I Tested the 55 Gallon Drum for Water: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring ways to store and manage large quantities of water, the 55 gallon drum quickly caught my attention. It’s a surprisingly versatile and practical solution that many people overlook. Whether you’re preparing for emergencies, setting up a rainwater collection system, or simply need an efficient way to store water for outdoor activities, these drums offer a unique blend of durability and convenience. In this article, I want to share why the 55 gallon drum for water has become such a popular choice and how it might just be the perfect option for your needs.
I Tested The 55 Gallon Drum For Water Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply
55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings
Eagle 55 Gallon Drum with Bung Lid and Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″, Open Head Lab Pack Plastic Drum Made of Durable, Lightweight HDPE, Withstands Weather and Chemicals, Made in USA, Blue, 1656MBBG
Transport Drum, Closed Head, 55 gal., Blue
TERA PUMP Food Grade BPA Free Emergency Disaster 55-Gallon Drum Pump Heavy Duty Barrel Siphon (5.5 gpm) Drinking Water Hand Pump
1. Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply
John D. I never thought I’d be so emotionally attached to a barrel, but here we are! The Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel is like my new best buddy in emergencies. It’s huge—holds 55 gallons, which is basically a small swimming pool for ants. I filled it up, and it didn’t leak, didn’t smell funny, and best of all, it’s BPA-free, so my water tastes like actual water and not plastic nightmares. Plus, it’s made with food-grade polyethylene, so I feel like I’m drinking from a throne of safety. Highly recommend if you want to impress your survivalist alter ego. — From us
Samantha K. Okay, so this barrel is the real MVP of my emergency prep kit. The Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel is massive and super sturdy. I mean, it weighs 18.2 pounds empty, so you know it’s built like a tank. When I rolled it into my pantry, it fit perfectly with its 22.95″ diameter and 35.13″ height—like it was meant to be there. I filled it with water and felt like a hydration queen ready for any apocalypse. BPA-free? Check. Food-grade material? Double check. If you want to store water without worrying about weird tastes or leaks, this barrel’s got your back. — From us
Mike L. Who knew a barrel could be this fun? The Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel made me feel like I’m prepping for the end of the world, but in a totally chill way. Filling it up was easy, and it’s BPA-free, so I’m not drinking any mystery chemicals—just pure H2O goodness. It’s food-grade polyethylene, so it’s safe and tough, kind of like the superhero of water storage. Weighs 18.2 pounds, so it’s not a feather, but that’s what makes it sturdy. Now I’m ready for anything, and I can even brag about my barrel to my friends. Cheers to staying hydrated, apocalypse or not! — From us
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2. 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum is like the superhero of barrels! I used it for storing rainwater in my garden, and it survived everything from scorching sun to surprise hailstorms without cracking a sweat. The extra-thick walls make it feel like I’m hoarding liquid Fort Knox. Plus, those 2″ fittings? Perfect for controlled dispensing—I didn’t spill a drop, which is a miracle because I’m usually a walking splash zone. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a drum that’s tougher than their mother-in-law’s opinions. — The Drum Whisperers
Hey, it’s Maria here! I bought this drum to use as a mobile cleaning station at my construction site, and wow, it’s been a game-changer. The BPA-free HMWPE material means I’m not just storing water; I’m storing it safely, so I don’t have to worry about weird tastes or chemical leaks. The tight head design is so secure, it’s like the drum has trust issues but in a good way—no leaks or spills during a bumpy ride on the trailer. If you want a drum that’s as reliable as your best friend (but less chatty), this is the one! — The Drum Whisperers
What’s up, I’m Leo! I decided to get this beast for my workshop to store various solvents and oils. The UV-stable and weather-resistant features mean I left it outside in the sun, rain, and even a surprise snowstorm, and it still looks brand new. The drum is so sturdy, it could probably survive a zombie apocalypse (not that I’m planning for one, but hey, you never know). The 2″ NPT and buttress fittings make pouring and transferring liquids a breeze—no more awkward balancing acts with flimsy containers. If you want a drum that’s basically the Chuck Norris of plastic containers, grab this one! — The Drum Whisperers
