The 5 Best Treatment Methods for 55-Gallon Water Barrels

[@msquared6324]

Tip tip from a 35+year Army medic. When using either bleach or calcium hypochlorite crystals don't just add direct crystals or full concentrate bleach to your barrel. Dissolve the required amount of crystals or bleach in what the Army feild hygiene manual calls a "super solution" and add that instead of strait crystals. We were always told a canteen (quart) of this solution at the dosage rate you recommend per 50 gallon lister bag (these are not used any longer) and mixing in a 5 gallon water jug to sanitize a 400 gallon water buffalo trailer. This makes sure the crystals dissolve fully and maximizes contact area for best sanitizing action. Agitate your barrel once you add the crystals to ensure even distribution so a clean stirring rod or even your barrel pump could be used to stir this solution arround. Don't forget to flush your pump with chlorinated water before using it to draw drinking water. Temperature also matters, colder water takes longer to treat as the chemical reactions that kill the organisms take longer at cold temperatures. My $.02

[@radamest2]

Thank you very much

[@craigkeller]

Great tips, thank you

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Great info…thanks !!!

[@ginaeaton6680]

Thank you for your $.02!! Thank you for serving our country!!!

[@kenpeters9807]

What about Aerobic oxygen?

[@raqueltrinchet9347]

I LOVE HER STYLE, TONE AND VOICE! So calm and well informed. He sounds like a DJ.

[@jerrysmith372]

Yep - I have 2 barrels - each 4 feet across and 12 feet high and hold 750 gallons. Bought new specifically to hold water. Each is surrounded by a plywood surround and top to protect from sun and weather. Should be about a years supply for our needs. Filled with tap water and will filter before using.

[@Darkice77]

I bought a 1500 gallon cistern and hooked it up to my water main. All the water that flows through my house goes through the cistern first. So its always being cycled. If the water ever stops, i shut of the main and use the water through a manual valve. I also have hand pumps to pump water up to overhead shower containers i made from home depot buckets.

[@gregkelmis2435]

You should probably look into a filtration system before it goes into your tank pros and cons on many things. Reverse osmosis, illuminates all the trace minerals and what not that you need so gives your dead water. Charcoal filters will filter out radioactive gas. You should do your own research though look into it Congdon water filters could be used post perhaps not sure of. The effectiveness on radioactive Particles

[@obewise]

I considered doing that but decided on a slightly different approach. Rather than ONE large cistern, I decided that TWO smaller ones would be better. I can switch between the two monthly, quarterly, etc. to keep the water fresh, but it also gives me a little insurance in case the city announces that the water is contaminated and to stop using it. By the time I receive the notice, ALL of my water would already be contaminated. With a split system, at least I have a large supply of water from a time when, hopefully, it wasn't also contaminated.

[@altha-rf1et]

that is what I going to do, just use my own well water to fill the barrels up

[@TheTamrock2007]

I have watched so many videos about water storage. This channel posts the most comprehensive ones on KZbin. Thank you for helping so many, in so many ways ❤️

[@83Lawnranger]

Yup- 2 50 gal empty barrels in my back yard for 3 years. Going to clean and fill them this weekend thanks for the video and encouragement

[@maurogastonherrera7727]

Great Video clip! Forgive me for chiming in, I would love your thoughts. Have you heard the talk about - Proutklarton Surviving Technics Plan (google it)? It is a good one off guide for learning how to survive any crisis minus the headache. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my work colleague got excellent results with it.

[@carlosalvarez2488]

Appreciate Video! Excuse me for butting in, I would love your opinion. Have you heard about - Proutklarton Surviving Technics Plan (search on google)? It is an awesome one of a kind guide for learning how to survive any crisis without the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my cousin after a lifetime of fighting got astronomical success with it

[@sugusebatti2090]

Cheers for the video content! Sorry for butting in, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you heard the talk about - Proutklarton Protecting Aqua Plan (just google it)? It is a great one off guide for getting prepared for a mega drought minus the hard work. Ive heard some super things about it and my m8 finally got cool results with it.

[@thoughtsfromathenasreality]

City water Is NOT clean!

