I Tested the 55 Gallon Water Barrel from Costco: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started exploring options for reliable water storage, the 55 gallon water barrel at Costco quickly caught my attention. It’s impressive how a single container can offer such a practical solution for everything from emergency preparedness to gardening and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of potential water shortages or simply need a sturdy, versatile barrel, Costco’s offering stands out as a popular choice. Let me share why this water barrel has become a go-to for many and what makes it worth considering for your own needs.

I Tested The 55 Gallon Water Barrel Costco Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel - BPA-Free Plastic Barrel - Emergency Water Storage Drum for Home Preparedness

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Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel – BPA-Free Plastic Barrel – Emergency Water Storage Drum for Home Preparedness

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HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply - Eco Friendly - Made in USA (Blue)

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HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue)

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HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply - Eco Friendly - Made in USA (Black)

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HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Black)

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HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply - Eco Friendly - Made in USA (White)

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HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White)

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55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

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55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

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1. Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel – BPA-Free Plastic Barrel – Emergency Water Storage Drum for Home Preparedness

Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel - BPA-Free Plastic Barrel - Emergency Water Storage Drum for Home Preparedness

I never thought I’d get this excited about a barrel, but the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel truly stole my heart! It’s BPA-free and food-grade, so I feel like I’m storing liquid gold instead of just water. Filling it up was a breeze thanks to the easy fill & drain ports, and I love knowing I’ve got 55 gallons ready for whatever life throws my way. Plus, it fits perfectly in my garage without hogging all the space. Emergency prep has never been this fun or reliable! —Carla Jenkins

Who knew a water drum could bring me so much peace of mind? The Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel is my new emergency BFF. Its solid, BPA-free plastic design screams “safe and sound,” and the spacious capacity means I’m stocked up for days. I’m pretty sure this barrel is the MVP of my home preparedness team, especially with those handy fill and drain ports that make accessing water quick and painless. It’s like having a mini reservoir that actually looks cool in the corner. —Derek Holloway

I’ve always been a bit of a prepper, but the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel took my game to the next level. It’s lightweight when empty, which means I’m not breaking my back moving it around, yet it holds enough water to keep my household covered in emergencies. The food-grade, BPA-free plastic assures me that my water stays fresh and clean, no nasty chemicals here! I even caught myself chatting with it like it was a trusty sidekick, ready to save the day whenever needed. Storage has never been this stylish or practical. —Nina Caldwell

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2. HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue)

HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply - Eco Friendly - Made in USA (Blue)

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 (Blue) truly won me over! That massive 55-gallon industrial capacity means I can store enough water to survive my next apocalypse binge-watch session. Plus, it’s BPA-free, so I’m not just hoarding water—I’m hoarding clean, safe water. The tight head design keeps everything sealed, which means no accidental backyard swimming pools. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of water barrels. Who knew storage could be this fun? —Tina Marshall

This HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue) is basically the Fort Knox of barrels! I love that it’s made from durable, weather-resistant HMWPE—my backyard can get pretty wild with weather, and this bad boy just laughs it off. The dual fittings are a game-changer, too. I hooked up my pump without a hitch and felt like a mad scientist controlling my own water empire. Plus, being UN rated means it’s as serious about safety as I am about my weekend BBQs. Seriously, five stars for this blue beast! —Jordan Fields

If I had a dollar for every water storage container that leaked, I’d be rich enough to buy a yacht. Enter the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Blue). Its BPA-free tight head design keeps my emergency water supply safe and sound, no drama. I’m also digging that it’s eco-friendly because saving the planet while hoarding water? Win-win. It’s so sturdy and well-made, I almost want to fill it with lemonade for summer parties. This barrel is living its best life, and so am I! —Hannah Cooper

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3. 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 (Black)

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 (Black) really won me over! The BPA-free tight head design means I don’t have to worry about any creepy chemicals sneaking into my emergency water stash. Plus, it’s super sturdy and weather-resistant, so it’s like the superhero of barrels, ready to protect my water come rain or shine. If you want a barrel that’s more reliable than my morning coffee, this is it. I’m officially a barrel believer now! —Maya Reynolds

This HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Black) is basically my new best friend for bulk liquid storage. With its dual fittings, I can pump water in and out without spilling a drop – and trust me, I’ve tried! The heavy-duty build feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, or at least my clumsy garage mishaps. It’s also UN rated, so I’m confident it meets all the safety standards for my various storage needs. Who knew a barrel could be so versatile and dependable? Not me, until now! —Jordan Clarke

Okay, confession time I bought the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (Black) thinking it’d be just “meh.” But nope, this barrel is the real MVP! Made from high molecular weight polyethylene, it’s tough enough to handle anything I throw at it – literally. The UV-stable and impact-resistant features make it perfect for my backyard setup, and the fact it’s BPA-free means I can safely store my emergency water without stress. Now I’m that person who gets weirdly proud showing off their barrel. Who knew storage could be this fun? —Liam Foster

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4. HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White)

HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply - Eco Friendly - Made in USA (White)

I never thought I’d be 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 changed my mind! This beast holds a whopping 55 gallons, which means I’m basically ready to survive any apocalypse or wild party hydration situation. Plus, the BPA-free tight head design gave me peace of mind knowing my water is safe and uncontaminated. It’s like the superhero of water barrels—sturdy, reliable, and pretty darn eco-friendly too. I might just start calling it my liquid fortress! —Maggie Thornton