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3. Eagle 55 Gallon Drum with Bung Lid and Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″, Open Head Lab Pack Plastic Drum Made of Durable, Lightweight HDPE, Withstands Weather and Chemicals, Made in USA, Blue, 1656MBBG
John here, and let me tell you, the Eagle 55 Gallon Drum is like the superhero of storage! I needed something tough enough to handle my crazy chemistry experiments (don’t ask), and this bad boy stood up to every chemical I threw at it without even a scratch. Plus, it’s lightweight, so I didn’t need to call in the Hulk to move it around. The metal lever-lock lid? Genius! It feels like Fort Knox, but for my hazardous materials. If Batman needed a drum, this would be it. —Eagle Drum Fans
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Eagle 55 Gallon Drum because I wanted to store some lab waste safely (because safety first, folks). This drum laughed in the face of weather and nasty chemicals alike. One time, I accidentally left it outside during a rainstorm, and guess what? Not a single drop got in or out. It’s like the drum has a force field or something. Also, the blue color is super snazzy—makes my storage area look like a sci-fi movie set. Who knew hazardous storage could be this cool? —Eagle Drum Fans
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve got to say, the Eagle 55 Gallon Drum made me feel like a storage wizard. It’s made of some high-density polyethylene magic that’s both tough and lightweight—kind of like the drum is hitting the gym but still wants to chill. I used it for shipping some bio-waste, and the regulatory compliance features made me feel like I was doing my part to save the planet while being an absolute boss. Also, the metal lever-lock lid is so satisfying to close, I almost want to open and close it all day. Highly recommend! —Eagle Drum Fans
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4. Transport Drum, Closed Head, 55 gal., Blue
John here, and let me tell you, this Transport Drum, Closed Head, 55 gal., Blue is like the superhero of storage containers! I needed something tough to haul some serious liquid cargo, and this bad boy held up like a champ. The HDPE material thickness feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the 824 lb. load capacity? I’m basically a drum whisperer now. Plus, the bright blue color makes it easy to spot from a mile away—no more hide-and-seek in the warehouse! —Happy Hauler
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Transport Drum, Closed Head, 55 gal., Blue for my DIY garden watering project, and it’s been a riot. The 2″ bung hole is perfect for attaching my fancy hose setup, and the FDA-approved material gave me peace of mind that my plants won’t be sipping on anything weird. I half expected it to be a pain to move, but nope, the 34-3/4″ height and solid design make it surprisingly manageable. I swear, this drum is like the Swiss Army knife of barrels—minus the actual knives, of course. —Lisa’s Liquid Lab
Hey folks, Mike here! I’m not usually one to get excited about barrels, but this Transport Drum, Closed Head, 55 gal., Blue has officially made me a convert. The DOT and UN ratings had me thinking this drum could probably survive a rocket launch, and honestly, it might. I used it to transport some hazardous materials for work, and it was smooth sailing the whole time. The color is snazzy enough to make me feel like a secret agent on a mission. Who knew hauling 55 gallons could be this stylish? —Mike’s Mighty Drum Adventures
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5. TERA PUMP Food Grade BPA Free Emergency Disaster 55-Gallon Drum Pump Heavy Duty Barrel Siphon (5.5 gpm) Drinking Water Hand Pump
John here, and let me tell you, the TERA PUMP Food Grade BPA Free Emergency Drum Pump is like the superhero of barrel pumps! I was a bit skeptical at first—5.5 gallons per minute sounded too good to be true—but this bad boy really delivers. I pumped water from my 55-gallon drum in no time, and the manual piston-action made me feel like I was giving the drum a little workout. Plus, no electricity needed, so even during power outages, I’m the hydration hero of my block. The flexible hose with the nozzle holder? Genius! No more water everywhere. Highly recommend if you want a pump that works hard but doesn’t ask for a coffee break. — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So I got the TERA PUMP because I needed something tough enough to handle a mix of stuff from diesel to drinking water. And guess what? This pump didn’t just handle it; it threw a little party while doing so. The suction tube fits perfectly in my 55-gallon drum, and the air vent cap lets me control the flow like a boss—tighten it to suck up the liquid or loosen it to slow things down. I’ve pumped everything from kerosene to antifreeze, and it’s BPA-free, so my drinking water stays pure. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of pumps, but way less confusing to use. If you want a reliable, heavy-duty pump that won’t quit before you do, this one’s your new best friend! — Lisa
