How To Store Water In 55 Gallon Drums

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Introduction

Welcome to this guide on how to store water in 55-gallon drums. Having a reliable and accessible source of clean water is essential, especially in emergency situations or areas with limited access to clean water. Storing water in 55-gallon drums is a cost-effective and convenient solution that can provide you and your family with peace of mind knowing that you have an emergency water supply on hand.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of storing water in 55-gallon drums, discuss the considerations for choosing the right drum, provide steps on how to clean and prepare the drum for water storage, guide you on filling and treating the water, and cover maintenance tips for ensuring the longevity of your water storage system.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively store and preserve water for long periods, ensuring its quality and usability. Let’s dive into the details and learn how you can store water in 55-gallon drums efficiently.

Benefits of Storing Water in 55 Gallon Drums

Storing water in 55-gallon drums offers several advantages. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

• Ample Water Supply: A 55-gallon drum can hold a significant amount of water, providing you with a substantial emergency water supply. This is particularly crucial in situations where access to clean water may be limited or temporarily unavailable.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to other large-scale water storage solutions, such as tanks or cisterns, 55-gallon drums are a more affordable option. They are readily available and can be purchased at hardware stores, online retailers, or obtained from food-grade drum suppliers.
• Portability: 55-gallon drums are portable, allowing you to transport water easily if needed. This makes them a viable option for camping trips, outdoor events, or relocation during emergencies.
• Space-Efficient: These drums have a compact design that doesn’t require a significant amount of space for storage. They can fit easily in a garage, basement, or storage area, ensuring you can make the most of the available space.
• Long Shelf Life: When properly prepared and stored, water in 55-gallon drums can have a long shelf life. By following the necessary steps to clean, treat, and maintain the water, you can ensure its quality remains intact for an extended period.
• Emergency Preparedness: Storing water in 55-gallon drums enables you to be prepared for emergency situations. Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or any other unforeseen event, having a reserve of clean water can be a lifesaver.

Overall, storing water in 55-gallon drums provides a cost-effective, space-efficient, and reliable solution for ensuring you have access to clean water in times of need. Now that we understand the benefits, let’s move on to choosing the right 55-gallon drum for water storage.

Choosing the Right 55 Gallon Drum for Water Storage

When selecting a 55-gallon drum for water storage, it’s crucial to choose one that is suitable for this purpose. Here are some factors to consider:

• Food-Grade Material: Ensure that the drum is made from food-grade materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are safe for storing water. This prevents any harmful chemicals from leaching into the water and ensures its quality and safety.
• Tight-Sealing Lid: Look for a drum with a tight-sealing lid to prevent any contamination from external sources. A secure lid also helps to maintain the water quality and prevent evaporation.
• Durable and UV Resistant: Opt for a drum that is durable and resistant to UV rays. UV-resistant drums are essential if you plan on storing the water in an area exposed to sunlight, as they prevent the degradation of the drum and maintain the water quality.
• BPA-Free: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that can leach into water from certain plastics. To ensure the safety of your water supply, choose a drum that is labeled as BPA-free.
• Capacity Markings: Look for drums that have clear capacity markings on the exterior. This allows you to easily monitor the water levels and keep track of your water supply.
• Easy Handling: Consider the weight and design of the drum for ease of handling and transportation. Some drums come with handles, which can make it easier to move the drum when needed.

It’s important to purchase 55-gallon drums from reputable suppliers to ensure they meet the necessary standards for water storage. You can find food-grade drums at restaurant supply stores, specialty container retailers, or reputable online sellers.

By choosing the right 55-gallon drum for water storage, you can ensure that your water remains clean, safe, and ready for use when needed. In the next section, we will discuss the steps to clean and prepare the drum for water storage.

Cleaning and Preparing the 55 Gallon Drum

Before storing water in a 55-gallon drum, it is crucial to clean and prepare the drum to ensure the water remains fresh and uncontaminated. Follow these steps for cleaning and preparing the drum:

1. Inspect the drum: Thoroughly inspect the drum for any damage or signs of deterioration. Check for cracks, leaks, or rust. If you notice any significant damage, it’s best to replace the drum to ensure proper water storage.
2. Remove any debris or residue: Empty the drum and rinse it with clean water to remove any debris, dirt, or residue. Use a scrub brush or sponge if needed, but avoid using any harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials that could contaminate the drum or the water you’ll be storing.
3. Sanitize the drum: Create a sanitizing solution by mixing one teaspoon of unscented household bleach with one gallon of water. Pour this solution into the drum, ensuring it reaches all areas. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to disinfect the drum.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the drum with clean water several times to remove the sanitizing solution. Ensure that all traces of bleach are thoroughly rinsed out to prevent any unpleasant taste or odor in the stored water.
5. Dry completely: After rinsing, allow the drum to air dry completely. Make sure there is no moisture remaining in the drum, as it can lead to bacterial growth or contamination.

Once the drum is cleaned and fully dry, it is ready to be filled with water. It’s important to note that even when the drum has been cleaned, it is always recommended to use a water treatment method, such as adding water purification tablets or using a water filtration system, to further ensure the safety and quality of the stored water.

Now that you have a clean and prepared drum, let’s move on to filling and treating the water in the drum in the next section.

When storing water in 55-gallon drums, make sure to use food-grade containers and add a water preserver to prevent bacterial growth. Rotate water every 6 months for freshness.

