210 Litre Water Drum for Emergency Home Storage: What You Need to Know
A 210 litre (55 gallon) water drum is one of the most practical bulk water storage options for a home, cottage, or small business in the GTA. It holds enough water for a family of four for over three weeks at the Government of Canada’s recommended four litres per person per day, it does not take up the footprint of a 1,000 litre tote, and it can be moved with basic equipment.
Here is what you need to know before buying one.
What the drum is made of
Our drums are blow molded from food-grade high molecular weight high-density polyethylene (HMW-HDPE) in a single piece. HDPE is the same material used in food packaging, water jugs, and beverage equipment. It will not rust, dent, or peel, and it is significantly lighter than a steel drum of equivalent capacity, which makes moving and positioning it much more manageable.
The drums are fully compliant with FDA and USDA food-contact regulations, as well as UN/DOT standards for liquid products.
Capacity and what it covers
One drum holds 210 litres. Here is what that covers at the Government of Canada’s recommended minimum of four litres per person per day:
| Household size | Days covered (one drum) | Days covered (two drums) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 26 days | 52 days |
| 4 people | 13 days | 26 days |
| 6 people | 8.75 days | 17.5 days |
Two drums is a reasonable starting point for a family of four who wants a meaningful emergency supply without the complexity of a full tote.
Bung configuration and dispensing
The drum has a standard bung configuration: one 2″ NPT bung and one 2″ buttress or 3/4″ vent opening. This is compatible with the widest range of standard drum hand pumps, rotary pumps, and siphon pumps. The drum also features molded-in sump wells at the base designed for pumping equipment.
A full 210 litre drum weighs approximately 220 kg. Plan to dispense water with a pump rather than tilting or lifting the drum. Standard drum pumps that fit the 2″ NPT bung are available at hardware and industrial supply stores.
Dimensions
- Overall height: 88.4 cm (34.8 in)
- Nominal diameter: 59.2 cm (23.3 in)
- Minimum wall thickness: 2.3 mm (0.090 in)
- Weight empty: approximately 9.5 kg (21 lbs)
What water to store in it
You can fill the drum with spring water, distilled water, demineralized water, or deionized water. For long-term home emergency storage, distilled water is a good choice because it has no dissolved minerals or contaminants that can contribute to off-flavours over time. Tap water treated with chlorine will typically last about six months before the chlorine dissipates; distilled water in a sealed drum stores cleanly for much longer.
We sell drum fill-up services for all water types. Add a fill to your order at checkout.
Storage tips
Keep the drum out of direct sunlight. UV exposure degrades the plastic over time and can warm the water, which encourages bacterial growth. A basement, garage, or shaded area is ideal. The drum should also be kept away from heat sources and stored on a flat, stable surface. Do not stack filled drums.
Delivery to Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville and the GTA
We deliver drums throughout the GTA. Standard delivery is curbside for heavy items like drums. If you need delivery inside a garage or to a specific location on your property, let us know when booking and we will confirm what is possible for your address.
You can also pick up at our warehouse at 950 Verbena Road, Mississauga.
Price
Each drum is $120.00 plus applicable taxes. Delivery is quoted at checkout based on your address.
Download the 210 Litre Drum Spec Sheet (PDF)
Order online at puretap.ca and Puretap has been supplying water and storage solutions in Mississauga since 1986.
Related: How much water should your family have ready? What the Government recommends | Best containers for emergency water storage: what actually works
