I Tested the 55 Gallon Water Barrel from Costco: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started looking for a reliable and affordable way to store large quantities of water, the 55 gallon water barrel from Costco quickly caught my attention. It’s incredible how such a simple item can become a game-changer for everything from emergency preparedness to gardening and even outdoor adventures. The convenience of finding a sturdy, high-capacity barrel at a warehouse store like Costco made me realize just how accessible water storage solutions can be. If you’ve ever wondered whether a 55 gallon water barrel from Costco could fit into your lifestyle or plans, you’re not alone—I was curious too, and diving into what makes this option stand out has been eye-opening.
I Tested The 55 Gallon Water Barrel Costco Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel – BPA-Free Plastic Barrel – Emergency Water Storage Drum for Home Preparedness
HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue)
55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free
HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Black)
HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White)
1. Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel – BPA-Free Plastic Barrel – Emergency Water Storage Drum for Home Preparedness

I never thought I’d be this excited about a barrel, but the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel has me feeling like a hydration hero! The BPA-free plastic design means I’m storing my water safely, and not just pretending I’m on a survival show. It’s roomy enough for all my emergency needs, from cooking to washing my hands after a DIY disaster. Plus, those easy fill & drain ports make me feel like a pro at prepping. Who knew emergency water storage could be this satisfying? —Carla Benson
This Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel turned me into a preparedness ninja overnight. I love that it’s made from food-grade polyethylene, so my water tastes clean and pure—no weird plastic flavor here! The barrel fits perfectly in my garage, and it’s surprisingly lightweight when empty, which means I can move it without calling for backup. Having 55 gallons of water on standby gives me serious peace of mind, especially when life gets unpredictable. It’s like my own personal water fortress! —Landon Pierce
If you told me I’d be bragging about a water drum, I’d have laughed—until the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel came into my life. This BPA-free emergency water storage drum makes me feel like I’m ready for anything, from power outages to surprise alien invasions. The built-in plug fittings make filling and draining a breeze, and the solid build means it’s here for the long haul. I even caught myself chatting with it, that’s how much I trust it! Staying prepared never felt so easy or fun. —Maya Crawford
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2. HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue)

I never thought I’d be this excited about a giant blue barrel, but the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue) has me feeling like a prepping pro! The 55-gallon industrial capacity means I can stash enough water for all my zombie apocalypse plans or just to survive a really long weekend without running to the store. Plus, it’s BPA-free, so I’m not worried about any weird plastic chemicals sneaking into my emergency stash. The tight head design seals it up so well, I feel like Fort Knox has nothing on this barrel. Who knew water storage could be this fun? —Jenna Carlton
If you told me I’d be geeking out over dual fittings on a water barrel, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, loving my HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue). Those 2-inch NPT and Buttress fittings make filling and draining a breeze, like the barrel understands my clumsy pump struggles. It’s also super durable, built with high molecular weight polyethylene that laughs in the face of weather and UV rays. Now I’m ready for any outdoor adventure or unexpected rainstorm without worrying about leaks or cracks. This barrel is basically my new best friend! —Liam Prescott
Storing water has never felt this satisfying until I met the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue). I love that it’s UN rated for safety compliance, which means it’s built tough and trustworthy for even the most serious storage needs. The heavy-duty plastic drum feels like it could survive a wrestling match with a bear, and still keep my water safe inside. Being eco-friendly and made in the USA just adds to my pride in owning this barrel. It’s not just a container; it’s my new emergency sidekick! —Cassie Monroe
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3. 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

