Introduction
One of the most important things you can do to be prepared for an emergency is to store water. But how long can water be stored before it goes bad?
The answer is it depends. Water can actually go bad, but it takes a really long time and it’s not really harmful to your health. The main thing you need to worry about when storing water is keeping it clean and preventing contamination.
Water can start to taste funny after about 6 months of storage, but it’s still safe to drink. If you want to extend the shelf life of your water, you can store it in a cool, dark place. Storing water in a fridge is a good option, but make sure the bottles are labeled so you don’t accidentally drink them!
There are also ways to purify water that has gone bad, like boiling or using iodine tablets. So, if you’re ever in an emergency situation and your water supply has gone bad, don’t panic! There are ways to make it safe to drink again.
How long water can be stored before it goes bad?
While water doesn’t go “bad” like other food items, long-term water storage can still lead to changes in smell, taste, and appearance. If you’re using stored water for drinking, cooking, or other purposes, it’s important to know how to spot these changes and when to replace the water.
Tap water
stored in a clean, closed container, tap water should be safe to drink for up to 6 months. After that, it’s generally recommended that you consume only bottled water or boil your tap water to make it safe to drink.
Bottled water
If you don’t open it, bottled water should be safe to drink indefinitely, according to manufacturers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . But remember that the “best by” or “sell by” dates are meant to indicate peak quality.
So if your bottled water is past its expiration date, it should still be safe to drink, although it may not taste as fresh. If you’re concerned about bacteria growth in your water bottle, clean it regularly.
Distilled water
If you don’t have distilled water on hand, you can also boil water to purify it. Boiling water will kill most bacteria and other contaminants, so it’s a good idea to do this if you’re unsure of the quality of your water supply.
How long does distilled water last? Store-bought distilled water will usually have an expiration date printed on the bottle, typically around 2 years from the date of manufacture. However, if you’ve made your own distilled water at home, it will not have an expiration date. Although, it’s best to use store-bought distilled water if possible because it’s been purified using professional equipment.
You can extend the shelf life of distilled water by storing it in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, distilled water should remain safe to drink for up to 6 months.
Filtered water
If you have filtered water, it will last indefinitely if stored properly. Filtered water has been treated to remove impurities and make it safe to drink. It can be stored in any type of container, but it’s important to use one that won’t allow impurities back into the water.
Glass or ceramic containers are good choices for storage, but make sure they’re clean and dry before adding water. You can also use plastic containers as long as they’re labeled as food-grade and won’t leach chemicals into the water. Be sure to check the seal on the lids to make sure they’re tight.
It’s a good idea to store filtered water in a dark, cool location. This will help ensure that it stays fresh and free of contaminants.
How to store water to make it last longer?
Water that is stored for long periods of time can start to develop bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause it to spoil. To prevent this from happening, there are a few things you can do to make sure your water stays fresh and potable for as long as possible.
Store water in a cool, dark place
The best way to store water is in a cool, dark place. Heat and light can both cause water to go bad, so it’s important to find a spot for your water that is away from windows and heating vents. A basement or closet are both good options. You should also avoid storing your water in an attic, as the heat can cause the water to expand and burst the container.
Change stored water every six months
You should change stored water every six months to be sure it stays fresh. Write the date you filled the container on the outside with a permanent marker, and make a note on your calendar to remind you when it’s time to change it.
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, it’s a good idea to keep stored water in case your tap water is not safe to drink. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for 3 days, in case of an emergency.
Use food-grade containers
The best way to store water long-term is in food-grade containers. The container should be made of a material that won’t break down over time, such as glass or food-grade plastic. It’s important to clean the container thoroughly before use. You can clean it with dish soap and water, then rinse it with a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.
It’s also important to label the container with the date you filled it so you know when it needs to be replaced. Water stored in a cool, dark place will have the longest shelf life.
Conclusion
In general, water can be stored for up to six months without going bad. This is because water is a natural preservative. However, it is important to note that this timeframe only applies to properly stored water. If water is not stored properly, it can go bad much sooner.