Personally I've found that the large containers are more of a PITA when it comes to "cleaning them for drinking purposes". I much prefer to keep the large containers for non potable purposes (ie. washing hands, hair clothes). I purchase cases of bottled H20 for drinking. They have more pros than cons for us (size/weight, familiarity). Not to mention we constantly rotate through them from regular usage. I'd love to have that 55 gal drum....I'd make sure it was clean (to whatever your standards will accept) and use it for non potable. But that is just me.