Garbage Cans for Water Storage

The standard 32 gallon garbage can, whether of galvanized steel or plastic, make an ideal emergency container to transport or utilize water. The plastic cans sell for from $15-$30 (U.S.) but the galvanized cans may range from $75-$180.

A common problem in a disaster is how to transport clean potable drinking water from "point A" (the water source) to "point B" (where the people require the water).

When not in use garbage cans can be "stacked" taking up little space. They can be placed empty on the back of a pick-up truck, and upn arrival and the drop of the tailgate, provide drinking water.

The best way to use them is to drill a one half-inch hole near the bgotton and install a simple one half-inch ball discharge valve (about $7-$15 U.S. at Home Depot). I prefer to reinforce the plastic cans with three overlapping double-thickness bands of duct-tape around the middle, but this is probably not necessary.

When installing this valve a washer with a half-inch hole will be required on either side. It helps to use silicone sealant on one side of the washer. Make sure the discharge end does not extend below the bottom of the can. When not in use these can be transported stacked provided a segment of four-inch by four-inch lumber is put at the bottom to prevent the top can from over-riding the inside part of the valve.

Ideally (if water is not a premeum) they should rinsed before use, if not filled and dumped, then with a gallon or so of water sloshed around and removed.

They can also be used for fire-fighting purposes, to refill Indian pumps.

[caregiver222]

When filled with water the cans cannot be lifted. Accept this.

They can, however be slid sideways by means of a rope harness.

If you are using a pick-up to transport filled containers have an unloading area that is level with the tailgate. Then the filled container can be slid off the back of the truck onto the platform.