[@hardwiredtoselfdestruction3401]

Where do you get 55 gallon barrels from?

[@Missourioutdoors1]

There is a artesian well that has provided hundreds and hundreds of families around here with water for a lot of years. I will be filling up my barrels there. Thanks for the video.

[@davidb2206]

Well done and good information. Another tip, from the book All My Secrets of Organic and Container Gardening So Far which has photos, is that you can build a cheap homemade solar oven from recycled materials that will pasteurize small amounts of water -- such as a gallon at a time -- in emergency conditions. I have tried it and it does work. This would be good even for rainwater.

[@myfloridabackyard7984]

You guys are the best and very accurate !! Iv'e watched dozens of your video's and amazed with your knowledge!! What really blows my mind is... To look at you both you would never know you were hard core preppers. Wish we were neighbors! I on other hand look the part Jaded Vietnam Combat Vet dealt a bad hand and hunkered down!! MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!

[@jamesshafer2781]

So true, LOL. I'm finally setting up the barrels I bought 3 years ago with my down time from the virus.

[@Robnord1]

Thank you for the video! I just sanitized 5 used food grade translucent barrels and am prepping the space to set them in. We will cover them with 6 mil black trash bags in a shed. Yours is one of the few videos showing use of anything other than blue or black barrels. 😎 Have had these for over 2 years, and it feels good to get it done.

[@chief5981]

A lot of people in this comment section bought barrels and didn’t fill them for years. Get on it buddy!!

[@WhatWhy42]

Where exactly are u making room for these?

[@gp1971]

Great video. Thanks for the measurements. Easy to understand. Take care and God bless.

[@mikemarshall7460]

Please keep in mind cal hypo needs to be stored very carefully. It will react abruptly (fire & explosion ) when coming in contact with many products. It has been the cause of more fires at home improvement stores, pool stores and manufacturing plants than any other product.

[@YooToobz]

I was unaware. Thanks

[@melissamark3599]

Is it safe to store indoors with no chemicals around ? In closet

[@kittybeck151]

That's why I did not buy any! I just rinse & fill empty jars with RO filtered water. The drums sound good because they hold a large amount, but I don't want a bunch of 'cal hypo' sitting in my garage!

[@philw7174]

Very important video, thank you Jonathan and Kylene. I sure appreciate the content of your channel. Happy trails!

[@suzyjane7694]

I have done well with mason jar storage. I dont know how to aquire 55 gallon drums. Thank you for your informative measures of purification.

[@jacquelinefayne1209]

I have purchased from Craigslist and local Ace Harware store selling used pickle barrels. They are black with removable lid. Hope this helps

[@altha-rf1et]

This is my thing to do next month we moved back to the homestead slowly getting things done but with cancer have to go slow at it,,, I want to get two solar panels for the well and least four 44-gallon water barrels

[@JonathanBJones]

As far as using metal v. plastic for storage, there are several things to consider. First, either one must be food grade, which generally is easier to find in HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). Also, either one must be clean. New is better, but also more expensive, sometimes substantially more, especially if you can get them free or close to that. If they are used, make sure they have contained consumable liquid or food, and must not have been allowed to become contaminated. Then make sure they are cleaned well and sanitized with a chlorine or other suitable disinfectant. The chlorine in many water systems, or if chlorine is used for disinfection purposes, tends to corrode metal unless there is a suitable coating or liner to prevent that. In general, my preference is plastic, but if you can find the right metal barrel, it can work also.

[@joshjahada4238]

Not knowing the type of metal nor if there is a specific coating on the metal..... WOULD there be a use for a metal drum (in your opinion of course) for storing water or food? Perhaps there is another way of sanitizing that will not cause the metal to becone corrosive?

[@damianmartinez9252]

Thank you for making this video. It was very helpful and I will be using several of the tips you all provided.

