If you had a water purifier, such as a Berkey, would it matter?His barrels had food pellets in them. Not for drinking water so he says.. He states people cut them in half and use them for livestock feeders etc.. They would be good for non potable water for things like flushing the toilet etc... but not for drinking. Thanks for the posts. I will be able to check out one source or two a day. Thanks for your posts!!!!!!!!!!!