Water Storage

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:21 am

I'm a desert rat. I need my water. I'm a first timer, planning on becomming a lifer. The ONE thing I'm investing in this year's trip, would be a good water container that can get beat up via the playa and the trip to and from... I've been looking this morning.. Ran across this:

http://www.cherubimfood.com/en/55-gallo ... -sale.html

Do they come cheaper, larger, safer to store or like... better I guess??

Should I look into used ones on Ebay?

Opinions, and advice are all welcome.

Thank you.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:28 am

I've gotten some great water barrels, from my florist friend.
They are HDPE, food grade. 30 gallons, so, a little easier to handle. Two threaded plugs in the top.
The stuff they use to keep flowers fresh comes in them. It has to be food grade, edible (at least here in CA), so, comes in food grade barrels.
She was throwing them away in the past......now, her delivery person just drops them off here when they get empty.

of course, I clean them thoroughly, and, have never had a taste issue.

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:20 am

Just remember, a 55 gallon drum is going to weigh ALOT when it's full of water. (440 lbs) I hope you're bringing a forklift, hehe. Having one giant container could be bad too, if it gets knocked over or full of playa dust you're screwed.

I used a 6 gal "water suitcase" I got from REI a long time ago. It worked well for me, although it was a little unwieldly. Maybe 3 gallon containers would be easier to handle.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:32 am

Geez, no kidding, how would you transport that? Move it around your campsite? What all do you intend to do with so much water?

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:52 am

Share of course!!!

Ok.. great point guys. And this is why I posted.. I've only had one cup of coffee yet so far this morning. Gears are still being lubed up in my brian.

Carrying it WOULD be a problem
We're taking a moving truck this year, I was thinking lugging empty barrells to Reno, filling there, and myself and campmate and maybe a helpful burner would help unload and move it inside my kitchen, and keep it still for the remainder of the trip.

Maybe a 30 gal would be a better choice though.
But like I said, it would be a permanent, solid investment. But a little smaller IS better on this route.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:54 am

why move it?
why not pump/siphon into a smaller container for daily use?
Just a thought..........

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:20 am

Well that is what I was thinking... get 2-3 larger size barrells. Take it to reno empty in the moving truck, fill em up, bring smaller containers for throughout the day or whatever I need it for, and bring a pump.

But as mentioned, once I get it to camp, I dont' want to move it...

is 55 still too overkill? Should I just use 3 smaller like, 33 gallon barrells and save my back for dancing?

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:32 am

Victorian wrote:Well that is what I was thinking... get 2-3 larger size barrells. Take it to reno empty in the moving truck, fill em up, bring smaller containers for throughout the day or whatever I need it for, and bring a pump.

But as mentioned, once I get it to camp, I dont' want to move it...

is 55 still too overkill? Should I just use 3 smaller like, 33 gallon barrells and save my back for dancing?

That's true, you could siphon it out as needed. That seems like ALOT of water though.

Is that just drinking water, or are you going to take showers in it too? Make sure you think about what you're going to do with all the waste water after you use it... That's more of a hassle than it seems.

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:46 am

No, this approx 100 gallons of water will be primarilly for me and my best friend-for everything-drinking, washing, showering, eating, helping a thirsty burner or campmate (im with lemonade lizard lounge this year just taggin along camping next to them and helping out)....

So 100 gallons for everything, and I will have an evap, and try to give what I cannot use so I do not waste.

I'm a desert Rat, we haev 5 months of summer here... water is gold, and I won't throw it around, but I will share my bounty.

LostinReno · Post by **LostinReno** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:52 am

Last year we bought 8 2.5 gallon jugs of water for drinking. Then bought 3 6 gallon water jug/suitcases (they look kind of like plastic Jeep jerrycans) and used those for our bathing. It worked out great and it was very portable. 36 gallons total and it seemed to work out fine. (We even came home with 2 of the 2.5 gallon jugs, sitting in the garage waiting for next year)

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:55 am

With WATER: Did you share alot, or was there a need for sharing?

I know some people do not come prepared. I'd hate to not have enough to share, and also, like mentioned, I'll be with a camp.

