55 Gallon Water Storage Barrel

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 a 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 — a bung wrench is required.

Step 3 — Treat the water

We carry two water preserver options — follow the directions for whichever you are using:

7C's Water Preserver Concentrate: Remove the dropper tip and pour the entire bottle into the empty barrel before filling. One bottle treats one 55-gallon barrel and stabilizes water for up to 5 years.

Aquamira Water Treatment: This is a two-part treatment. Combine Part A and Part B in the provided mixing cap and allow to react for 5 minutes before adding to the barrel. Do not add the parts separately or directly — pre-mixing is required. Follow all directions on the Aquamira packaging for the correct ratio and mixing instructions.

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 your 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 Water Preserver Concentrate or Aquamira 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 fresh water preserver.

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 fresh Water Preserver Concentrate or
   Aquamira per the directions above.

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

• Total ship weight: 61 lbs (barrel + pallet)
• Ships via LTL freight — see Shipping & Delivery tab

Floor Load

A filled barrel weighs approximately 459 lbs. Confirm your floor
can support the weight before filling. Position near a load-bearing
wall if placing indoors. Remember to elevate off any concrete surface
— see the How to Set Up & Use tab for details.

This barrel 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 barrel arrives 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 Water Preserver Concentrate or Aquamira 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 treat the water?

Yes — treatment stabilizes your water for long term storage. We carry two options: 7C's Water Preserver Concentrate and Aquamira Two-Part Water Treatment. Both are sold separately. See the How to Set Up & Use tab for treatment instructions.

Why do I need a siphon pump?

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

• 3-Piece Siphon Pump — breaks down into three sections for compact UPS shipping. Ships with any order.
• Single-Piece Siphon Pump —
  full-length pump, ships with pallet orders or available for local will-call pickup only.

Both work identically.

What is a bung wrench and do I need one?

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

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 than one barrel?

See our 2, 4, and 8-barrel bundles for better per-barrel pricing. All bundles ship on a single freight pallet.

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.