailers and truck beds, and they are less likely to tip on a moving load. For home emergency water in a garage, vertical usually wins. The water storage tanks guide compares both, and the rain water barrel hub covers the full water plan.

Questions people also ask

Why choose a vertical water storage tank?

It holds more water per square foot of floor than a low horizontal tank. That suits garages, sheds and side yards.

Can a vertical tank hold drinking water?

Yes, if it is rated for it. Look for food-grade or NSF/ANSI 61 listings, and replace water you store yourself every six months as Ready.gov advises.

Does a vertical tank need a special base?

It needs a flat, level, solid base that can carry the full weight. Water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, so even a 65-gallon tank is over 500 pounds full.