Best Plastics for Safe Water Storage: HDPE vs. PET

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a commonly used type of plastic for storing water and food products. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used for bottled water and carbonated beverages, according to Inspectapedia.

Characteristics

• HDPE, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for food products, cannot withstand temperatures that exceed 160 degrees F. PET is lightweight and resists breakage.

Safety

• Inspectapedia states that PET, a plastic resin, is considered a health risk by experts. However, the American Chemistry Council notes that its safety is established by scientific testing to show that minimal amounts of the substances in the plastic transfer to the contents and that those substances do not present a health risk.

Water Bottles

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of certain types of water bottles. The Food and Drug Administration has raised concerns about possible health risks associated with BPA. REI recommends water bottles made from copolyester, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polypropylene, all of which are BPA-free.

Sizes

• National Terror Alert notes that water storage containers are available in 1, 3 and 5 gallon sizes, as well as 55 gallon drums. It also notes that 2 liter bottles that were previously used for soda, juice bottles and milk jugs may be used to safely store water.