55 Gallon Water Storage Barrel Bundle - 4 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 keeps dust and debris off and provides additional UV protection.
- 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 — 4-Pack Pallet
Total ship weight: 140 lbs
Pallet dimensions: 40" × 48" × 40"
Ships via LTL freight — see Shipping & Delivery tab

Floor Load
A single filled barrel weighs approximately 459 lbs.
Four filled barrels = approximately 1,836 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.

These barrels ship 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. Barrels arrive empty
and at 23 lbs each are easy to carry off the pallet and move
to their 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.

Do the barrels arrive full or empty?
Empty. All barrels ship 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 these barrels?
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 these barrels be used for food or fuel storage?
No. These barrels are rated for potable drinking water only.
Using them 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.

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.