non-plastic, large water containers

[im_nomad]

Apologies if this has been addressed elsewhere, or if it's more appropriate for the cookware board.

The area where I live has had a series of boil orders over the years, and the water is so highly chlorinated anyway, that it smells of sulphur. Where I work, also has had their share of boil orders, so I don't trust the tap water in either place.

I currently use the stainless steel smaller water bottles, but the problem is, I'm filling them from either the water cooler at work or my smaller fridge cooler at home that I fill at a nearby town tap. Both are plastic, however, so I sort of feel like using the stainless steel water bottles isn't doing much good to avoid that sort of stuff. I'm still drinking water that was stored in plastic.

Ok, so on to my question, are there larger stainless steel water bottle type containers out there, or specifically the fridge sized ones that can be filled for home use? Something with a spigot that doesn't have to be lugged out of the fridge every time I want a glass of water.

[tanuki soup]

Amazon sells stainless steel jerry cans up to 5-gallon capacity. They might work for you, but they are rather pricey and might be hard to clean. Also, no spigot.

[monku]

I've seen 1 gallon glass containers with spigots that people use for iced tea. They fit in the refrigerator. You might check out places like WalMart.

[alanbarnes]

When you talk about a "fridge cooler," are you talking about a water cooler on a stand that you invert a water bottle into? If so, your easiest solution may be just to use glass water bottles. They're sold as "carboys" at any place that carries home brewing equipment. See, e.g., http://www.barkingside.com/products.a...

As for a container with a spigot to go in the fridge, you're probably going to want something smaller. Either a glass jar or a ceramic crock. There are plenty of those available in the 1-2.5 gallon range. And you could refill them from either a carboy or a jerrican.

Regardless, you'll want to periodically sanitize your storage container(s) (and your water bottles). I recommend iodophor; it kills bugs more effectively better and is easier to rinse out than soaps or detergents, and it leaves no residue (although it will stain plastic parts). Also available at the homebrew store.

Taking things a slightly different direction, have you thought about filtering your water? Even the most basic charcoal filter system should get rid of the nasty smells and tastes, and an advanced filter will remove all particulates and pathogens. Just a thought...

[im_nomad]

am looking into beer key type deals, found some one gallon "tailgate" varieties on ebay, but am not yet sure if they're stainless steel inside. Have yet to be able to find any glass ones.

kind of surprised that with the recent dislike for plastic bottles, that no one is making larger versions of the stainless steel, which is lighter than glass for sure.

[monku]

Wouldn't surprise me if stainless steel costs ten time more to produce than glass or plastic.

[tanuki soup]

Just found this at Amazon. Did a search on "iced tea dispenser".

[umosoe]

Try "Life WIthout Plastics". They sell stainless steel water dispensers and more. They are a

little pricey however ,

they may possibly last a lifetime. They sell good, solid products.

http://lifewithoutplastic.com/boutiqu...

good luck