IBC totes are a popular way to store non-potable water for gardens, small farms, and work sites. A single tote holds 275 or 330 gallons, about 1,040 or 1,250 liters, and comes with a built-in bottom valve, a top fill cap, and a sturdy cage.
This guide covers non-potable uses: rainwater collection, irrigation, and wash water. It does not cover drinking water.
Non-Potable Only
A Note on Drinking Water
This guide is not about water for people to drink. If you are thinking about drinking water, confirm with the manufacturer and current regulations first. Do not assume any used tote is suitable.
Keep non-potable tote water clearly labeled so nobody mistakes it for drinking water, and fit hose connections so it cannot flow back into your household or building water supply. Local plumbing codes can have backflow requirements, so check them before connecting anything.
What a Used Tote Held Matters
Even for non-potable use, previous contents are the first thing to ask about. Traces of the old product can remain in the plastic and end up in your water, on your plants, or in a drain.
Good Signs
- • Known, non-toxic previous contents
- • SDS or label for the old product
- • Cleaned, with no residue or smell
- • Sound bottle, valve, and gaskets
Warning Signs
- • Unknown previous contents
- • Pesticides, solvents, or oils
- • Strong odor after cleaning
- • Cracks, bulges, or leaks
If you are watering food crops, take particular care. Find out what the tote held, and check with your local extension office or current regulations. If you do not know what a tote held, do not use it for irrigation.
Choosing a Tote
Bottle color: Natural or white HDPE lets light in, and light feeds algae. If the tote will be outdoors or in a bright area, plan to cover it. Some totes have dark or UV-protected bottles, so ask what is available.
Valve: The bottom valve, often 2 in, works well for gravity feed. An adapter or ball valve can give a more secure connection to hoses or pumps, and better flow control. Check thread types before you buy fittings.
Size: The 275-gallon tote is the common choice for gardens and small farms. The 330-gallon tote holds more but is taller and heavier when full, so make sure the base can carry it. Both have a footprint of about 40 x 48 in.
Preventing Algae Growth
Algae is the most common nuisance in tote water storage. It thrives on light and warmth, clogs filters and valves, and leaves odors.
Blocking light works best. Wrap the tote in an opaque material, such as a commercial IBC cover or dark sheeting, or store it in a shaded or enclosed spot. Keeping leaves and debris out helps too. If algae does grow, drain the tote and clean it.
UV Protection
Sunlight wears down HDPE over time, leaving it brittle and more likely to crack. The same cover that blocks algae helps here as well, and shade is simple and cheap. Check bottles for discoloration, or for a chalky surface, on any tote kept outside.
Setting Up Your System
Foundation: A full 275-gallon tote weighs well over a ton, so the base has to be flat, level, and able to carry that for the long term. A concrete pad is ideal, and compacted gravel on a stable base can work outdoors. Do not set a full tote on bare soil, or on a deck not built for the load.
Elevation: Raising a tote increases gravity pressure, at about 0.43 PSI for each foot of height. Even so, gravity flow is gentle, and a pump may be needed for sprinklers. Any stand has to be sturdy enough for a full tote, because a tall, heavy load can tip. Anchor it and keep people clear.
Inlet: Screen the fill opening to keep out debris, insects, and animals. Mosquitoes will breed in open water, so seal any gaps.
Rain collection: Use a first-flush diverter so the dirtiest early roof runoff does not go into the tote. Roof materials affect water quality, so consider yours, especially for food crops. Rainwater collection rules can vary, so check local requirements.
Overflow: Fit an overflow that directs water away from foundations and neighbors.
Winterization: Protecting Your Tote from Freezing
Water expands as it freezes, and that can crack the bottle, split the valve, or distort the cage. In the Chicago area, long stretches below freezing make winter planning essential. Your options, from most to least protective:
Do not rely on leaving headspace alone. It may help a little but will not protect a tote through a hard freeze. See the heating guide for details.
Common Non-Potable Uses
| Application | Tote Considerations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rainwater collection | Known, non-toxic previous contents | Use a first-flush diverter and screened inlet |
| Garden irrigation | Known previous contents | Take extra care with food crops |
| Wash water | Clean tote, sound valve | Label it as non-potable and handle runoff properly |
| Work site water | Sturdy cage and pallet | Secure it when moving, and drain it before freezes |
Maintenance and Long-Term Tips
Inspect your tote regularly. Check the valve for drips, the lid seal, and the bottle for cracks, bulging, or discoloration. Flush out sediment now and then, keep screens clear, and clean out the tote if water starts to smell or look wrong. For long-term outdoor use, a UV-resistant cover protects the bottle, blocks light, and helps a little in cold weather.
Finding a Tote for Water Storage
IBC Recycling Chicago takes requests from Chicago and the Chicagoland area and passes them to partner suppliers. Availability depends on the supplier, and pricing comes by quote. Mention that the tote is for non-potable water, and ask what it previously held. Request a quote and a partner supplier follows up.
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Need a Tote for Non-Potable Water?
Tell us about your project. Your request goes to partner suppliers, and pricing comes by quote.