Barrels, Tanks & Totes: Building Your Water Fortress

Why Water Storage Actually Matters

Municipal systems fail. Boil orders, contamination, infrastructure failures, natural disasters. When they happen, "just turn on the tap" stops working.

Wells run dry. Droughts affect groundwater. Pumps fail. Power outages kill electric well pumps. Having stored water means backup when your primary source fails.

Rainwater is seasonal. It pours in spring, disappears in summer. Storage bridges the gaps between wet and dry seasons.

Volume creates options. Garden irrigation, livestock watering, laundry, sanitation—all require water that shouldn't come from your drinking supply. Stored non-potable water handles these needs without touching your clean water reserves.

Rain Barrels: The Gateway to Water Storage

The 55-Gallon Rain Barrel

The 55-gallon drum is where most sensible people start. Manageable size, affordable price, simple installation. Hook it to a downspout and start capturing free water immediately.

✅ The Good: Accessible entry point. Affordable ($50-150). Simple setup requires no special skills. Perfect for supplementing garden irrigation. Can daisy-chain multiple barrels.

❌ The Limitations: Limited capacity fills FAST in heavy rain. Needs elevation for decent gravity pressure. Multiple barrels get complicated to link effectively. Not practical for whole-house backup.

⚠️ CRITICAL: MUST be food-grade plastic (HDPE #2, often blue or white/opaque) if you ever intend to treat this water for drinking. Keep lid TIGHT and screened—bugs and sunlight are the enemy.

Recommended: Food-grade 55-gallon rain barrels designed specifically for rainwater collection with screens and spigots included.

IBC Totes: The Serious Upgrade

IBC Totes (275-330 Gallons)

Ready for more volume without building a swimming pool? The IBC Tote (Intermediate Bulk Container) delivers. Those square, caged plastic tanks you see around farms and industrial sites hold 5-6x more than rain barrels at surprisingly reasonable cost—especially used.

✅ The Good: Massive capacity for the footprint. Surprisingly affordable (especially used). Built-in valve/spigot. Metal cage protects plastic. Stackable (carefully!). Standard pallet base for easy moving.

❌ The Limitations: Bulky and heavy even empty. MUST know previous contents—NEVER use if it held toxic chemicals. Translucent plastic requires light-blocking (paint, cover, or enclosure). Needs solid, level base.

⚠️ CRITICAL: FOOD-GRADE ONLY if intended for potable water. Thoroughly clean ANY used tote. Block ALL sunlight—paint the outside black then white, or build an enclosure. Algae grows in days if light penetrates.

Where to Find IBC Totes

• Food processors: Beverage companies, syrup distributors, food manufacturers. Best source for clean food-grade containers.
• Agriculture suppliers: Feed stores, farm supply chains. Often have used food-grade totes.
• Industrial surplus: Be VERY careful to verify previous contents. Chemical totes are dangerous.
• Online: New food-grade IBC totes eliminate contamination concerns but cost more.

Light-Blocking Methods

Method 1: Paint exterior with dark exterior latex paint (black base, then white topcoat to reduce heat absorption).

Method 2: Build a simple wooden enclosure or lean-to around the tote.

Method 3: Use purpose-made IBC covers (available at farm supply stores).

Dedicated Water Storage Tanks

The Big Leagues: 500-10,000+ Gallons

When you're talking thousands of gallons, serious long-term storage, or a complete cistern system, dedicated water tanks are the answer. Multiple materials, shapes, and installation options exist for every situation.

Tank Types Compared

Polyethylene (Plastic) Tanks

Most common for above-ground use. Black or dark green to block sunlight. Lightweight, durable, often NSF-rated for potable water. Available in vertical, horizontal, and low-profile styles.

Fiberglass Tanks

Strong, durable, excellent for underground installation. More expensive than poly but superior for buried cisterns. Won't crack under ground pressure.

Metal Tanks (Galvanized Steel)

Old-school durability. Common for agricultural or fire suppression. May require interior lining for potable water use. Can affect taste if unlined.

Concrete Tanks/Cisterns

Built on-site or buried. Extremely durable, keeps water cool, naturally neutralizes slightly acidic rainwater. Major construction project requiring professional installation. See our Cisterns: Underground Water Bunker guide.

Storage Options Compared

Winter Weather Considerations

Water expands when it freezes. This simple fact destroys barrels, tanks, and plumbing every winter. Plan accordingly.

Above-Ground Storage in Freezing Climates

• Drain seasonal systems: If you can't protect it, empty it before hard freeze.
• Insulate tanks: Tank wraps and blankets reduce heat loss but don't prevent freezing in severe cold.
• Tank heaters: Livestock tank heaters keep water liquid but require power. Budget 100-300 watts per 500 gallons.
• Keep tanks full: Larger water volume takes longer to freeze. A half-full tank freezes faster than full.

Underground Storage

Tanks buried below the frost line (4-6 feet in most northern areas) won't freeze. Concrete cisterns excel here. Fiberglass tanks handle burial well. Poly tanks need proper backfill to prevent deformation.

Pipe Protection

Pipes freeze before tanks. Insulate all exposed plumbing. Use heat tape on vulnerable runs. Install drain valves at low points for winterization.

Storage Best Practices & Maintenance

Having a big tank of water means nothing if it turns into a science experiment. Follow these rules:

Block the Light

Algae needs sunlight to grow. Use opaque tanks (black, dark green) or cover/paint translucent ones. No light = no green slime.

Keep it Sealed

Lids must be tight. Screen all vents and overflows. Mosquitoes turn clean water into disease vectors faster than you can say "West Nile." Keep critters, leaves, and dirt OUT.

Start Clean

Begin with clean containers. Filter water BEFORE it enters storage (first flush diverters, basic screens). Build a complete water purification arsenal for treating water before and after storage.

Long-Term Treatment

For drinking water storage, add 1/8 teaspoon unscented household bleach per gallon. This prevents bacterial growth without affecting taste significantly. Rotate treated drinking water every 6-12 months.

Location Matters

• Place tanks on solid, level bases.
• Direct overflow away from foundations.
• Ensure accessibility for cleaning and maintenance.
• Avoid placement under trees that constantly drop debris.
• Consider shading for above-ground tanks in hot climates.

Annual Maintenance

• Inspect seals, screens, and connections.
• Check for sediment buildup—drain and flush if significant.
• Verify light-blocking remains intact.
• Test stored water quality if intended for drinking.
• Replace worn gaskets and screens.