[@mtnman1111]

If you have a water treatment plant anywhere near you they will have free barrels both white and blue. Ask what they contained, usually a polymer, cl2, or orthopolyphosphate, all are injected in the treatment process and can be cleaned out of the barrel with plain water filled three times. The screw caps can be opened with a pair of pliers or channel locks if you don’t have the special wrench. A normal 3/4” or 1/2” male spiket can thread into one of the caps. Look at them and you’ll see the threads for it. Just drill a 1/2” hole and screw in the spicket. Tip the barrel on its side for gravity flow. For treatment don’t forget about iodine too. Good luck

[@BarbedWire-u2p]

We moved from Alabama to Mexico any insight on winter for Mexico this year? Blessings

[@D0TELL]

Interesting move. How is life

[@candymcallister4578]

Thank you so much

[@robertgrant4683]

Great video! Lots of good information oh, thank you.

[@paulrevere8808]

Safe drinkable water is the most critical item that everyone needs a minimum of 1 gallon a day per person for rehydration of food, the body and hygiene. I discovered a USA company DryElement that sells probably the best gravity fed water filtration system in the world and its under $200.00. Their products are made in America and the Green Nano Gravity Filter is amazing. Also, they sell a long term water treatment solution based on the mineral properties of copper and silver that allows you to store fresh water for years.

[@roberttosa2560]

Water Preserver is way over priced. Just use household bleach. Great video! Thanks for sharing. Super information!

[@kenp133]

How often would water in 55 gallon containers need to be re-treated with calcium hypochlorite? @@TheProvidentPrepper

[@stanleybest8833]

I like stainless steel soda syrup cans. 5 gallons each, for real drinking water. It's not prepping in the desert. It's everyday use.

[@pranksterguy1]

Thank you both!

[@kevinwelsh7490]

I will bookmark those online resources just in case emergency arises. Thanks, I will take your advice, but I think I will just buy two, sealed, 5-gallon jugs on hand in my small apartment for 1 person.

[@mkmason2002]

Is calcium hypochlorite the same thing as pool shock? Where can I buy it? This was a great video!!! I love that you guys did the math on the stock solution bleach jug. Thank you so much!

[@vernitakrull]

After 10 years or more anything I should Do, add to, to continue using?

[@BobDiaz123]

I'm considering using smaller 30 gallon drums to help reduce the weight. At around 8 pounds per gallon, that would be around 240 pounds. A weight I could put inside of a closet inside my house. The 55 gallon drum would be about 440 pounds and may be too much weight on my floor. Other than paying more per gallon, it there any disadvantage to using smaller drums?

[@winterwolf2012]

Thanks for the info. Key Largo, Florida.......

[@minifig8012]

How often do yall refill the water barrels treated with calcium chlorine? Thanks for the video

[@daniellebarker7667]

I absolutely Love your videos. Very concise and accurate information in a friendly and understandable form. Please keep it up!!

[@bomma2694]

@@TheProvidentPrepper A natural way of cleaning the water would be very useful. Just in case something happens to the water supply or chemicals we save by to clean it! 👍 thanks for your INVALUABLE information! 👀👍👍👍

[@robinr.9007]

🌷 Thank you… :-) I was just about to buy two 55 gall barrels, I don’t know where to hide them on my property because I live in a dicey neighborhood and I live alone and I’m old 😳 But… I’ll get it figured out lol. I thumbed 👍 & subbed. My best to you and yours :-)

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Welcome! You got this!

[@apacalyptic1freelancevideo213]

THANX . WATER IS GREAT

[@qwerty1000x]

Great video guys. Thank you.

[@ralphm6901]

Another option for temporary water storage is the WaterBOB. It's essentially an enclosed plastic liner that fits into a bath and holds upto 100 gallons.

[@rebelyell1580]

Yep use them whenever a hurricane is about to hit -- works great.

[@ritaholcombe9905]

Remember,,, 1 gallon of water weighs 8 pounds. So,,, 100 gallons weighs 800 pounds. That's a lot of weight. Be sure your house foundation can handle the weight.

[@carlahabeck4051]

Thank you for this video. We live off grid and have an artesian well. I wonder if you think storage is still needed?

[@JoanWakefield]

I had thoughþ about getting a distillation for water. When I check on a distillation thing , i realized I can make my own. I knew distillation is the steam from boiling water. I have a 6 quart pressure cooker, all I need is to capture the steam from the cooker, a tube to fit over the stem where the pressure weight sets and a container for the water/steam to drip into, not a ideal or quick method but workable.

