| Capacity | 50 US gallons / 189 liters / 6.7 cubic feet |
| Weight Empty | 15–25 lbs (poly) · varies by brand |
| Weight Full | ~418 lbs (water only) · ~433–443 lbs total loaded |
| Typical Dimensions (Vertical) | ~19" diameter × 38" tall |
| Typical Price Range | $80–$200 (poly) |
| Common Materials | Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Common Uses | Home backup, RV supplement, small garden, livestock watering, detail rigs |
| Potable Water Rated? | Yes — when labeled for potable use |
Who Needs a 50 Gallon Water Tank?
The 50-gallon tank is the entry point for serious water storage — small enough to move when partially full, large enough to be genuinely useful. At 418 lbs full, it's at the upper limit of what one person can safely reposition with a hand truck, which makes it the largest size that remains practically portable.
- Emergency preparedness: 50 gallons covers roughly 25 days of drinking water for one person (at 2 gal/day) or 4–5 days for a family of four. FEMA recommends storing at minimum 1 gallon per person per day for emergencies.
- RV and camping supplement: A 50-gallon tank in a truck bed or trailer provides off-grid water for a weekend trip without relying on campground hookups. Pairs well with a 12V pump.
- Small garden and irrigation: Collects rainwater from a downspout or fills from a hose for drip irrigation systems, keeping water bills down during dry months.
- Mobile detail and small pressure wash rigs: Sufficient for a half-day of mobile detailing or a single-job pressure wash buffer on low-flow hose bibs.
- Poultry and small livestock: 50 gallons is adequate for watering up to 50 chickens for a week or a couple of goats for several days, paired with a float valve.
Dimensions by Style
| Style | Diameter / Width | Height / Length | Footprint | Typical Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Round | ~19" | ~38" | ~2.0 sq ft | Norwesco, Snyder |
| Horizontal Round | ~19" dia | ~46" long | ~4.2 sq ft | Norwesco, Chem-Tainer |
| Rectangular / Cubetainer | ~20" × 20" | ~28" tall | ~2.8 sq ft | Chem-Tainer, Snyder |
| Dimensions are approximate. Always confirm the manufacturer spec sheet before ordering. | ||||
Material Options
Polyethylene (HDPE) — The Right Choice for Most
At 50 gallons, virtually all tanks worth considering are rotationally molded HDPE. Fiberglass and steel are rarely produced at this size and offer no meaningful advantage for water storage. Stick with poly from Norwesco or Snyder — both are domestic manufacturers using virgin (not recycled) resin.
- Very lightweight empty (15–25 lbs)
- Seamless — no welds or seams to fail
- FDA-approved for potable water (when labeled)
- UV-stabilized for outdoor use
- Affordable — $80–$200
- Limited impact resistance vs. steel
- Can absorb odors if not maintained
- Not for fuels, solvents, or chemicals
Top 50 Gallon Water Tank Picks (2025)
Where to Buy a 50 Gallon Water Tank
| Retailer | Typical Price | Shipping | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Depot | $99–$139 | Freight or local pickup | Best selection and custom fitting options |
| Amazon | $85–$165 | Free Prime on many | Fast shipping; check seller ratings carefully |
| Tractor Supply | $99–$149 | In-store pickup available | Carry standard Norwesco; limited styles |
| Home Depot / Lowe's | $109–$179 | Store delivery or pickup | Very limited selection; often out of stock |
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard vertical 50-gallon poly tank (Norwesco) measures approximately 19 inches in diameter and 38 inches tall. Horizontal models are wider and shorter. Exact dimensions vary by brand and model — always pull the spec sheet before ordering.
Water weighs 8.345 lbs per gallon. A full 50-gallon tank holds approximately 417.25 lbs of water. Add the empty tank weight (typically 15–25 lbs for poly) for a total loaded weight of roughly 432–442 lbs. That's about the weight of 3 large refrigerators — manageable on a solid floor but not something to move alone when full.
It depends on household size and scenario. FEMA recommends 1 gallon per person per day as a minimum. At that rate, 50 gallons covers one person for 50 days, or a family of four for about 12 days. For realistic use (drinking, cooking, sanitation) at 3 gallons/person/day, 50 gallons covers a family of four for about 4 days. Most preparedness experts recommend a minimum of 14-day supply per person.
Technically possible with a hand truck, but not recommended. A full 50-gallon tank weighs 430–440 lbs — risky to tip or roll on a hand truck without a second person. If you need to move the tank, drain it first or use a pump to transfer some water out. For frequent transport applications, use a horizontal tank on a trailer or truck bed with proper tie-downs.
Unless space is genuinely tight, buy the 100-gallon tank. The price difference is typically $60–$100, but you get twice the capacity. Both fit in most garages and truck beds. A 50-gallon tank makes sense if you need maximum portability (moving it frequently), have strict space constraints, or specifically need the smaller footprint for a mounting application.