55 Gallon Complete Water Storage System - 8 Pack

Step 1 — Choose your location before filling

A filled 55-gallon barrel weighs approximately 459 lbs. Decide on its
permanent location before filling — once full it cannot be moved without
a barrel dolly designed for 55-gallon drums.

Best storage conditions:

• Indoors or fully shaded — shade is always better
  than sun. Direct sunlight degrades plastic over time and can promote
  algae growth. If storing outdoors, a heavy tarp or barrel cover over
  the top provides additional UV protection and keeps dust and debris
  off.
• Cool and consistent temperature — below 72°F if possible. Heat accelerates bacterial growth and plastic degradation.
• Away from chemicals, fuel, paint, and pesticides — plastic is permeable and can absorb fumes and odors from nearby containers, rendering water unfit to drink.
• Off bare concrete — do not store directly on concrete, even sealed or epoxy-coated floors. Concrete absorbs and releases chemicals that can leach through the bottom of the barrel into your water. Elevate on two 2×4 boards or a wooden pallet.
• Cover the top — a tarp or fitted barrel cover keeps dust and debris off between uses.

Step 2 — Open the barrel

Use the included bung wrench to remove both the large plug and small
plug on top of the barrel. Having both plugs open allows air to flow freely, making filling and emptying significantly faster and easier. Do not attempt to hand-tighten — always use the bung wrench.

Step 3 — Treat the water

Add the included Water Preserver Concentrate to the empty barrel before filling. Follow the directions on the bottle included with your system — one treatment covers one 55-gallon barrel for up to 5 years.

Step 4 — Fill the barrel

Insert a clean garden hose and fill to 1–3 inches below the top. Do not overfill — leave headspace for expansion. The flow of water filling the barrel will distribute the treatment adequately.

Step 5 — Seal the barrel

Replace and firmly tighten both plugs using the bung wrench. Write the fill date, treatment used, and next rotation date on the outside of the barrel.

Step 6 — Accessing your water

Insert the included siphon pump through the small bung opening. The
pump draws water up and out without tilting or moving the barrel. Keep both plugs open while pumping for better flow. Store the pump in a clean, sanitary location when not in use.

Rotation

Water treated with the included Water Preserver Concentrate should be rotated every 5 years. Untreated tap water should be rotated every 6–12 months. To rotate: drain completely using the siphon pump, sanitize the barrel (see below), then refill and retreat with a fresh bottle of Water Preserver Concentrate.

If Your Water Looks or Smells Off

Before using stored water, inspect for any changes in color, odor, or clarity. If anything looks or smells abnormal, do not consume it. Drain the barrel completely and sanitize before refilling.

To sanitize per CDC guidelines:

1. Wash the interior with dish soap and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household bleach (5–9% sodium hypochlorite) in 1 quart of water.
3. Pour the solution into the barrel, seal, and shake or roll to coat all interior surfaces.
4. Wait at least 30 seconds, then drain completely.
5. Allow to air-dry or rinse with clean water before refilling.
6. Refill and treat with a fresh bottle of Water Preserver Concentrate or Aquamira per the directions above.

Complete System Contents

• 8 × 55-gallon food-grade blue water storage barrel
• 8 × Water Preserver Concentrate
• 1 × Siphon pump
• 1 × Bung wrench

Per Barrel

• Capacity: 55 gallons
• Empty weight: 23 lbs
• Filled weight: approximately 459 lbs
• Height: 34.5"
• Diameter: 23"
• Material: High molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE)
• Compliance: FDA-approved resin · BPA-free
• Color: Blue (UV-resistant)
• Made in the USA

As Shipped — 8-Pack Pallet

• Total ship weight: 240 lbs
• Pallet dimensions: 40" × 48" × 73"
• Ships via LTL freight — see Shipping & Delivery tab

Floor Load

A single filled barrel weighs approximately 459 lbs. Eight filled barrels = approximately 3,672 lbs. Confirm your floor can support the combined weight before filling. For multiple barrels indoors, position near load-bearing walls. Remember to elevate off any concrete surface — see the How to Set Up & Use tab for details.

This system ships via LTL freight on a pallet — not UPS or standard parcel carrier.

Freight Shipping

Freight rate is calculated at checkout based on your delivery ZIP code. A liftgate truck delivers the pallet to your curb or driveway — no loading dock required. The system arrives with the barrel empty at 23 lbs and is easy to carry off the pallet and move to its final storage location before filling.

Southern California Local Delivery

Local delivery is available throughout greater LA and Southern California, typically at a lower cost than national freight rates. Select at checkout or call us at 888.733.7245.

Will-Call / Local Pickup

Available at our Torrance, CA warehouse (635 Hawaii Avenue). Order online and select Store Pickup at checkout, or stop by to purchase.

This item does not qualify for free shipping
promotions.

Does the barrel arrive full or empty?

Empty. The barrel ships dry. Fill on-site using a standard garden hose — a standard hose fits directly into the large bung opening on top.

How long can I store water in this barrel?

Up to 5 years when treated with the included Water Preserver Concentrate and stored properly. Untreated tap water should be rotated every 6–12 months. Write the fill date on the outside of the barrel so you know when to rotate.

Do I need to add anything else to treat the water?

No — the included Water Preserver Concentrate is all you need for up to 5-year storage. Follow the directions on the bottle included with your system.

Why do I need a siphon pump?

A filled 55-gallon barrel weighs approximately 459 lbs and cannot be tipped or lifted to pour. The included siphon pump inserts through the small bung opening on top and draws water out without moving the barrel.

What is a bung wrench and what is it used for?

The barrel has two threaded plugs (bungs) on top — one large for filling, one small for the siphon pump. The included bung wrench tightens and loosens these plugs. Hand-tightening is not sufficient for a proper seal — always use the bung wrench.

Can this barrel be used for food or fuel storage?

No. This barrel is rated for potable drinking water only. Using it for food, fuel, chemicals, or any other substance will permanently contaminate the barrel and make it unsafe for water storage.

Can I store the barrel outside?

Yes, with precautions. Keep in a fully shaded location — direct sunlight degrades plastic over time and can promote algae growth. A heavy tarp or barrel cover is recommended. Elevate off the ground on 2×4 boards or a wooden pallet. Avoid storing near chemicals, fuel, or pesticides.

Need more capacity?

See our 2, 4, and 8-system packs for better per-unit pricing. Already have a pump and wrench? Our barrel-only options and bundles let you expand storage without paying for accessories you don't need.

Do you offer volume or organization pricing?

Yes. Volume pricing is available for qualifying organizations including schools, businesses, and government agencies. Cooperative purchasing, purchase orders, and tax-exempt orders accepted. Call 888.733.7245 or email quotes@moreprepared.com for orders of 10 or more barrels.