So maybe just ONE 33-55 gallon for showers/cooking/cleaning/etc

And bring a couple gallon jugs for backup.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:27 am

Wet Spot Camp had a nest of these, and were sharing showers with any and all who arrived.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:29 am

I didn't share any water, and took some home.

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:34 am

C.f.M. wrote:I didn't share any water, and took some home.

How much did you bring, how many in your camp?

I guess it really is all just personal preference, and how much I wanna hassle with ...

Oi, boss is in, gotta go....

Tomorrow or later when I'm off work loves
Thanks for the help!

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:05 am

I use the 5 gallon jugs that go in common water coolers. I have a pump that goes on the top after one removes the plastic seal that caps the top. It is resistant to dust and they have a handle that makes them easier to haul around. I bring 2 gallons a day for myself and I always have plenty left over to water the streets with.
It is nice to be able to take the bottles back for a 5$ refund and get some cash in my pocket after the burn. I pick them up at the home despot.

All in all I have probably given away maybe 10 gallons in 6 years at the burn. In general water is in good supply.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:40 am

Last year I brought 400 ish gallons of extra water, 45 gallons of drinking water, and the 30 gallons of water in my RVs tank.

I have a 250 gallon tote, one 55gallon drum, and 3 23gallon drums for transporting, and several pumps and jugs for moving it around to where it needs to go.

Why so much ?......I have a really big squirtgun on my MV, it will use 35 gallons each time it gets filled, and filling it 2 to 4 times a day is usually the norm.

But, last year was slightly problematic with the squirtgun and we ended up dumping about 300 gallons out for lack of anyone wanting/needing water.

In the past there have been years when we went through more than 1200 gallons of water, due to my last themecamp's main feature, a public(golden) shower.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:59 am

Using baby wipes rather than showering saves you a lot of water.
OF course, I hate outside showers.

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:12 am

I was camping solo and went kind of minimalist...

Brought 16 gal of water in containers, two gallons of gatorade, lots of beer and sodas and some small bottles of water. I ended up mostly just drinking the beer/pre-mixed gatorade/soda/small bottles of water I brought and only used the water in jugs to fill up my camelback. I used ice melt in a spray bottle as a shower, and was eating canned/prepackaged food so that didn't require any dish washing.

So out of that 16 gallons I brought, I took home about 13. I offered my extra water to my neighbors towards the end of the week, but nobody needed any.

klondike_bar · Post by **klondike_bar** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:42 am

i went in with about 5 3-gallon jugs of water that could be found at amost any grocery store in nevada (if you have an old jug, its like a 90c refill), and used about 3/4 the water during my week.

LostinReno · Post by **LostinReno** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:49 am

mudpuppy000 wrote: I offered my extra water to my neighbors towards the end of the week, but nobody needed any.

It seems the water memo reached everyone. We gifted bacon, PBR, Bloody Mary's, no one ever needed any water. Personally I'd bring enough to sustain yourself. If your going to add extra weight shipping stuff to the playa, bring an extra 16 or so pounds of bacon. People in a 3 block radius of your camp will love you for it!

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:06 pm

I know a burner who takes one or two of these

This is a popular choice (this and the similiar-looking one)

People with those always have water left. They can be heavy and cumbersome.

I've tried many things, including these

but always (after a few years, now, of testing different methods) come back to these:

Easy to transport/store, fill up water bottles, stick it on top of a car and bathe, etc. Easy to squash down when empty (like a beer can).

(Obviously, I am speaking as a single camper, not trying to arrange water for a lot of people).

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:46 pm

LostinReno wrote:
mudpuppy000 wrote: I offered my extra water to my neighbors towards the end of the week, but nobody needed any.
It seems the water memo reached everyone. We gifted bacon, PBR, Bloody Mary's, no one ever needed any water. Personally I'd bring enough to sustain yourself. If your going to add extra weight shipping stuff to the playa, bring an extra 16 or so pounds of bacon. People in a 3 block radius of your camp will love you for it!

The vegetarian might be able to bring home some bacon for you meatheads...

After all the advise, I'm being a typical newb, or I've come the conclusion anyways....

I'm over analyzing, another trait of mine which is a strength and weakness all rolled into one.

I think one or two 33 gallons will do well for EVERYTHING. Again, just to be safe. I'm renting the truck, so what.. we take it home? Better safe then sorry.

