Storing water in a steel drum is not always recommended, especially if the drum previously contained other substances.
Considerations for Storing Water in Steel Drums
While it might seem straightforward, storing water in a steel drum involves several considerations to ensure safety and water quality.
Prior Use of the Drum
- Contamination Risk: Steel drums are often used to store various industrial substances. According to the provided reference, if a steel drum was previously used for petrol or other chemicals, it's "not a good idea to start using them to store drinking water, even if they've been thoroughly decontaminated."
- Residue Issues: Even after cleaning, residue from previous contents can leach into the water, making it unsafe for consumption.
Type of Steel
- Corrosion: Certain types of steel can corrode over time, especially when in constant contact with water. This corrosion can contaminate the water and compromise the integrity of the drum.
- Lined vs. Unlined: If using a steel drum, an epoxy-lined drum is preferable to an unlined one, as the lining acts as a barrier between the steel and the water, reducing the risk of corrosion and contamination.
Intended Use of the Water
- Drinking Water: Never store drinking water in a used steel drum unless you are certain of its previous contents and cleaning process. The risks of contamination are too high.
- Non-Potable Water: For non-potable water (e.g., for irrigation, washing), the requirements are less stringent, but it's still essential to ensure the drum is clean and free from harmful residues.
Cleaning and Preparation
- Thorough Cleaning: If you choose to use a steel drum for water storage, it must be thoroughly cleaned. However, remember that complete decontamination is difficult, especially with certain chemicals.
- Proper Sealing: The drum must be properly sealed to prevent contamination from external sources, such as rain, dust, and insects.
Recommendation
In summary, while technically possible, storing water in a steel drum is generally discouraged, especially for drinking water, due to potential contamination risks. It's crucial to know the drum's history and to clean it thoroughly, though complete decontamination is not guaranteed. Safer alternatives like food-grade plastic containers are often preferred.
