Quick Answers
– Properly stored, 55 gallon drums of water can be safely stored for 1-2 years before needing to be rotated or treated.
– Adding preservatives like bleach can extend the safe storage life up to 5 years.
– Proper storage conditions are critical – drums should be stored in a cool, dark place and kept sealed when not in use.
– Over time, stored water may develop an unpleasant taste and odor, but still be safe to consume. Additional filtration or treatment may be needed before use after prolonged storage.
Having an emergency supply of clean drinking water is an important part of any disaster preparedness plan. Storing water in 55 gallon plastic or metal drums is a common way to stockpile water reserves for emergency situations. However, water storage does come with some important considerations. One key question many preppers have is: how long can you safely store water in 55 gallon drums before it goes bad?
The answer depends on several factors, including the container type, water treatment methods, and storage conditions. With proper precautions, 55 gallon drums of water can remain fresh and potable for 1-5 years or longer. However, there are also risks of contamination and water quality deterioration if water is not replaced or treated periodically.
How Long Does Store-Bought Bottled Water Last?
Before looking at stored drum water specifically, it helps to know how long commercially bottled water lasts. The FDA regulations require that commercially bottled water have a shelf life of no more than 2 years.1 However, the International Bottled Water Association states that bottled water can safely be consumed even after the printed expiration date, as long as it was properly stored.2
So while 2 years is the official shelf life, commercially bottled water may last considerably longer if the bottles remain well-sealed and protected from sunlight and temperature extremes. The same general principles apply to properly stored drum water.
Typical Shelf Life for Stored 55 Gallon Drums of Water
For water stored in clean, food-grade 55 gallon plastic or stainless steel drums that have been properly prepared, treated, and stored, here are some general guidelines for maximum shelf life:
- Untreated drum water: 1-2 years
- Treated drum water (with bleach added): 3-5 years
These timelines assume the drums are stored in temperature-controlled conditions, kept sealed when not being accessed, and carefully handled to avoid cross-contamination.
1-2 Years for Untreated Drum Water
For water stored in drums without any additional chemical treatment, most water storage experts recommend rotating and replacing the water at least every 1-2 years.3 This is to guard against microbial growth and prevent water quality from deteriorating.
Even if stored under ideal conditions, untreated water may start to develop algae, bacteria, and other biological contaminants over time. The taste, smell, and appearance of the water could also change the longer it sits.
While unpleasant, these aesthetic changes do not necessarily make the water unsafe. As long as the drums have remained sealed andprotected, water can often be safely consumed for 2+ years when properly filtered, boiled, or treated before use. However, most preppers recommend rotating stockpiles at the 1-2 year mark.
3-5 Years with Added Preservatives
The shelf life of stored water can be extended by 3-5 years with the addition of water preservatives such as bleach. Here are some commonly recommended dosing guidelines:
Water Volume | Bleach Added |
55 gallons | 1/4 teaspoon bleach (sodium hypochlorite) |
250 gallons | 2 drops bleach per quart |
The bleach helps prevent biological growth for a prolonged shelf life. Other preservatives like colloidal silver can also be used. Rotate stockpiles and replace additives every 3-5 years for best results.
Proper Storage Conditions Are Critical
To get the maximum shelf life out of stored water, proper storage conditions are critical. Here are some best practices to follow:
Keep Drums in a Cool, Dry Storage Area
Store drums in a basement, cellar, or climate-controlled room, ideally between 55-70°F. Avoid excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight which can encourage contamination. Keep drums away from chemical fumes or other pollution sources.
Ensure Proper Sealing When Not in Use
Drums should have tight-fitting lids and be kept sealed when not being accessed. Make sure gaskets/O-rings are in good shape. Seal with plastic wrap under lid for extra protection. Prevent leaks and contamination.
Carefully Fill Drums and Avoid Cross-Contamination
Sanitize drums thoroughly before use and fill only with clean, potable water. Use proper hoses and clean transfer equipment. Don’t introduce contaminants. Avoid adding new water to partially used drums.
Replace Spigots/Faucets Periodically
Plastic drum spigots can crack over time. Inspect and replace spigots if any leaks develop. A slow leak could allow bacterial growth. Stainless quick-connect valves are a more durable option.
Label Drums with Fill Dates
Mark drums with fill date and any treatment used. Track shelf life and rotate stock using the “first-in, first-out” system. Use the oldest water first to prevent waste.
Monitor Water Quality Over Time
It’s important to periodically inspect stored water supplies:
Check for Leaks, Sediment and Strange Smells/Colors
Signs of contamination or aging water include foul odors, oily sheens, or discoloration. Sedimentbuildup may also occur over time. Discard any water showing signs of problems.
Test Annually for Chlorine Levels if Treated
Use chlorine test strips to ensure your water still contains adequate levels of free chlorine. Re-treatwater if residual chlorine levels are too low.
Consider Occasional Lab Testing
For added assurance, you can have stored water professionally tested annually for bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, and other contaminants. This provides peace of mind.
When in Doubt, Retreat or Replace
If you have any concerns about the safety or quality of water stored long-term, go ahead and retreat or replace the water to be safe. While fouling may not necessarily make stored water unsafe, the best practice is to discard severely contaminated drums.
Preparing Stored Water for Use
Before using water that has been stored long-term:
- Inspect water again and look for signs of contamination
- Filter water through a high-quality gravity filter or other purifier
- Consider boiling water for 1-3 minutes as an extra safety precaution
- Treat filtered water with chlorine if a strange odor or taste persists
Additional filtration and treatment steps will provide extra assurance your stored water is potable and safe to drink, especially if storage conditions were less than ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does water go bad in storage barrels?
Water that is properly stored in sealed barrels or drums does not truly “go bad,” but it can deteriorate in quality and taste over time. Untreated water may develop algae, bacteria, and other contamination when stored for prolonged periods. However,stored water is considered safe for consumption if you filter or disinfect it before use.
How long can you store chlorinated water?
With chlorine treatment, water can be safely stored for 3-5 years before needing to be rotated or retreated. Maintain chlorine residuals of 0.2-2 ppm. Check annually that free chlorine levels are still adequate in stored treated water. Re-treat if levels get too low.
Does bottled water expire or go bad after the expiration date?
Bottled water does not necessarily “expire” on the date stamped on the label. High-quality bottled water products will generally stay fresh and usable for 2+ years from bottling if properly stored. The key is keeping water sealed and protected from light, heat, and contaminants. Taste and smell may change over time but bottled water is still considered potable and safe to drink, even if used past the suggested shelf life date.
How long can rainwater stored in drums be used for drinking?
Properly collected and stored, most sources recommend using rain barrel water within 1-3 months. Without added chlorine or other preservatives, stored rainwater quality will drop over time due to microbial growth, contamination from animals, dust, etc. Boiling and heavy filtration is recommended before drinking if using older stored rainwater.
Can you store drinking water long term in 55 gallon plastic drums?
Yes, food-grade plastic drums are a common storage method for emergency water reserves. Ensure drums are NSF and FDA approved. Look for the triangle recycling codes #1, #2 and #4. Properly prepare and sanitize drums, treat water, and control storage conditions for up to a 5 year shelf life. Rotate stock at 1-2 years for untreated water.
Conclusion
Having 55 gallon drums with fresh drinking water is an important preparedness asset. Take steps to properly store, treat, and rotate your supply. With ideal storage conditions and careful maintenance, you can safely store rainwater or tap water reserves for 1-5 years or longer in 55 gallon drums. Always inspect and filter water after long periods of storage before consumption. Proper emergency preparedness takes planning, but gives peace of mind knowing you have access to life’s most vital resource.