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1. What Kind of Barrel to Use
Not every plastic barrel is safe for water! The best option is a Food Grade HDPE barrel, which is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) — the same plastic used in water tanks and food containers.
Look for:
- Marking “HDPE 2” or “Food Grade” on the barrel
- No previous chemical use (especially if it’s a recycled barrel)
- Tight-sealing lid or screw caps to keep dust and insects out
- Opaque color (blue is best — prevents algae growth)
Avoid:
- Barrels that stored oils, fuels, detergents, or acids
- Clear barrels exposed to sunlight (they promote algae growth)
2. Common Sizes and Capacities
| Barrel Size | Capacity | Typical Use |
| 30–60 liters | Small household storage, camping | Easy to carry |
| 100–150 liters | Rainwater or garden use | Moderate capacity |
| 200–220 liters | Standard water storage barrel | Home or farm use |
| 1000 liters (IBC tank) | Bulk storage | Commercial or agricultural use |
The 220-liter blue HDPE barrel is the most popular worldwide for clean water storage.
3. Setup and Preparation
Step 1: Clean the Barrel
- Wash with a mixture of water + mild dish soap.
- Rinse several times until the water runs clear.
- Sanitize using a 1:100 bleach solution (1 cup bleach per 25 liters of water).
- Rinse again with clean water.
Step 2: Add Fittings (Optional)
- Install a tap/spigot near the bottom for easy water access.
- You can also add a rainwater filter, overflow pipe, or a vent hole on top.
Step 3: Elevate the Barrel
- Place it on bricks, a wooden stand, or cinder blocks.
- This helps with gravity flow when using a tap and keeps the base dry.
4. Water Sources
You can fill your plastic barrel with:
- Tap water (for emergency storage)
- Filtered rainwater from a roof gutter
- Well or bore water (after treatment)
If storing drinking water, always filter and disinfect it before use.
5. Storage & Maintenance Tips
- Keep the barrel in a shaded area — sunlight promotes algae growth.
- Close the lid tightly after each use.
- Clean and sanitize the barrel every 3–6 months.
- Use opaque (blue or black) barrels for long-term storage.
- Avoid keeping water in clear barrels under the sun.
6. Advantages of Using Plastic Barrels for Water
| Benefit | Description |
| 💧 Non-corrosive | Won’t rust like metal barrels |
| 🌤️ Weather-resistant | Handles sun, rain, and temperature changes |
| 🔒 Tight-sealing | Protects water from insects and dust |
| 🪶 Lightweight | Easy to move and install |
| ♻️ Eco-friendly | Reusable and recyclable |
| 💰 Affordable | Much cheaper than metal or fiberglass tanks |
7. Safety Notes
- Only use food-grade plastic for drinking water.
- Never reuse barrels that held chemicals, oils, or fuel.
- Label your barrels clearly (“Drinking Water,” “Rainwater,” etc.)
- For long-term drinking water storage, rotate (replace) the water every 6 months.
Summary
| Use | Best Barrel Type | Ideal Color | Size |
| Drinking water | Food-grade HDPE | Blue | 200–220 L |
| Rainwater collection | HDPE or PP | Blue / Black | 100–220 L |
| Agricultural use | Industrial HDPE | Any | 220–1000 L |
| Emergency storage | Food-grade HDPE | Blue | 60–100 L |