A Look at Using IBC Totes for Water Storage
Intermediate bulk containers, or IBCs for short, Known for their use across a wide variety of activities and applications involving storage, transport, and providing liquid cargo, a main use of IBC tote containers is to hold water, which also includes long-term potable water storage and use. But a common question on this is, are IBC totes truly okay to be used for drinking water? We have performed thorough research and case-study reviews to answer this question for you and it is clear that IBCs are indeed a suitable and certified option for long-term water storage and home use. When using IBCs for water, certain conditions and precautions should be taken.
Key Advantages of Using IBC Totes for Water Storage
- Capacity: The poly cage IBC tote holds 275 or 330 gallons. This provides an effective solution to store large volumes of water, especially compared to drum containers.
- Durability: Poly caged totes are made from high-quality materials like polyethylene plastic and steel. This makes the totes built tough to both withstand rough conditions and ensure the water remains clean and protected.
- Transparency: Caged IBC totes are translucent as the tank is made from plastic. This allows the water stored in the tote to be easily checked and monitored.
- Maneuverability: IBC totes feature a built-in pallet platform base and a rigid steel protective frame. This allows the tote to be easily and safely moved, lifted, and transported.
Precautions for Using IBC Totes for Water Storage
While IBC totes offer significant benefits for water storage, and indeed are commonly used for this, certain considerations and precautions must be taken to ensure water safety and storage effectiveness in terms of cleanliness and suitability for drinking:
- Food-Grade Material: To store drinking water, the IBC tote must be made from food-grade materials and be ANSI/NSF 61 certified for potable water applications.
- New or Rebottled Conditions: Poly caged totes are typically available in three types: new, rebottled, and reconditioned. Only new and rebottled should be used for drinking water and long term water storage uses. Reconditioned IBC containers may have previously stored chemicals making them unsafe for storing water intended for consumption, even if cleaned.
- Proper Cleaning: All IBC totes, (new and rebottled) should be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before use to remove any residual materials or dust from manufacturing and/or transport.
- Temperature Resistance: IBC totes are generally rated as suitable for handling cargo with temperatures ranging from 120°F to 140°F. Therefore, it’s important to consider the exact application requirements to avoid potential damage to the IBC. If high temperatures are needed for the stored water, consider using metal IBCs, particularly stainless steel.
IBC totes are a practical and acceptable solution for long-term water storage. It’s important to ensure they are food-grade, properly cleaned, and stored in suitable conditions. The popular and lower cost alternative, reconditioned IBC tote, should not be used for drinking water and in non-potable water uses only. By taking these precautions, awater IBC tote can provide a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for water storage needs.