[@DJ-vm2zi]

I live in the south. Can the water barrels be put in the garage which can get pretty hot in the summer?

[@kathypittman5854]

Sodium hypochlorite can be purchased in dry form as well. It is the kind of pool shock with only one ingredient which is the sodium hypochlorite.

[@nunyabusiness863]

Thanks for putting this up!

[@shannonbenson8921]

Great video! Thanks!

[@kenp133]

Thanks, Great Info.

[@Carnation8369]

Can you use pool water that is cleaned and filtered?

[@billyflanagan9657]

Thank you great video

[@bomma2694]

You just earned another subscriber! 👍 Thankyou!

[@davidhowick3665]

Add limestone pebbles to each barrell to keep water fresh

[@dfflorida1694]

Interesting. Have you tested water after adding limestones? And how many for a 55 gal drum?

[@janayfranco3338]

What kind of companies did you get the Free barrels from?

[@alexgarcia-sd8qj]

Great everything i need to know to treat water, but what about for preserving water for years is there a treatment or a chemical to store water for up to 5 or 7 years?

[@axerxes3981]

You need a video on WHERE to find 55 gallon barrels and what's a fair price, including shipping, for one or more of the critters!! Details, details, details. Ax

[@dfflorida1694]

Look/start on your local Craig's list and feed stores. You will need to be quick before the capitalists' find them!!!

[@wadecaldwell7210]

You filter on the backend what kind of filter?

[@parkswhite]

No mention of P&G Water Purifier Packets? They can turn lake water into potable water in a matter of hours.

[@MarkFaust]

I have both 55 gl. full of water straight from the hose and carefully filtered with Zero Water ( yes, that took a few weeks ). I have had them unsealed for around twelve years. My question is should I leave them alone or open each one and refill?

[@sandraquinteros4446]

Hi, I have a 55 gallon water barrel filed with water do I put the 1/8 teaspoon of Calcium Hypochlorite to the water, I m going to store away? And How many years does the water stored last?

[@Bee-Kind-Baker]

If we cannot find these water barrels used, do you know where the best purchase source would be? We are on a budget. Thanks so much

[@GreenThumbGardener]

Great tips!

[@desireehann8990]

Can't you use Provodine Iodine?

[@chief5981]

Is pool shock ok to use?

[@blossomlove6760]

how long is # 2,4 and 5 Good for inside the water that you just put in the barrels?

[@tjcav5558]

I'm planning on purchasing a 60 gal. Bladder to fill up in my basement shower for an emergency water supply. It says it's for water storage for human consumption. Do you think the barrel is a better idea? I'd really like your opinion.

[@martyadams6969]

How much chlorine dioxide do I add per fifty five gallon drum.

[@tornado3583]

Hello, I will be using tap water for my 55 gallon water drums for storage. Should I run the tap thru my Alexapure filters first, then add bleach for long term shortage? Or fill up the barrels, add bleach and then run the water thru the Alexapure when ready to drink? Thank you so much

[@ritaholcombe9905]

I believe he said bleach in the barrel first, then filter as you use it.

[@wmk0100]

HDPE is non hygroscopic, which means it does not absorb moisture. Blue #2 barrels used for food products can be cleaned to the point that there is no detectable smell or taste of the product stored previously.

[@houstonlady1]

Can you drink that stored water? How would you filter it before drinking?

[@jesseschf8914]

Can you store your water outside in both cold and warm weather?

[@sunshinealways1350]

Thank you for making this wonderfully informative video. Should I use my RO filtered well water to fill the 55 gallon barrel and also use 1/8 tsp of calcium hypochlorite? We purchased the Culligan Reverse Osmosis system (just for our kitchen water) in order to filter out nitrates, bacteria and viruses from our well water. Or, if I use our outside spigot water directly from the well, it will be unfiltered. So, would that be better to fill the barrel with and then use the 1/8 tsp of calcium hypochlorite in that water? Also, where do you get that handy wheeled bottom you have on the barrel? Thank you!

