55 gallon water barrels

[ducktapehero]

I see new ones and I see ones that have had juice or something in them for a lot less money. Should I get the new ones or used ones? Are the used ones rinsed good or is it just a possible source of trouble?

[indy_muaddib]

as long as they werent uses to store chemicals they will be fine.

worst you can end up with is fruity tasting water.

if your conserned about it treat it the same as pool water discussed earlier in a previous thread.

http://www.sksboards.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1417

[withergyld]

I have used ones.  They were used for soda syrup.  I rinsed real good and chlorinated them.  It might make the water taste a bit funny but it should not hurt you.

[ducktapehero]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Swamp Fox]

If you check out some homebrew shops they have cleaners/sanitizers that will make the vessels exceedingly safe *WITHOUT* contributing to the taste of the water.

[S.A. SKS fan]

where are you guys seeing these?  What are prices, new & used?  TIA!

[ducktapehero]

If you check out some homebrew shops they have cleaners/sanitizers that will make the vessels exceedingly safe *WITHOUT* contributing to the taste of the water.

Thanks. There's a home brew shop about 5 minutes from here.

[withergyld]

There is a place here in Phoenix that sells them, but from what I understand the shipping is killer because they are so large.  The run $12 for a 55 gal + shipping.  I would look to see if you have a soda bottling plant locally and call them to see what they do with their used barrels.

http://www.barrelsforwater.com/

[indy_muaddib]

i get mine at the army navy surplus store.

$8 each for plastic, $15 each for steel.

[S.A. SKS fan]

Thanks guys for replies.  Sounds like I'll be trippin' to the A/N surplus store nearest me.  I like the idea of plastic unless they're flimsy.

[ducktapehero]

Calcium chloride barrels. I found some cheap ones. I picked one up. Would these be any good for water storage after a good cleaning?

[ducktapehero]

Well I found out they should be safe to store water in so now I've got 55 gallons of water ready. Going by the 1 gallon per person per day I've got about 2 weeks worth for me, my wife, her Mom who stays with us about half the time and the baby. I wanna get 1 more barrel because my goal is to have enough food and water for a month.

I figure that will be plenty time for people to get together and start working on solutions. I live in a small town with a lot of farmers and other resourceful people so my area should be able to scrape by in an extended emergency.

[ducktapehero]

OK I found out that calcium chloride may be dangerous if swallowed. http://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/~hmc/hsci/chemicals/calcium_chloride.html
Any suggestions on how to clean the barrel where it would be safe?

[bruss01]

I got 2 55 gallon drums supposed to be used, but safe for water storage when cleaned.  Previously used for food-grade storage (probably soda syrup).

I figure 2 gallons per day per person for drinking, cooking and sanitation.  1 gallon per day for the animals (2 dogs and 2 cats).  By including the 40 gallons in the water heater, that buys us about 30 days of "wait & see" time to ride things out.  Not perfect but probably better than most sheeple except maybe those with swimming pools.  Now there's a dual use facility!