Quick Answer
Keeping water drums elevated from the ground is crucial to prevent water contamination, sedimentation, and bacterial growth, ensuring a clean and safe drinking supply.
Preventing Contamination and Sedimentation
When water drums are on the ground, contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and parasites can easily enter the water through soil and surface contact. By elevating the drums, you create a physical barrier between the water and potential contaminants, safeguarding the quality of your stored water. A minimum elevation of 12 inches above the surrounding ground is recommended to achieve this safety level.
Siphoning and Piping Considerations
To ensure efficient siphoning and piping, elevated water drums require a slight slope to facilitate gravity-fed flow. A 1/4 inch per foot slope is a suitable compromise between flow rate and water level management. This slope enables you to easily connect pipes and hoses to the drum without creating airlocks or restricting water flow.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent water quality degradation when using elevated water drums. Periodically inspect the drum’s seal, gasket, and lid for signs of wear or damage, and replace them as needed. Additionally, ensure the surrounding area remains clear of debris and contaminants to prevent accidental contamination of the stored water.
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