Sofia Martinez
Water storage is an essential part of emergency preparedness. One of the most popular methods for storing water is using plastic barrels, which can hold a large amount of water in a small space. When storing water in plastic barrels, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of plastic, the cleaning and disinfection process, and the ideal storage conditions. It is also important to know how to access the water from the barrel safely and efficiently. This guide will provide an introduction to these key aspects of storing water in plastic barrels, offering helpful tips and insights for those interested in emergency preparedness.
How to store water in plastic barrels
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Barrel material | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Barrel colour | Blue |
| Barrel capacity | 55 gallons |
| Barrel weight | 22 pounds |
| Water weight | 460 pounds |
| Total weight | 482 pounds |
| Barrel height | 36 inches |
| Barrel width | 24 inches |
| Water source | Well water, tap water |
| Water treatment | Chlorine, Aquamira water treatment |
| Storage location | Cool, dark, dry place, not on cement |
| Storage temperature | Cold |
| Storage duration | Indefinite, rotate every 6-12 months |
| Barrel condition | Clean, food-grade, BPA-free |
| Barrel type | Closed-top, with bungs |
| Cleaning methods | Bleach, baking soda, soap, pressure washer |
| Water usage | Drinking, cooking, cleaning, growing food |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning used plastic barrels
Used plastic barrels can be cleaned and reused many times, but it is important to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before each use. The cleaning method will depend on what was previously stored in the barrel.
If the barrel was used to store chemicals, it is important to wear protective gear when cleaning. The right type of cleaner will depend on the chemical being stored. Chemical manufacturers can advise on cleaning products that are safe to use and won't cause a chemical reaction. Water-based cleaning solvents are often a good choice as they dissolve chemicals and other contaminants, safely removing them from the barrel. If the barrel has held acidic substances, an alkaline solution must be used to neutralise the acids before cleaning can begin.
If the barrel was used for food-grade products, such as syrups, it can be cleaned with chlorine bleach or soap. Bleach can be used at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, or 1 cup of bleach diluted in half a barrel of water. The barrel should be filled with water, the bleach added, and the barrel rolled around to mix the solution. The barrel should then be left to sit for 24 hours before flushing out the bleach water. This process should be followed by a thorough rinse to remove any bleach residue. Alternatively, dish soap can be added to the barrel and rinsed out with a hose, repeating the process until all residue is removed.
If the barrel has an unpleasant odour, baking soda can be used to neutralise the smell. A thick paste made from baking soda and water can be scrubbed onto the inside of the barrel, followed by a thorough rinse.
It is important to note that barrels should not be used for water storage unless you know what they were previously used for. Many chemicals are highly toxic and carcinogenic, and it is not safe to use a barrel for water storage if it previously held chemicals.
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Choosing the right plastic
When choosing plastic barrels for water storage, it is important to select the right plastic to ensure the water is safe for drinking and to prevent leaks.
Firstly, it is recommended to use food-grade plastic, which is commonly available in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and is used to make the popular blue 55-gallon water storage drums. These drums are typically 36 inches high and 24 inches wide, weighing around 22 pounds. HDPE is a safe option for water storage as it is BPA-free and can be identified by looking for plastic #2 on the bottom of containers.
It is important to avoid using plastic containers that previously stored milk or juice, as milk proteins and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed, providing an environment for bacterial growth. Instead, consider using second-hand barrels that previously stored food products like syrups, as long as they are properly cleaned and disinfected before filling them with water.
Additionally, plastics absorb flavors and odors, so it is best to avoid storing water in containers previously used for products with strong odors, such as soda syrup or cleaning products. If you plan to stack your barrels, choose containers with grooves on the bottom designed for stacking to prevent instability and potential leaks.
Finally, consider the absorbency of the plastic. If barrels are stored directly on cement or near harmful chemicals, the plastic may absorb these chemicals, contaminating your water supply. Choose a storage location away from direct sunlight and potential contaminants, and consider using a basement or cool, dark area to prevent algae growth.
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Where to store water barrels
When storing water barrels, there are several factors to consider to ensure the water remains safe to drink. Firstly, it is important to store water barrels in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Basements are often a good option for this, as they are usually dark and maintain a relatively cool temperature. If you do not have a basement, another cool, dark area of your home could suffice.
Secondly, avoid placing water barrels directly on cement or concrete floors, as the plastic can absorb chemicals from the concrete, potentially contaminating your water. Instead, use an insulating barrier, such as wood or plywood, between the barrel and the floor. This will prevent the absorption of concrete fumes or trapped stagnant odours.
