Outside water storage

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Outside water storage

Posted: 1/20/2021 1:24:44 PM EDT

I previously had my water storage (55 gallon barrels) in my garage. New house and not the same storage so I need to find another place.

If I were to store my water outside, what would be some good advice for doing so?

Treatment? Time between replacement?

Thanks!

Posted: 1/20/2021 2:17:42 PM EDT

[#1]

Tarp it to keep light out. It will protect your containers and the water inside.

Posted: 1/20/2021 4:15:29 PM EDT

[#2]

I have three 55 gallon barrels on the side of my home and the water has been there close to 20-years.

I built a little lean-to shed to store them. The water is likely 10-20 years old. It's still water.

My primary use for that water is sanitation but if I was worried I'd just run it through a filter.

I live in a desert location where it rains less than 6 inches in a good year and it never freezes.

Posted: 1/20/2021 4:20:26 PM EDT

[#3]

I have 3 55 gallon plastic buckets behind my shed. They are shaded most of the summer and it doesn't really get cold enough to freeze them here. They are also set up to plug into rain collection off the shed roof.

I filled them with the hose and added some bleach. I plan on repeating the process in the rainy spring. Realistically we get enough rain here that I'll be able to collect based on needs but coming from Texas I know that's not always true.

Posted: 1/21/2021 3:48:52 AM EDT

[#4]

I've stored water outside and changed it every year. I'd also add a teaspoon (5ml) of unscented bleach.
As long as you don't have bacterial growth the water should stay good.

Posted: 1/21/2021 11:26:22 AM EDT

[#5]

I have a couple of Rubbermaid trash cans. These have the advantage of looking '"at home" in the yard and have good, tight fitting lids. Water stays clean and clear. You can add bleach as you wish. Downside is they are not going to be as durable as the blue barrel.

I also use a plastic barrel to catch rainwater.

Posted: 1/29/2021 2:46:48 PM EDT

[#6]

We use ICB totes, painted black, then white over that.

Fed by way of a trash filter from the roof of the shop.

Posted: 1/30/2021 8:44:42 AM EDT

[#7]

Mines a 100 gallon iirc or maybe 80...anywho.
It's under my house...subject to elements etc.
I check it the other day while repairing a bust water heater line,tstat and blown element...in 3s I guess. Lol
Anyway. It's been maybe 3 years or more.down there.
Unscrew the top lid.
Smells like chlorinates and is clear. No growth etc.
Keep it outta the sun and you should be fine.

I need to check my 15 gallon barrels as well.

Posted: 1/30/2021 9:44:59 AM EDT

[#8]

We have 2 Norwesco 500 Gallon tanks hooked up to our Rain Catchment System. They serve mainly as a back up but do double duty watering raised bed gardens.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Outside water storage

Outdoors » Survival Discussions

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us