Filling and Treating the Water in the Drum

Once you have cleaned and prepared the 55-gallon drum for water storage, it’s time to fill it with water and ensure its quality through proper treatment. Follow these steps to fill and treat the water:

1. Use a reliable water source: Fill the drum with water from a safe and reliable source, such as municipal water supply, bottled water, or properly treated well water. Avoid using water from questionable sources or untreated water, as it may contain contaminants that can compromise the safety of the stored water.
2. Add water treatment: It’s important to treat the water in the drum to prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. There are several water treatment options available, such as water purification tablets or liquid water treatment solutions. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product for the correct dosage and treatment time.
3. Mix the water treatment: Once you have added the water treatment, gently stir or agitate the water to ensure that the treatment is evenly distributed throughout the drum.
4. Close and seal the drum: Securely close and seal the drum with the tight-sealing lid to prevent any external contamination and to maintain the treated water’s quality.
5. Label the drum: It’s a good practice to label the drum with the date of filling and any additional information, such as the type of water treatment used or expiration dates for the treatment. This helps you keep track of the water’s freshness and treatment efficacy.

After filling and treating the water in the drum, periodically check the drum for any signs of contamination or deterioration. If the water becomes discolored, has an unusual odor, or is no longer treated effectively, it’s essential to empty and clean the drum and refill it with fresh water.

Now that you have properly filled and treated the water in the drum, it’s time to learn how to secure and store the drum to ensure its longevity and accessibility. Let’s proceed to the next section.

Securing and Storing the 55 Gallon Drum

Once you have filled and treated the water in the 55-gallon drum, it’s crucial to secure and store the drum properly to ensure its longevity and accessibility. Here are some tips for securing and storing the drum:

1. Find a suitable location: Choose a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to store the water drum. Avoid areas that are subject to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or potential contaminants.
2. Elevate from the ground: Place the drum on a sturdy pallet or platform to elevate it from the ground. This prevents moisture and pests from affecting the drum and its contents.
3. Secure against tipping: Use straps or bungee cords to secure the drum to prevent it from tipping or falling over. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to earthquakes or have active children or pets.
4. Ensure easy access: Make sure the drum is easily accessible in case of an emergency. Avoid storing it in a cluttered area or behind heavy objects that may hinder access when needed.
5. Monitor temperature: Regularly check the temperature of the storage area to ensure it remains within a safe range. Extreme heat or cold can affect the integrity of the drum and the quality of the stored water.
6. Rotate and replenish: It’s essential to periodically rotate and replenish the stored water to ensure its freshness and quality. Use the water regularly and replace it with fresh water on a schedule to maintain a reliable emergency water supply.

Remember to regularly inspect the drum for any signs of leaks, damage, or contamination. If you notice any issues, address them promptly by emptying and cleaning the drum, and fixing any necessary repairs or replacements.

By following these guidelines for securing and storing the 55-gallon drum, you can ensure that your water supply remains accessible and of high quality when you need it most. In the next section, we will discuss regular maintenance and inspections of your water storage drum.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection of Water Storage Drum

Regular maintenance and inspection of your water storage drum are crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of your emergency water supply. Follow these steps to maintain and inspect your water storage drum:

1. Regularly check for leaks: Periodically inspect the drum for any signs of leaks or damage. Look for any cracks, bulges, or weakened areas that may compromise the integrity of the drum. If you detect any leaks or damage, promptly address them by emptying and repairing or replacing the drum.
2. Monitor water quality: Check the quality of the stored water regularly. Look for any discoloration, unusual odor, or particles in the water. If you notice any changes, consider emptying and cleaning the drum, and refilling it with fresh water.
3. Inspect the lid seal: Check the tight-sealing lid for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that the seal is secure and intact, preventing any external contaminants from entering the drum. Replace the lid or sealing gasket if necessary.
4. Rotate the water supply: Rotate the stored water supply on a regular basis. Use the water in your everyday life to replenish the supply with fresh water. This helps to ensure that the water remains fresh and useable in case of an emergency.
5. Keep the drum clean: Regularly clean the exterior of the drum to prevent dust, debris, or substances from accumulating on the surface. Use a mild detergent and water, and rinse thoroughly. This helps maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the drum.
6. Check for pest infestation: Keep an eye out for any signs of pest infestation, such as insects or rodents. Seal any openings or potential entry points to prevent pests from accessing the water drum and compromising its contents.

It’s also important to educate yourself and your family on the proper usage and maintenance of the water storage drum. Make sure everyone knows where it is located, how to access it, and the importance of maintaining its cleanliness and safety.

By conducting regular maintenance and inspections, you can ensure the long-term usability and reliability of your water storage drum, providing you with peace of mind and a readily available source of clean water during emergencies.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of how to maintain your water storage drum, let’s conclude this article.

Conclusion

Storing water in 55-gallon drums is a practical and cost-effective solution for ensuring a reliable emergency water supply. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently store water in these drums and have peace of mind knowing you are prepared for any situation.

We explored the benefits of storing water in 55-gallon drums, including the ample water supply, cost-effectiveness, portability, and long shelf life. We also discussed the importance of choosing the right drum, cleaning and preparing it for water storage, filling and treating the water, and securing and storing the drum in a suitable location.

Regular maintenance and inspections are vital for the proper functioning of your water storage drum. By checking for leaks, monitoring water quality, inspecting the lid seal, rotating the water supply, and keeping the drum clean, you can ensure your emergency water supply remains fresh and accessible when you need it.

Remember to stay vigilant in monitoring the condition of the drum and the quality of the stored water. Regularly replace or replenish the water to maintain its freshness and effectiveness during emergencies.

Having a reliable source of clean water is essential for the well-being and safety of you and your family. By implementing the steps outlined in this article, you can be confident in your ability to store water in 55-gallon drums and be prepared for any situation that may arise.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and always prioritize clean water for your household.