Oak Barrel problem

[JeffZ]

I got a 5 gallon American oak barrel as a gift.
i've filled it with water at least 4 times to prep it for wine.
After a few weeks, the water that comes out is still looking dirtyish yellow.
As if it was leeching oak or something.

Is this normal? Does it need more prepping or cleaning?
Is there something I should add to clean it?
And yes - the water i put in is clean - i've checked.
Thanks.

 

[salcoco]

you are leaching out the oak it is fine if it is not leaking add wine

 

[Johnd]

Yep, second that, if it's not leaking, add your wine. I would add, though, after a week with just plain water, I'd consider mixing up a gallon of sulfite solution, and sloshing it around and leaving it in for a few hours prior to adding wine.

 

[Johny99]

I second John's thought. I'd sulphate it before use. A few weeks at room temp can grow some ugly bugs.