How Long Can Water Be Stored Before It Goes Bad?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The recommended shelf life of still water is

2 years and 1 year for sparkling

. The FDA does not list shelf life requirements and water can be stored indefinitely however bottled water plastic leaches over time and can effect taste.

How long does stored water last?

Replace stored water

every six months

. Keep stored water in a place with a cool temperature (50–70°F). Do not store water containers in direct sunlight.

Does stored water go bad?

Although properly

stored public-supply water should have an indefinite shelf life

, replace it every 6 to 12 months for best taste. If the water you are storing comes from a private well, spring, or other untested source, purify it before storage to kill pathogens (see below).

Can you get sick from drinking old water?

The water left overnight or for a long period of time in an open glass or container is home to numerous bacterias and

is not safe for drinking

. You never know how much dust, debris, and other small microscopic particles might have passed into that glass. Water left in a bottle for a long time is not safe to drink.

How do you store water for years?

You’ll need a safe container in which to store it. The general guideline is to use

food-grade plastic bottles

. You can also use glass bottles so long as they haven’t stored non-food items. Stainless steel is another option, but you won’t be able to treat your stored water with chlorine, as it corrodes steel.

How long can bottled water be stored at room temperature?

To extend the shelf life of unopened bottled water, keep unopened bottled water away from direct sources of heat or light. How long does unopened bottled water last at room temperature? Properly stored,

unopened bottled water will last indefinitely

, provided the bottle has not been damaged.

Does water go bad in the fridge?

Tap water stored in a clean container and

refrigerated should last indefinitely

. Theoretically, tap water stored in a clean container and then refrigerated should last forever. … Over time, small air bubbles leak out of stored water and leave behind an unappealing taste.

Is it OK to drink bottled water left overnight?

You probably know that drinking water left in an open glass is not super sanitary. … “

If it’s allowed to incubate for hours

, that could potentially contaminate the water, and make you ill by reintroducing that bacteria,” says Marc Leavey, MD, primary care specialist at Mercy Medical Center in Massachusetts.

Can water get moldy?


Mold can grow in water if the water is rich in nutrients

. The mold will form a mat on the surface of the water and produce spores. If the water contains little or no nutrients, then the initial growth would die for lack of nutrients. Water can only grow mold when it is at rest.

How long can you store water in 5 gallon jugs?

As stated, the shelf life of 5-gallon bottles is

up to two years

. The water will not go bad at that point. Yet, it may develop a stale taste. The jug itself lasts indefinitely as it is made from food-grade plastic or glass.

What is the best container to store water in?

The safest plastic containers to hold water are

polyethylene-based plastics

, or plastics #1, #2, and #4. All food-grade plastics are made of High-density polyethylene (HDPE) #2.

How long can you store water in a 55 gallon drum?

One 55-gallon barrel will supply 2 people with 2 gallons of water per day for

a little more than 2 weeks

. That’s a lot of water in a small space.

What bottled water has the longest shelf life?


Puravai Emergency Drinking Water

comes with a 20 year guaranteed shelf life but is safe to drink beyond 50 years when stored properly. This case of Puravai Emergency Drinking Water comes with 6 one liter bottles (33.8 fluid ounces) of the longest lasting, most durable and convenient water available.

Is it OK to store bottled water in a hot garage?

But Cheryl Watson, a professor in the biochemistry and molecular biology department at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, advised

people not to store bottled water in places that have a significant amount of heat

, like a garage or a car parked outside.

Should bottled water be stored outside?

IBWA advises consumers to store bottled water

at room temperature or cooler

, out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners, household cleaners, and dry cleaning chemicals.

Can refrigerator water make you sick?

The risks associated to drinking water filtered by a fridge, includes exposure to microorganisms such as

coliform and salmonella

, which affect your health and the quality of water. … If you forget to replace or clean the water filters, they become clogged with bacteria that pose unseen risks.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.