April 27, 2024

You can never tell when a natural disaster or another emergency might hit. During these stressful times, you will need to search for vital resources, not the least of which is water. Most often, clean drinking water is the first thing you lose access to in an emergency. This is why when you are preparing for an emergency. Most emergency personnel will tell you to prepare a large supply of water, and where you can buy and refill 5 gallon water jug during emergency.

It is recommended that you store at least one gallon for a person per day in case of an emergency. For example, if a family of three people lives in an area that is prone to floods, and the average duration of a flood in your area is three days, it is recommended that they keep at least nine gallons of water at all times.

This may seem like a surprisingly high quantity of water. However, it may be used for drinking, medical care, hygiene, and more. With this information in mind, many people opt to store their water in 5 gallon jugs. as they are among the largest jugs you can find. However, it may be quite difficult to find places to refill a 5 gallon water jug. Many places may not have the proper facilities to fill such a large jug.

Best Locations to Buy and Refill a 5 Gallon Water Jug

Here are the best locations to purchase and refill a 5 gallon water jug in case of an emergency. 

1. Primo

This company offers water jugs of various sizes, and among the biggest is its 5 gallon water jug. If you live in the United States, you’re in luck! Primo offers their services at over 25,000 locations across the nation. With Primo, you will receive purified water for a rate of about $0.35 per gallon. However, it should be noted that Primo only offers their services to their clientele. This means that they will only refill a water jug that was bought from them.

So if you’re looking for a good company to purchase your water jug, consider Primo. If you’re having trouble finding a Primo location, simply go to their website and type in your area code or city. They will provide you with the exact locations of the nearest Primo dispensary or refill station to you. This company is recommended for its convenience, high water quality, and ease of use.

2. Walmart 

If you have been to Walmart, you have likely seen a water refill station without realizing it. These stations are located at many regular Walmart chains or Supercenters. You will find them located at the back of the store or at the very front of the store near the entrance. Simply bring your water jug with you to the refill station. At Walmart, most water refill stations are totally mechanical, so you will have to self-serve. In order to do this, simply follow the instructions on the machine.

Typically, you will have to place your water jug under the dispensing nozzle and press the quantity of water you desire. You will also have to pay the local rate before water is dispensed. As this rate will differ between locations, you will not know what it will be until you look at your particular Walmart water dispenser. Walmart water refill stations are great for their affordability, convenience, and great hours with service being offered 24/7 at some locations. 

3. Safeway 

Similar to Walmart, Safeway offers residents of the United States an easily accessed and affordable location to purchase and refill water jug. The rates you will receive on this refill will differ depending on your location, but they are typically well within the average budget. At Safeway, the refill stations will be self-served, typically found at the back of the store. If you have trouble finding or using their given dispenser, simply ask a store clerk to provide assistance. It should also be noted that, unlike Walmart, Safeway water refill stations can be found around the world in many different countries. 

4. Local Emergency Service Providers 

As water jugs are typically used for storage in the case of an emergency, it is important that you know retail stores aren’t the only places where you can get refills. Most emergency service providers, such as fire stations, have facilities to allow you to refill your jug. The water from these stations is typically tapped water, however, it is also usually free to the general public. The best thing about getting your water jug refilled at an emergency service provider station is that it will typically be very easily accessed from wherever you are located. This is because emergency stations are intermittently located throughout the community. It is to provide service to all members of the community in case of an emergency.

If you are unsure if your local emergency station offers this service, you can call their non-emergency phone number. Then, you inquire. However, if it is an emergency and you have nowhere else to get your water jug refilled,  this will likely be the ideal location to check first. This is because they will very likely have access to water, even when other areas or buildings no longer have access. 

5. Your Own Tap! 

One of the best places to refill your water jug is at your own tap. Once you purchase your water jug, you will have to keep an eye on it until it’s time to clean it. A water jug can be stored for up to six months. Just keep it out of direct sunlight and in a cool place.

If you’re storing water in case of an emergency, remember to replace your water frequently, as recommended. However, instead of going to a water refill station, it may be easiest to use your own tap water. Although you will want to check with your local authorities first, your tap water should be completely safe to drink. Many people prefer filtered water, but tap water should be fine in a pinch. If you’re really intent on having filtered water, you may even consider purchasing a home water filter to fill your water jug.