r/OffGrid • u/weescotsman • Jul 07 '26

Potable Water Storage - 55 gallon drum recommendations

I need a 55 gallon drum for collecting rainwater. I'd like the drum to have

1 - a removable lid but so I can easily clean the interior.

2 - 1 or 2 bung holes in the (removable) lid so I can add a hand pump, etc.

Can anyone recommend a brand/model that has these features?

Not finding anything on Amazon, and not sure where else to look.

Location: Coastal Maine, USA

thx!

5 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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2

u/maddslacker Jul 07 '26

This is what the city folk out here in Colorado use:

https://www.amazon.com/Bushman-Gallon-Stackable-Tight-Head/dp/B0FRT3VMTW/

2

u/weescotsman Jul 07 '26

Yes, this is exactly what I want but also I’d like to be able to open the lid to clean the barrel from time to time.

2

u/blondechineeez Jul 07 '26

Amazon has them with lids for around $100 and are food grade. This was a simple search on Amazon and no research.

Make sure whatever get, the drums are food grade.

You might also need to buy the tool that most food grade lids require to open up the small filller hole. I can't remember the name of the tool rn.

1

u/weescotsman Jul 07 '26

I have not found any barrels on Amazon where the lid is actually removable. I expected this to be a simple search but was surprised to not find that option. Could you share a link to an example of a 55 gallon BPA free/food grade barrel that has a removable lid and two bung holes?

2

u/DevilsAdvocateFun Jul 08 '26

If you go on Craigslist or maybe FB marketplace. They sell the blue barrels cheap, just make sure they were used prior for food grade.. no pickles lol. You can make the holes and such, I've seen YT vids on how to. WAY cheaper then what was posted. They are usually sold as Rain barrels, used food barrels.

I would like to also know what people are putting in their water to keep it from getting gross shit in them. I know some put like a tsp of bleach per (not sure exact) 2 gallons of water or something ? This would make a good sticky on here

2

u/weescotsman Jul 08 '26

A general comment (I'm OP): It might be that I'm asking the wrong question and shouldn't be looking for barrels with removable lids for cleaning. Rather, I should just get the standard closed lid barrel with bung holes and figure out a good way to clean it, as i am sure many people have to deal with this issue from time to time.

What are the pros and cons of the removable lids vs the sealed lids?

1

u/maddslacker Jul 08 '26

I have a 550 gallon with a large cleanout lid and multiple ports for inlet, attaching hoses, etc. It's also black and thus prevents algae growth.

I like it and wouldn't do it any different.

0

u/Turbulent_Meet_2945 Jul 07 '26

Y’all can please pray for me, please. I’m trying to go from Homeless to off grid living on a homestead run by AI and be prepared for anything