But you've atleast convinced me I dont need a 55 gallon drum...

Ok.. Now on the the drinks that SUCK that water OUT of my body...

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:48 pm

C.f.M. wrote:I know a burner who takes one or two of these

This is a popular choice (this and the similiar-looking one)

People with those always have water left. They can be heavy and cumbersome.

I've tried many things, including these

but always (after a few years, now, of testing different methods) come back to these:

Easy to transport/store, fill up water bottles, stick it on top of a car and bathe, etc. Easy to squash down when empty (like a beer can).

(Obviously, I am speaking as a single camper, not trying to arrange water for a lot of people).

I think you're on the the right track girly! The camp I hope to stay with we all provide for ourselves, but do all help out a bit and each pitch in a bit for the kitchen and drinks and living / chill area... so one 33 gallon and some other little essentials or what you showed me up there last, will do just fine... But then again, trying to be green, so maybe just ONE 33 gal. would be ideal for what i'm looking for specifically and thinking.

You've all been soooo amazingly helpful. This, is reason # 748,385,374 ... that I'm going to BM this year.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:49 pm

Enable your BBCode, M8.

For someone coming from out of town, a collapsible container makes sense.

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:53 pm

I enabled it all.. just as you mentioned it! Coincidence! Woot.

I understand collapsable. But just the two of us will have a big moving truck, there will be plenty of room. And I'm thinking from the green aspect of it.. And having something I can throw into the garage and take every year from now on... wouldn't that be worth the money and little extra effort?

geospyder · Post by **geospyder** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:59 pm

I used one gallon milk containers with the screw tops. They were all frozen so they doubled as ice. The water was strictly for drinking. I used Fresh Bath for cleaning. Worked great for me.

teardropper · Post by **teardropper** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 3:13 pm

I had 40 gallons in my RV water and brought 19 gallons for drinking. Way overkill for two of us. The drinking water was in the 5 gallon jugs used in water dispensers, 3 of those and 2-2 gallon jugs. I was happy to have water to take home, though. Lots better than not enough.

rodiponer · Post by **rodiponer** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:22 am

Victorian,
Have you kept track of how much you normally use while camping? A hundred gallons is a lot for a week.

We used twenty gallons for three adults and two kids.

Everyone in our group has sailed far together, and camp in the desert together a few times a year, and so we are used to conserving water. We do a few weird things, like use a spray bottle to rinse dishes. And take sponge baths instead of showers, with the camping no-rinse soap and shampoo. I feel like we were very comfortable: the dust feels clean, and it's so dry there, so I never felt dirty. Maybe sometimes a little too dusty, but it kind of fit the vibe.

But if we have a good grey water evaporator next year I am sure that we will use all of our water. Probably on a few gratuitously thorough shampoos. Our hair was a bit crazy by the end of the week, but I thought it was cute on the kids-- it made their hair puff out.

Anyways, I'd consider looking at all the other things you have to do, make, buy, or pack into your vehicle to get ready, and maybe balance an enormous water system with that. I'd take a nicely shaded couch over a shower any day. Or some kind of super bike.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:51 am

Ugly Dougly wrote:Enable your BBCode, M8.

For someone coming from out of town, a collapsible container makes sense.

As does picking up some of the type I use, right before you get there.

Problems with collapsible containers:

finding a place to fill them up en route

the water holds them up. so, as the water goes, so does the shape. what you might have set it on, won't work anymore.

I found it a bear to carry.

I'm one that did actually pay attention to my water usage. With showering and drinking and rinsing, I think I went through about three? 2.5? during BM.

For regionals, where I'm there about the same time (7 days) two suffice (with bathing, teeth brushing, face washing, water drinking).

Victorian · Post by **Victorian** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:49 am

I've concluded 50 ought to do it this year.
My first year, better to take some home and not have enough.
I am used to conserving water, and have camped out in the desert many many times my whole life. Its my backyard!

So yes, 100 gallons was overkill. I'll be bringing about 50. And as long as I bring it, I'm not too worried about how it gets there.

The shaded couch I have already thought of, radiponer, you can come relax if you stop by camp at all.

Again, thank you all, for the tips and feedback!