The following is a guideline for safely re-filling water storage containers after a period of storage (or if the cleanliness of a container is unknown or questionable). These guidelines apply only to containers recommended for water storage. For container guidelines, see 7C's Bulletin No. 7, choosing a Water Storage Container.

1. INSPECT THE CONTAINER: Empty old water from the drum, WaterCube™ or other container and inspect for contamination.
   1. Using a flashlight if necessary, visually inspect inside of the container and check for any sign of algae, residues or discoloration.
   2. Feel the inside surface with your finger and check for any slime on the inside surface.

2. INSPECT AND/OR REPLACE THE CLOSURES:

• DRUMS: Inspect all bungs, caps and gaskets and ensure they are in good condition. Look for worn, cut, deformed or brittle gaskets and replace them before reusing the container.
• WATERCUBES: Do not reuse tamper-evident caps. Tamper-evident caps are designed for one use only and must be replaced. (Note: tamper-evident cap liners are printed "sealed for your protection" and will stick to the container opening when cap is removed.)
  1. Carefully remove all remains of any old tamper seal from the opening of the WaterCube™. If necessary, try scraping with the edge of a plastic credit card. Do not cut or damage the sealing surface around the opening.
  2. Discard old cap and purchase new standard or tamper-seal caps from your WaterCube dealer. Standard (non-tamper) WaterCube™ caps may be re-used if inspected and found in good condition. Replacement of standard caps is recommended after 5 years.

3. DISINFECT THE CONTAINER: Disinfection is recommended when re-filling any container after storage, or if the cleanliness of a new container is not known. If any of the conditions in item 1. above are present, the container must be disinfected in the following manner:
   1. Prepare a solution of 1/2 cup of plain liquid household bleach to each 1 gallon of water. Pour a quantity of the solution into the container. (Use approx. 1/2 cup or more of the solution per gallon of container volume. For example: use about 1 gallon of solution in a 55-gal. drum, or approx. 1 cup in a 2.5 Gal. WaterCube™).
   2. Replace all bung plugs and caps tightly, and then rotate container in all directions to wet all inside surfaces. Let stand for 30 minutes or more.
   3. Empty container and rinse thoroughly 2-3 times with clean water.
   4. Re-inspect the container. Repeat steps (a), (b) and (c) above, if any residues remain.

4. RE-FILL: Follow the entire standard filling procedure, precautions, and container specification guidelines included in the Water Preserver™ package.