I'm worried about the cleanliness of my rain barrel. I'm embarrassed to admit that yesterday, I checked it with a clear glass. Poured a cup full and there were tiny worms wriggling around in it. As clear as a perfect diamond but ... worms.
What prompted me to check was the problem we are having with the water pump. Every time we turn it on, there's a chance the dogs or hogs might step in the electrified standing water around the pump and it is nice to know there is a non-electrical source to wash your hands if need be. Until we fix the problem.

Besides that point. Watering plants and hand washing is all I will need it for at the time. I don't really want to empty it right now. Seeing as how there is no water and I don't know when it will rain again.

I've heard you can put baking soda in a rain barrel to keep the water reasonably fresh. Is that so? How much baking soda, if anyone has any idea? Vinegar is obviously saved for cleaning it thorough, as it makes a good plant killer. -.-
Any ideas or suggestions that I can use to make myself less fearful of the rain barrel and the tiny creatures that might live in there?

Anything is greatly appreciated. Thank you.