PNGMK wrote:
Damn. I was going to drop one of those toilet cleaning chlorine blocks in it.
If you get the right colour (Blue) Poly barrel that is of food grade, then apparently you don't need to keep it aerated if you are filling it with pre-clorinated tap water although I think I would filter (not charcoal but particulate filter) it when filling it to remove any sediment picked up in the pipes. Anyway, here's the skinny.....
Choose the right containers for storing drinking water
There are many types of containers available for storing water for long term, but not all are intended for storing drinking (potable) water. Rain barrels, for example, are great for collecting and storing water for garden use, but are likely not ‘food grade’. Here are a few suggestions for choosing containers for storing drinking water:
Store water in multiple containers, large and small
Although it’s good to have a large volume of water stored, you should have some set aside in smaller, portable containers light enough to carry during an emergency. Be sure to take into consideration that water weighs 8 lbs per gallon. Two-liter pop bottles are a good option for inexpensive small-volume water storage. Over time these water containers can break down and leak. It is recommended to not store them next to food or other items that can be damaged by water. It is not recommended to use milk jugs for storing water; these jugs can become brittle and break down within a short period of time. Glass containers are not recommended for water storage because they can crack during a freeze or break easily during an emergency.
Choose heavy-duty, ‘food-grade’ polyethylene barrels for bulk water storage
These barrels are often blue in color (blue means water is being stored, red would mean fuel or flammable liquid is being stored, and colors other than blue may not be food grade plastic) and normally hold 40 – 50 gallons. Ideally, an outlet spigot should be mounted on the side of the barrel for decanting or draining.
For storing larger quantities, you can buy industrial-type water tanks that store 250+ gallons. These food-grade plastic bladders are housed in a metal cage and can be stacked two or three high. Remember: 250 gallons of water weighs 2,000 pounds, plus about 150 pounds for the cage. Make sure your flooring can support this weight.
Clean water storage containers before filling
Before storing your water, it’s a good idea to wash and sanitize the container. This can be done by mixing 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach to one quart (1 liter) of water. Do not use bleach that has scents, additives or thickeners. Another option is to use hot tap water and detergent, followed by thorough rinsing. Never use a container that has previously held toxic substances. Once filled, seal containers tightly.
Label containers clearly as “drinking water”