[@sunshinealways1350]

@@TheProvidentPrepper Thank you! I am new to water preservation.

[@JonathanBJones]

Hey Sunshine Always (I love it)...I would definitely use the RO water so that it is clean and drinkable at any time. The chlorine will take care of the bacteria and viruses, but it won't fix the nitrates. Normally, if people have chlorinated municipal water, I recommend not treating the water on the front end..you generally have at least 0.5 parts per million (ppm) of residual chlorine to provide some continued treatment. With your water not having any residual, I would add the calcium hypochlorite to the barrel. I find it easier to make the calcium hypochlorite stock solution, then add 2 Tablespoons to the barrel instead of the 1/8 tsp dry powder...just a personal preference. I'm guessing it will be a bit more difficult to fill it from the sink, but you should be able to find a connector at a hardware store to allow you to connect with your clean hose and fill the barrel. I do think it is best to use a good filter/purifier to run the water through when using it for drinking. This will help ensure that the water is safe, and will improve any taste or odor issues. As for the wheeled cart, they are available on Amazon, U-Line, and various other places. Search for "55 gallon drum cart"...they run about $40 and up. I hope this has helped. If you have other questions, connect back with us. Thanks for being part of the solution!!

[@mkmason2002]

I used chlorine dioxide treatment on my 55 gal drums 3 yrs ago. Do I need to change out the water? They were placed on a dirt floor in a shed which gets hot in the summer. Thanks!

[@pauljenkins6877]

I used chlorine dioxide to preserve my water. The instructions said that the water would stay fresh for four years if the temperature was generally kept below 75 degrees. I would thus question whether your water is still fresh.

[@chrisgarrand8335]

i have a 26,000 gallon swimming pool. how do i use that water? i just use chlorine pellets in filter.

[@watersdown]

Hi there. I have 10 30-gallon water barrels that have been sitting for several years with the bung caps degraded or missing. The bottom of the barrels are slimy and have yard and tree debris in them as well. I've begun washing them out, but can't get the slime off the bottom (or the top of the inside of the barrels for that matter). Any tips on how to clean out the slime? I'm going to borrow a pressure washer from a friend and I'm hoping that helps. I heard somewhere else to put about 6 ounces of bleach in them and let them sit overnight. I also ordered new bung caps on Amazon. I don't know where to get a bottle brush big enough to clean them. Will the calcium hypochlorite clean them and if so how should I do it to get them safe to use again? Thanks!!! P.S. Your most recent replies to other people's questions are not visible, so I'm hoping if you reply I will be able to see your reply. Thanks tons!

[@louispittman7367]

How about let's talk about how ALL public water is contaminated with sodium fluoride (a neurotoxin that is the main ingredient in rat poison) that's why everyone's hormones are screwed up,and mental illness is common now. Try and talk a circle around that fact.

[@BobbyPolfus]

What about the rain?

[@jeremybliss3598]

What's a solution to the fluoride?

[@TheJCompound]

​@@jeremybliss3598 filter your water to start. get something that says it filters fluoride, not all do.avoid consuming aluminum, i.e cooking in aluminum foil. flouridw makes aluminum bond to the pineal gland and the brain, a possible cause for Alzheimer's as well.

[@DMack7]

Where would I get plastic jars made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, Ryton, or PVDF as stated in your blog? I recently picked up this chemical and would like to store it safely? You stated it is somewhat reactive to glass but you use glass. I was thinking about using a canning jar with a plastic lid. Thanks!

[@DMack7]

@@TheProvidentPrepper Thanks. I'll do the same then. I recently picked up 3 45 gallon pickle barrels for water storage. I've sanitized them and ready to fill with water for storage.

[@DMack7]

@@TheProvidentPrepper yes, storage. I should have been more clear. :)

[@fabiarivera6665]

Thanks for the info. You have a great way of explaining thing. I do have a question. I filled my barrel with ny water which is clean, as far as I know. Should I put in the powder in at the the beginning of storage or only when I will use it if needed. Thanks in advance.

