50 Gallon Water Container: Drum Storage Guide in 2026

For a 50 gallon water container used as a home drinking-water reserve, a food-grade drum near that size is a practical choice. The drum below holds 55 gallons, rather than exactly 50. Place it where it will stay and plan how to draw water before filling it. Its water alone weighs about 459 pounds, calculated from USGS density data.

#1. Augason Farms 55-Gallon Barrel: best for a bulk home reserve

Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Barrel

Our verdict:

Best bulk drinking-water drum

Best for a fixed corner for a home emergency reserve.

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• Food-grade, BPA-free polyethylene drum
• Two plug fittings for filling and draining
• Sized for a garage, basement or shed

Keep in mind: plan a compatible pump and a wrench for the plugs; a full drum is too heavy to carry.

Product details checked September 2026

The listing identifies food-grade polyethylene and two built-in plug fittings. That makes it a better starting point for drinking-water storage than a drum with an unknown history. Check the maker's instructions for filling, drawing water and cleaning before choosing accessories.

Check what the current package includes. Match any pump, siphon or plug wrench to the drum's fittings. Keep these parts with the barrel so you can use the water during an outage. A full drum with no way to draw from it is a poor emergency setup.

Pump, bung wrench and clean dispensing

Use the two plug fittings stated in the listing as your starting point when choosing accessories. Ask the maker which wrench and drawing equipment fit this barrel. Check that the parts which touch the water suit drinking-water use, and store them clean between uses.

Choose a manual drawing method if you want access without power. Set the drum where the pump can reach the opening and a jug can sit beside it. Keep the hose end off the floor. Refit the plug or cover after use, following the maker's instructions for the equipment.

The CDC's storage guidance says to use a clean device when removing water and keep hands out of the water and container. A clean pump route serves the same aim. Avoid repeatedly opening the barrel just to dip in a cup.

Factors to consider when choosing a 50 gallon water container

We followed the CDC's emergency water supply guide and the drum listing's material and fitting details. We did not test these by hand. Details come from each listing, so check the exact barrel and included accessories before buying.

Food-grade is the key material check. BPA-free alone does not establish every part of drinking-water suitability. The CDC also says never to reuse containers that held bleach, pesticides or other toxic chemicals. A used industrial drum can look clean while still having an unsuitable history.

Drums and rain barrels have different jobs. A drinking-water drum holds water you know is safe. A rain barrel takes roof runoff, which the EPA says may contain bacteria and chemicals. Keep those supplies labelled by use, even if their containers look alike.

Fill, treat and rotate the reserve

Wash and sanitize the drum before filling, using the CDC container-cleaning routine and the maker's access instructions. Fill it with water known to be safe. If the source is unsafe, use official water-treatment instructions first rather than guessing a large-batch bleach dose. Our survival purification guide gives the separate treatment steps.

The CDC advises replacing home-filled water every six months. Mark the fill date and next change date where you can see them. Use a rotation method you can manage with the pump, then clean and refill. Add a reminder rather than waiting for the water to taste different.

Keep the barrel cool, away from direct sunlight and toxic chemicals under the same CDC guidance. Choose the storage spot before filling it. Keep a portable jug nearby for water you may need to take out of the house.

Drum or fixed tank

If you want a built-in tap or a permanent fitting layout, compare the 50 gallon water storage tank options. For smaller carry jugs, use the portable water container guide. A drum is best when one bulk store suits the room and a pump suits the way you will use it.

Verdict: 50 gallon water container

A 50 gallon water container search can lead to a suitable 55-gallon drinking-water drum. Check the actual capacity and material, then plan the pump and rotation routine. Build the wider reserve with the rain water barrel guide.

Questions people also ask

Is a 55-gallon drum a 50-gallon container?

It is a nearby size, with a stated capacity of 55 gallons. Check the listed capacity rather than treating the two sizes as identical.

Can I use a secondhand chemical drum?

No. The CDC says not to reuse containers that held toxic chemicals. Choose a container with a known history and a drinking-water use.