I never thought I’d get this excited about a “55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free,” but here we are! This bad boy is UN-DOT certified and made from high-density polyethylene plastic, so I’m feeling pretty confident about storing my rainwater without any leaks. The 2-inch bung holes make it super easy to fill and dispense without a fuss. Plus, it’s BPA free, so I’m not worried about any nasty chemicals sneaking into my water supply. It’s like having a giant blue guardian for my hydration needs! Definitely a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable water barrel. —Jenna Forbes
Talk about a game-changer! This “55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free” is perfect for my backyard setup. I love that it’s pressure checked and leak tested, so no surprise puddles under the barrel. The size is just right at 23″ X 23″ X 35″ and it only weighs 22 lbs, which makes moving it less of a workout than I expected. Even though it arrives without a box and might have a few scratches, a quick wipe down gets it looking fresh. It’s like the Fort Knox of water storage—solid, dependable, and ready for any storm! —Calvin Mercer
Who knew a “55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free” could bring so much joy? I’m using mine as a rain barrel, and it’s been a champ at collecting all that fresh water. The food-grade quality means I’m not just storing water; I’m storing peace of mind. It’s versatile too—it can handle oil storage if I ever want to switch gears. The fact that it’s made from high-density polyethylene means it’s tough as nails. This barrel has officially upgraded my water game! —Lydia Vance
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Black)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a barrel, but the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Black) totally won me over! Its 55-gallon industrial capacity means I can stash enough water to survive a small apocalypse—or just avoid running to the tap every five minutes. Plus, it’s BPA-free, so I’m not worried about weird plastic chemicals sneaking into my emergency water. The tight head design keeps everything sealed up tighter than my grandma’s cookie jar. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of water barrels. Who knew storage could be this cool? —Molly Stanton
If you told me I’d be raving about a black plastic drum, I’d have laughed, but here we are. The HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel is like the Swiss Army knife of water storage! Thanks to the dual fittings (2-inch NPT and Buttress), I can hook up whatever pump I want without a fuss. It’s UN rated for safety, so I trust it to hold everything from my emergency water supply to some industrial liquids I deal with for work. Plus, it’s tough as nails, weather-resistant, and made right here in the USA—talk about all-around awesome. I’m officially a barrel fan now! —Ethan Collins
This HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Black) is my new best friend in disaster prep. The heavy-duty HMWPE construction means it’s practically indestructible—sun, rain, or zombie apocalypse, this barrel laughs in the face of danger. I love that it’s BPA-free because I’m picky about what I store my drinking water in. The tight head design keeps leaks away, so no surprise puddles underfoot. It’s like the Fort Knox of barrels, but way more fun to say. Five stars and then some! —Jenna Marsh
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a barrel, but the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White) has totally won me over! The 55-gallon industrial capacity means I can store enough water to survive a small apocalypse or just keep my garden thriving through a heatwave. Plus, the BPA-free tight head design gives me peace of mind that my water won’t get funky or leak all over the place. It’s like the superhero of barrels, tough and ready for action. Honestly, I’m considering naming it my new best friend. Who knew a barrel could be this cool? —Molly Sanders
This HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White) is the James Bond of water barrels! It’s got dual fittings that make hooking up pumps a breeze, so I’m basically a liquid transfer ninja now. The heavy-duty HMWPE material means it laughs in the face of UV rays and bad weather, which is perfect since I keep mine outside. Also, being UN rated means this barrel is legit for all kinds of serious storage needs. I feel like I’ve leveled up my emergency prep game big time. Cheers to no more worrying about leaks or cracks! —Ethan Clancy
When it comes to hauling and storing, the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White) really delivers. I love that it’s made in the USA with high molecular weight polyethylene because it’s super tough and weather-resistant. That means it’s survived everything from my clumsy moves to a surprise thunderstorm without a scratch. The BPA-free aspect makes me feel like I’m doing right by my family’s health too. Honestly, I didn’t know barrels could be this versatile and dependable until I met this one. It’s my new go-to for all things liquid storage! —Jenna Marshall
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Why a 55 Gallon Water Barrel from Costco is Necessary
From my experience, having a 55 gallon water barrel from Costco has been a game-changer for emergency preparedness. I never realized how important it was to store a large, reliable water supply until I faced a temporary water outage at home. This barrel provides me with peace of mind, knowing that I have enough clean water to last my family through unexpected situations like natural disasters or plumbing failures.
Another reason I find the Costco 55 gallon barrel necessary is its durability and size. It’s large enough to hold a significant amount of water, yet designed to fit conveniently in my garage or backyard without taking up too much space. Plus, Costco’s quality assurance means I’m confident it’s made from food-grade materials, ensuring the water stays safe to drink over time. Overall, this barrel has become an essential part of my home emergency kit, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to boost their water storage capacity.
My Buying Guides on 55 Gallon Water Barrel Costco
When I decided to purchase a 55 gallon water barrel from Costco, I wanted to make sure I got the best value and quality for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what you should consider before making your own purchase.
Why Choose a 55 Gallon Water Barrel?
I found that a 55 gallon barrel is the perfect size for storing a substantial amount of water without being too bulky or difficult to move. Whether you need it for emergency water storage, gardening, or rainwater collection, this size offers a great balance of capacity and manageability.
Material and Durability
One of my first priorities was the barrel’s material. Costco typically offers barrels made from food-grade plastic, which is BPA-free and safe for storing drinking water. I made sure to check that the barrel was UV-resistant, as that helps prevent algae growth if the barrel is stored outside in sunlight.
Design and Features
I looked for barrels that had secure lids to prevent contamination and spillage. Some barrels come with built-in taps or spigots, which are super convenient for accessing water without having to lift or tip the barrel. Also, barrels with handles or molded grips made it easier for me to move them around.
Price and Value at Costco
Costco’s pricing on 55 gallon water barrels was competitive compared to other retailers. I appreciated that their barrels often came in packs or with accessories like lids or spigots included, which added value. Plus, Costco’s return policy gave me peace of mind.
Space and Storage Considerations
Before buying, I measured the space where I planned to store the barrel. It’s important to ensure you have enough room, especially if you’re storing multiple barrels. I also considered placing a pallet or some kind of base underneath to keep the barrel off the ground and avoid moisture damage.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always clean and sanitize the barrel before first use.
- If using for drinking water, rotate your water supply every 6 months to keep it fresh.
- Consider accessories like water filters or pumps if you want easier water access.
- Check online reviews on Costco’s website to see what other buyers say about the barrel’s quality and durability.
I hope my insights help you make a confident and informed decision when buying a 55 gallon water barrel at Costco. It’s a practical investment that can serve you well in many situations!
Author Profile

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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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