Additionally, when storing water barrels, consider the accessibility of the water in case of an emergency. For example, if you live in an area prone to flooding, ensure the barrels are stored somewhere that will remain dry. Similarly, if you live in an area with frequent earthquakes or strong winds, consider securing the barrels to prevent them from falling or leaking.
It is also important to regularly rotate your water supply. The CDC recommends rotating stored water every six months, especially if it is not stored in a cool, dark place. Marking your barrels with the date of storage can help you keep track of when to rotate your water supply.
Finally, when storing water barrels, consider the weight of the barrels when they are full. A 55-gallon water barrel can weigh up to 450 pounds when filled, so be sure that the storage surface can support that weight.
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How to treat water
Storing water in plastic barrels is a great way to store a large amount of water in a little space. However, it is important to treat the water to ensure it is safe to drink in an emergency. Here are some detailed instructions on how to treat water for storage in plastic barrels:
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the water being stored is of good quality. Use water from a system with an “Approved” rating from the Division of Drinking Water. Alternatively, use commercially bottled or distilled water, as this will last longer.
Next, you need to choose the right barrel. Always use food-grade plastic drums that are designed for water storage. Avoid metal barrels with linings, as they can leach chemicals into the water. Make sure the barrel is new and has not been used to store other substances, as plastic can absorb flavours and toxins from previously stored materials. If you must reuse a barrel, ensure it is professionally decontaminated and thoroughly cleaned with a bleach solution before use.
When filling the barrel, use a clean drinking water hose to prevent contamination. Add water preservatives or treatments such as calcium hypochlorite or fresh unscented bleach to kill any bacteria or viruses. You can also use water purification tablets or liquid chlorine bleach to disinfect the water. Allow the water to sit for 20-30 minutes before sealing the barrel.
Store the barrel in a cool, dark location, such as a basement or interior closet, and keep it off the ground. Avoid direct sunlight and keep it away from chemicals to prevent contamination. Inspect the barrel periodically for leaks, cracks, or damage, and rotate the water regularly, especially if you are not using potable water sources.
By following these instructions, you can effectively treat and store water in plastic barrels, ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water in case of emergencies.
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Opening and closing the barrel
Opening and closing your water barrel correctly is essential to prevent contamination and maintain access to safe drinking water. Here are some detailed instructions for opening and closing your plastic water barrel:
Opening the Barrel:
- Use a bung wrench: Closed-top barrels have small openings called bung holes that are sealed with threaded plastic plugs called bungs. To open the barrel, use a bung wrench, a special type of wrench designed to unscrew and re-screw bungs without damaging the barrel.
- Consider a siphon pump: Once the bung is removed, you can use a siphon pump to extract water from the barrel. This is necessary because the bung hole is too small to dip a container into, and the barrel is too heavy to tip and pour.
- Store in a cool, dark location: Always store your water barrel in a cool, dark location, such as a basement storeroom. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and algae and keeps your water safe for consumption.
Closing the Barrel:
- Clean and disinfect: Before closing the barrel, ensure it is clean and disinfected. You can use a chlorine bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) or a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the inside of the barrel. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before refilling.
- Treat water before storage: Consider treating your water with chlorine or Aquamira water treatment before filling the barrel. Treating water before storage ensures that it is safe to drink in an emergency, even if you cannot disinfect it when you need to use it.
- Secure the bung: After filling the barrel, secure the bung tightly using the bung wrench. Make sure it is screwed in flush or below flush with the top surface of the barrel to create a tight seal.
- Rotate water regularly: While treated water can be stored long-term, consider rotating it every 6 to 12 months to re-oxygenate the water and improve taste. Regular rotation also allows you to inspect the barrel for any signs of contamination or algae growth.
Remember, always follow proper safety precautions when handling water storage barrels and only use food-grade plastic containers to ensure your drinking water remains safe and uncontaminated.
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Frequently asked questions
If the barrel is new, it should be made out of food-grade plastic. If it is second-hand, it may have been used to store harmful chemicals, syrups, or food products. In this case, it should be cleaned with a strong chlorine solution, or with soap if it previously stored something oily.
Water should be stored in a cool, dark area, away from cement or harmful chemicals. The ideal container is made of polyethylene-based plastics, or plastics #1, #2, and #4. Water barrels made of plastic #2 are good for long-term storage and are BPA-free.
Water can be stored in a plastic barrel for many years, as long as it is stored correctly. Some people choose to rotate their water every 6 to 12 months, but this is not necessary.
The size of the barrel depends on how much water you need to store and how portable you need the barrel to be. A 55-gallon barrel is a good option as it stores a large amount of water in a small space and can reasonably be moved around.
