Safety of Water storage container

[telmor]

Have just purchased a 500 Ltr water storage container with lid for conditioning of refill water. The container made in Italy is stamped with PP and 05 in the recycling triangle. I have just noticed a paper label stuck on to it that says not for drinking. I was under the impression that PP was the code for polypropylene and was OK for drinking water storage.

Does anyone have any info on this please. (I bought this container from a Stratco hardware store)

[Yabbies4me]

I'm going back a few years now (disclaimer), but I remember reading an article on recycled plastics and from memory code 1 was virgin PET plastic (expensive) and codes 2,4,5 were suitable for food and re-use. But I have seen the "not suitable for food/water" disclaimer on a number of plastic containers with these codes... I think it may only be an a-se covering move by the manufacturers.

I've heard that recycled plastics may contain pesticide residue etc, because the chinese are recycling anything and everything, including old pesticide drums, but I would imagine that once it's been through the recycling process that the amount of residue left would be a poofteenth of f-all.

I know a number of forum members have used the 500Ltr tubs you are referring too, without any probs. If in doubt, before using the tub fill it with water, let it soak for a couple of weeks, then discard the water. I'd be comfortable doing that.

Cheers, Yabbies.
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[telmor]

Thanks for that Yabbies, I feel a bit more comfortable having read your comments.

Will do as you suggest .... watch this space for any untoward developments.

[Yabbies4me]

Just for reassurance, use the search function, type in "Bunnings, stratco, 500, Litre" and you'll get a heap of threads where people have used the containers.
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[RupertofOZ]

And if you search the BYAP forum... you'll not only find lots of systems... but much discussion... and a letter from the supplier regarding the "classification"...

[Yabbies4me]

And if you search the BYAP forum...

Too hard!... lifes too short!... too late at night!... what was the verdict and what did the manufacturer say?... just the gist will do!
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[RupertofOZ]

Pretty much what you said Yabbies... made from recycled plastic... so they can't claim "food safe".... and the "not suitable for drinking water" label was a Bunnings initiative to cover their backsides... as originally they sold them as rainwater collection barrels...