TM 5-5430-248-13&P
FIELD LEVEL MAINTENANCE
500 GALLON WATER DRUM DWDM5CG
THEORY OF OPERATION
BASIC FUNCTIONS
The 500 gallon water drum is a potable water storage container. In addition to storing water, the drum
can be transported by loading it on to a truck or roll-towing it. The full drum can also be dropped a
maximum of 5 feet to its intended location. While the drum is in use, its water capacity is 500 gallons of
drinking water. While the drum is not in use, the drum can be collapsed to 15% of its filled size to
facilitate unit storage and transfer.
BASIC FORM
The 500 gallon water drum is cylindrical with metal castings and fittings on both ends of the drum. The
two ends with metal fittings are called end caps. Primarily, the drum is made of a rubberized fabric, three
internal cables that maintain the shape of the drum and absorb shock, plate assemblies and shackles that
increase the transportability, two adapters through which the drum can be filled, and two valves that can
be used to fill and dispense water.
When the drum has been placed on a level and firm site, it can be used to either fill or dispense water.
This is defined as the "stand-by" position for the drum.
When the drum is being stored in its shipping crate, the drum is defined to be in the "off" position.
Figure 1. The 500 Gallon Water Drum.