[@fabiarivera6665]

@@TheProvidentPrepper thanks 😊

[@dhruvikajonnalagadda5933]

My water barrel leakage from under how can I stop the leakage water pls tell me

[@ghostmanscores1666]

Freezing would be my biggest concern. It would freeze.

[@connieback7577]

My barrel is full but I don’t remember where I got the water from. I don’t remember if I filled it from the garden hose, or, maybe used rain water from the downspout. It would be nice to know. The water doesn’t smell. I need to pump some out and look at it. I’m not sure I will be able to tell anything.

[@briananderson7092]

I find particles are getting in(blue 55 gal) around my bung cap and I can see fine particles in my water. I filter my water, but should I start over and clean etc. Or keep storing, treat with bleach and filter it ?

[@CorsairTrainers]

Good information.

[@rockyalvarez520]

The best long term water storage solution is very large food grade underground water storage containers you put these container underground where it's cool and dark and it helps to prevent Algae and bacteria growth

[@Th4thWiseman]

To sanitize water for consuming use SODIUM CHLORITE, not sodium chloride (table salt)

[@debbiec6216]

Would it be better to buy bottle water ? I know not to store it straight on the concrete , put it on wood ?

[@kittybeck151]

I think the idea of the video is to store a lot of water for a cheap cost. Bottled water costs $$ & people buy it all up quickly during an emergency, if they can get to a store! I have some plastic & some glass containers of filtered water. Plastic degrades over time - milk jugs don't last that long. I will use my old plastic containers of water for hygiene, washing, flushing, etc. (but not for drinking or cooking).

[@jasonm887]

But how long can you store treated water? When do you need to rotate your supply?

[@jasonm887]

@@TheProvidentPrepper thank you!

[@melissamark3599]

How much calcium hypochlorite do I need for a 35 gallon drum of water!?? long storage.

[@barbaraarrington9146]

If you store those barrels full outside in Utah don't they Freeze and crack or break?

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Yes ... make sure that you leave plenty of empty space at the top. We haven't had issues when we leave 8 inches or so. However, it can still happen.

[@piedmontwildlifeandoutdoors]

Can you use pool shock?

[@ashleymarie7452]

Yes. Sodium hypochlorite is pool shock. Just be sure to get the type that doesn't contain any other ingredients! Be careful how you store it also. Google that too!

[@roopasastri]

Hello, thanks for the detailed video. New prepper here and hence apologies in advance for the dumb question. We recently bought 12 - 3.5 gallons water bricks. So the process to store water would be, clean them, fill them with a food grade hose and use the Calcium hypochlorite stock solution to disinfect them and store? Is that it? Can we drink that water in case of emergencies? Thanks in advance.

[@kayakuprising5914]

Are there any dangers in storing water for long periods in "plastic" barrels? Chemical leaching? Are there recommended barrels and maybe types to avoid?

[@ashleymarie7452]

Filled 55 gallon barrels are heavy! A great way to store/move them is on furniture dollies from Harbor Freight!

[@kittybeck151]

I noticed in the video his drums were on wheels.

[@fredhbeck]

i have heard you can use hydrogen peroxide to help preserve your water storage, how much do you need to add to a 55 gallon drum? Thanks

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

I don't use hydrogen peroxide. Sorry!

[@SVsv987]

How would you keep a 55 gallon drum from freezing in the winter months, if outside?

[@JesusSaves7810]

Try insulating the outside like one of those foam cup coozis beer things

[@Mrgamezombie1]

Does sodium hypochlorite remove lead?

[@Mrgamezombie1]

Ok

[@williamburdon6993]

What do you put in the barrels to keep them from freezing and causing a leak?

[@JesusSaves7810]

Try insulating the outside of the barrel like a one of those cup coozis things

[@williamburdon6993]

Thanks for replys, I have it in the basement but I wondered if the furnace went off if it would freeze and burst, I guess if it stays that cold in the house we will have a bigger problem than frozen water.

[@markovlahovic9271]

I will like to safe water in 3000 gallon plastic cylinder-shape container for water, and save it for 10 years if it is posible. My question is,can water survive that long in that big container for 10 year,widout opening it for all that time?

