Question:
I would like to store water in plastic 55 gallon drums for over one year. The drums will be outside. The water will be our local city water supply. Should I treat the water when I store it and again when I use it? I was planning on treatment with iodine. Is this the best way? How will I know my water is safe? The barrels have been used for a food preservative originaly.

Answer: I would suggest keeping an air gap at the top of these barrels to allow for the "ice cube tray effect".

As far as treatment,....... Iodine is a substance that I always assumed to be used almost immediately before consumption. I do not have the figures for the longevity or the testing procedures for Iodine.

I suggest that you use the tap wate