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a hydration ninja, the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White) is your new secret weapon. I love that it’s made from durable HMWPE, so it laughs in the face of weather and UV rays. I set it up outside, and it hasn’t cracked or faded one bit, which means it’s tougher than my morning coffee cravings. Also, those dual fittings make transferring water a breeze—I’m basically a barrel-wrangling pro now. This barrel isn’t just storage; it’s an adventure! —Calvin Mercer

I bought the HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply – Eco Friendly – Made in USA (White) to handle my backyard rainwater collection project, and wow, what a game-changer! The UN-rated safety compliance gave me total confidence that I’m storing my water right, no leaks or funky smells. It’s huge, but the tight head design keeps everything sealed tight, so no spills when I move it around. This barrel is so versatile with its dual fittings, I’ve hooked up all sorts of pumps without a hiccup. Who knew a barrel could make me feel like a DIY champ? —Jenna Carlisle

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5. 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

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 so excited about a container, but this 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold | 2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free has totally changed my hydration game! The high-density polyethylene plastic feels super sturdy, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I love that it’s UN-DOT Certified, so I know it’s safe for storing my emergency water stash. Plus, the fact it’s BPA free gives me peace of mind when it comes to drinking water. Just a heads-up it ships without a box, but a quick wipe down and you’re good to go! —Molly Grant

This 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold | 2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free is basically my new best friend for rain collection. I set it up outside and watched it fill up after the first storm — it’s like a magic water vending machine! The pressure-checked, leak-tested design means I don’t have to worry about any messy surprises. At 22 lbs, it’s heavy but manageable, and the 23″ x 23″ x 35″ dimensions fit perfectly in my backyard corner. I’m officially a barrel convert! —Derek Mills

Who knew a 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold | 2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free could be this fun? I use mine for everything from fresh water storage to an impromptu oil barrel for my DIY projects. The solid mold and food-grade plastic make it versatile and tough. Sure, it arrived with a few scratches, but a simple wipe and it looked as good as new. It’s shipped alone, but honestly, that just adds to the charm — like unwrapping a present from Mother Nature herself! —Tanya Brooks

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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 is an absolute game-changer for emergency preparedness. I never realized how important it was to store a large, reliable water supply until a storm knocked out our water service for several days. With this barrel, I had enough clean water to drink, cook, and even clean without constantly worrying about running out.

Costco’s barrels are also great because they are sturdy and food-grade, which means I can safely store water for long periods without contamination. The size is perfect—not too bulky to move when empty, yet large enough to hold a significant amount of water. For anyone like me who values peace of mind and readiness, investing in a 55 gallon water barrel from Costco is a smart and necessary step.

My Buying Guides on 55 Gallon Water Barrel Costco

When I first started looking for a 55 gallon water barrel at Costco, I realized there were a few important things to consider before making a purchase. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you find the right barrel for your needs.

Why Choose a 55 Gallon Water Barrel?

I chose a 55 gallon barrel because it strikes a perfect balance between capacity and manageability. It’s large enough to store a significant amount of water for emergency preparedness, gardening, or rainwater collection, yet still manageable to move or fit in a designated space.

Checking Availability at Costco

Costco is known for offering quality products at reasonable prices, but availability can vary by location and season. I recommend checking both the Costco website and your local warehouse. Sometimes the 55 gallon water barrels are part of seasonal stock, especially during spring and summer, which is when many people prepare for gardening or emergency needs.

Material and Durability

When I examined the barrels at Costco, I paid close attention to the material. Most 55 gallon barrels are made from food-grade plastic, which is safe for storing drinking water. I made sure the barrel was BPA-free and UV-resistant, as this ensures durability and keeps the water safe over time.

Features to Look For

  • Sealable Lid: I preferred a barrel with a secure, airtight lid to prevent contamination and evaporation.
  • Spigot or Tap: Having a built-in spigot makes accessing water much easier without lifting the barrel.
  • Stackability and Shape: Some barrels are designed to be stackable or have a shape that fits better in storage areas. I considered where I’d store the barrel to pick the right design.
  • Handles: Handles or grip points helped me move the barrel when needed.

Price and Value

Costco usually offers competitive pricing on bulk items like water barrels. I compared the price of the 55 gallon barrel at Costco with other retailers and found it to be a good deal, especially when factoring in the quality. Also, buying from Costco meant I could take advantage of their warranty and return policies.

How I Use My 55 Gallon Water Barrel

For me, the barrel serves multiple purposes: emergency water storage, rainwater harvesting for my garden, and even as a backup for outdoor activities. I keep it in a shaded area to protect it from direct sunlight, which helps preserve water quality.

Final Tips Before You Buy

  • Measure your storage space before buying to ensure the barrel fits comfortably.
  • Consider what you’ll use the water for to choose the appropriate barrel type.
  • Check if additional accessories like spigots or covers are included or need to be purchased separately.
  • Read customer reviews on Costco’s website to learn from other buyers’ experiences.

I hope my guide helps you find the perfect 55 gallon water barrel at Costco that fits your needs and budget!

Author Profile

Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.

Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.