[@timkeith7201]

I don’t know how to post a picture on this but are 55 gallon water tanks are laying on their side with a clear hose connecting each one with a drain port on the bottom tank but in that hose has no form some orange weird speckled stuff we did treat the water and it’s only been in there for about a year and a half I don’t know what to do or how to make this right can anyone please help me I can send you the picture, but any help would be appreciated and what we need to do. Thank you.

[@maqy1191]

We moved into our new home a year ago and found 2 55gallon blue barrels that still look brand new I want to keep them but I don’t know if the water in there is still good what should I do?

[@beckyshell4649]

I have a question if anyone knows the answer I would appreciate it. The local Rural King has used barrels that they say they don't know what was in them. They have blue and clear plastic barrels. Is there any way of knowing if toxic chemicals were stored in them by the color of the barrels? Is there any other way to tell the former contents of barrels?

[@ashleymarie7452]

Be sure to smell ANY barrel that you buy. If it smells nasty avoid it at all costs!

[@dfflorida1694]

They are color coded (so to say) the blues are for food grade. I agree on the smell test. Someone might use them for something else and then resell them.

[@frankunderwood8357]

How about boiling the water before putting it in the barrel? Then you would not have to add any chemicals?

[@seanosborne1269]

Question- I have used barrel filled, cleaned correctly, water treated correctly and stored correctly. Do you recommend any rotation at all, say after 3-5 years or test every 12 months? I have made my own 2*25l water filter systems. God bless.

[@bradsimpson8724]

Technically, it's good forever as long as it doesn't get contaminated(sunlight creating algae growth is typically the worst offender). However, you'll note a distinct "stale" taste when drinking it because the oxygen content has disappeared. I'd encourage you to dump a barrel and refill it every year.

[@bradsimpson8724]

A thing that really needs to be said here is the importance of location. Don't let the sun beat on your water, because UVB light will degrade your treatment and encourage algae to grow. But the biggest thing is access. A full 55-gallon drum weighs just shy of 500lbs and don't offer much for great handholds. They are a serious pain in the ass to move. So before you fill it, put it somewhere and live around it for a few weeks while it's empty. Make sure you aren't having to push it aside for more frequently-accessed items. Make sure you turn it so the bung and vent are both accessible. Don't fill it until you're sure you don't want to move it anywhere.

[@bradsimpson8724]

@@coralineattano9267 Basic rule of the Internet: don't open links on product pages where the seller doesn't say anything about their product except how great it is. If it looks like a scam and smells like a scam, it's probably a scam and will put some shit software onto your computer to boot. The fact that your comment is almost exactly copy/pasted from the site suggests that you're involved in the scam as well.

[@firearmsstudent]

I put mine on casters.

[@bradsimpson8724]

@@firearmsstudent That's an excellent idea until you encounter a staircase. I personally have opted for a higher number of smaller containers. In addition to being easier to move, now I don't lose as much of my supply in the event that a container becomes contaminated.

[@ashleymarie7452]

@@bradsimpson8724 Use the largest containers that you can effectively store. Use smaller containers to both store and lug around. I have two 55 gallon barrels in my garage and about 10 four gallon luggable jugs, as well as 10 water bricks. Store as much water in as many different places as you can. Remember, water = LIFE! Also remember that water is HEAVY!

[@Mouserjan0222]

Got a barrel last Sunday from a guy who said it held tomatoes but they were in plastic bags in the barrel for $50. I can get as many more as I want for $40 each that have only held food. How many should I try to get? I'm thinking ultimately I want 4. Also at 7:47 mark the bottle of water treatment stuff, you said it was $25. It's currently on Amazon for $12.99 so there's that.

[@Mouserjan0222]

@@TheProvidentPrepper I'm in the bay area in the city, Santa Clara, only 3 of us.2 adults one teenager. I'm going by past experience of having survived the 1989 7.1 earthquake and everything was fine. Not in fire danger zone, but then again who really knows. I am starting to CAN my own food also. I have over (10) 5 gallon jugs of water, and (10) cases of bottled water from Costco. I want to add 55 gallon barrels of water also. why 4 barrels? I have the space and it seemed like a good amount plus maybe I would have enough to share??