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The Water Barrel
The easiest way to store the bulk of your water is in 55 gallon, polyethylene (plastic) water barrels. These can be found on the internet for about $45 or obtained locally from food storage or container companies. Make sure that whatever containers you use, that they are food grade quality. 55 gallon barrels are often available through companies that distribute beverages or syrups (Coke, Pepsi) or Soy Sauce. If you clean them well, they can provide a good container that costs considerably less than a new one. Be aware that the flavor or odor of the syrup can leach into the plastic and by storing your water in these containers, the syrup flavor may be reintroduced to your water. The flavor will diminish each time you refill the barrel. Opaque containers are best. Translucent containers may allow algae growth, but rotating your water every 6-12 months will reduce this risk.
Cleaning |
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Used water barrels often come pre-sanitized. To be on the safe side, you should clean your own.
Using dish soap can be a big mistake. You will be filling and refilling the barrel dozens of times trying to get rid of all the bubbles.
Try this method: Fill the barrel 1/4 full of water. Add a box of baking soda and a 1/2 gallon of vinegar. Close the bung caps. The resulting foaming action will clean the toughest mold or algae growth inside (If there is any). Turn the barrel on its side an let the kids roll it around the backyard for a while. Have a barrel that has been sitting empty for a long time or just needs extra cleaning? Let the Water/Baking Soda /Vinegar solution sit overnight. Rotate it a couple times so all sides get cleaned….including upside down to clean the underside of the lid. Empty the contents and rinse a couple times with water to remove the Water/Baking Soda /Vinegar solution. Fill as outlined below.
Another Method: Fill the barrel 1/4 full of water. Add cup of bleach Close the bung caps. The bleach water solution will kill anything growing inside the barrel (If there is any). Turn the barrel on its side an let the kids roll it around the backyard for a while. Have a barrel that has been sitting empty for a long time or just needs extra cleaning? Let the Water/Bleach solution sit overnight. Rotate it a couple times so all sides get cleaned….including upside down to clean the underside of the lid. Empty the contents and rinse a few times with water to remove the Water/Bleach solution until the inside of the barrel no longer has a strong bleach smell. Fill as outlined below. |
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Filling your barrels
Fill 55-60 gal. barrels with regular tap water. Add 2 Tablespoons (1/8 Cup) of liquid chlorine bleach containing 4 to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite. (Most bleaches contain 5.25 %) Make sure the bleach does not contain any fragrances, perfumes or softeners. 30 gal. barrels need 1 Tablespoon bleach. 15 gal. Barrels, need 1/2 Tablespoon of bleach. Ideally you should store your barrels in a cool shady location. If you store your barrels in the sun, make sure to replace your water every 6-12 months. (I store mine in the sun and have had no problems.) Store your barrels off the ground, like on a stand, a pallet or lay some boards on the ground. This will prevent tastes and toxins from leaking through the plastic of the barrel.
Hoses
Most garden hoses are now made with recycled materials and now carry a tag similar to the following:
WARNING: "This hose is NOT intended for drinking water use. This product contains chemicals, including Lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after use".
In the sun, the chemicals in the hose can leach into the water still left in the hose . Smaller amounts could leach into the running water as it passes through the hose. You may want to consider an alternative hose when filling your water barrels for drinking purposes.
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Unsafe? |
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Safer Options: |
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Garden Hose with Lead and Recycled Materials |
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PVC Recoil Garden Hose Made with New Materials |
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Flat Garden Hose Made with New Materials |
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RV/Marine Drinking Water Safe Hose Made with New Materials |
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Water Barrel Care |