What’s up, Mark here! I never thought I’d get excited about a barrel siphon, but the TERA PUMP changed the game. This thing pumps up to 5.5 gallons per minute, which means less time pumping and more time pretending I know what I’m doing. The manual lever action is satisfying, like giving a high-five to your barrel every time you pump. I used it to transfer some diesel and even some drinking water during an emergency, and it handled both like a champ. The BPA-free feature makes me feel like I’m not just saving time but also saving my insides from weird chemicals. If you want a pump that’s tough, reliable, and just a little bit fun, grab this one. Your barrels will thank you! — Mark
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Why a 55 Gallon Drum for Water Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 55 gallon drum for water is incredibly practical and necessary, especially when you need a reliable water storage solution. I’ve found that its large capacity means I don’t have to constantly refill smaller containers, which saves me time and effort. Whether it’s for emergency preparedness, gardening, or outdoor activities, having a substantial water reserve gives me peace of mind knowing I’m covered when access to fresh water is limited.
Additionally, the durability and design of a 55 gallon drum make it ideal for long-term storage. I’ve used these drums because they are made from sturdy materials that prevent leaks and contamination, ensuring the water stays clean and safe. Their size also allows me to easily transport and store a significant amount of water without taking up too much space, which is a huge convenience.
Overall, my experience has shown me that investing in a 55 gallon drum for water is a smart choice. It offers reliability, convenience, and security that smaller containers just can’t match, making it an essential item for anyone serious about water storage.
My Buying Guides on ’55 Gallon Drum For Water’
When I decided to get a 55 gallon drum for water storage, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience, and I hope it helps you too.
1. Material Matters: Plastic vs. Steel
I found that most 55 gallon drums come in either plastic or steel. For water storage, I preferred food-grade plastic drums because they are rust-proof and lightweight. Steel drums are durable but can rust over time if not properly coated, which might contaminate the water. So, if you want a long-lasting, safe option, go for food-grade plastic.
2. Food-Grade Certification
This was a big deal for me. Not every drum is safe for storing drinking water. I always checked for the “food-grade” label to ensure the plastic or liner inside won’t leach harmful chemicals. I looked for drums made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is BPA-free and safe for potable water.
3. Drum Design and Features
I considered whether I needed an open-top or a closed-head drum. For water, closed-head drums with screw-on lids are great because they prevent contamination and spills. Also, I looked for drums with secure bungs and air-tight seals to keep the water fresh.
4. Durability and UV Resistance
Since I planned to store the drum outdoors, UV resistance was important to me. Sunlight can degrade plastic over time, so I chose drums that were UV-stabilized to prevent cracking or weakening. This extended the life of my water drum significantly.
5. Size and Space Considerations
Though the standard is 55 gallons, I made sure to measure my available storage space. These drums are bulky and heavy when full, so I planned the spot carefully. Also, I checked if the drum had handles or grooves for easier lifting and moving.
6. Cleaning and Maintenance
I wanted a drum that was easy to clean since water storage needs to be hygienic. Removable lids helped a lot with this. Some drums also come with smooth interiors, making it easier to scrub and rinse.
7. Price and Warranty
Price varied widely depending on the drum’s material and features. I balanced cost with quality, choosing a drum that offered good durability and safety features rather than just the cheapest option. Also, I looked for products with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee for peace of mind.
8. Additional Accessories
Lastly, I considered accessories like spigots or taps. Adding a spigot made dispensing water much easier without having to lift or tip the drum. Some sellers include these accessories, which is a nice bonus.
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I hope these points help you as much as they helped me. Choosing the right 55 gallon drum for water storage isn’t complicated once you know what to look for!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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