How to store water (2024)

FAQs

How do you store water long term? ›

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).

Fill bottles or jugs directly from the faucet. Cap tightly and label each container with the words "Drinking Water" and the date stored. Store sealed containers in a dark, dry, and cool place. If after six months you have not used the stored water, empty it from the containers and repeat steps 1 through 3 above.

Store the water in a cool, dark place

Water should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat can slowly break down plastic containers, giving the water a funny smell and flavour.

Preparing Water for Storage

Water stored in thoroughly clean plastic or glass containers can be chemically disinfected for long-term storage by treating each gallon with 4 to 5 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach (Clorox or Purex type bleaches, containing 4% to 6% sodium hypochlorite).

Drinking water that is thoroughly disinfected can be stored indefinitely in capped plastic or glass containers that water will not rust, as metal containers may. Because the disinfectant that was in the water when you stored it will slowly go away, replacing the water every six months is recommended.

Does Bottled Water Go Bad Over Time? In short, no, bottled water doesn't “go bad.” In fact, the FDA doesn't even require expiration dates on water bottles.

Because it is packaged under sanitary, good manufacturing practices; is in a sanitary sealed container; and does not contain substances (such as sugars and proteins) typically associated with food spoilage, bottled water can be stored for extended periods of time without concerns.

An ideal storage environment for water is a food-grade container in a cool, dark area.

Rainwater can carry bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals that could make you sick, and it has been linked to disease outbreaks. The risk of getting sick from rainwater may be different depending on your location, how frequently it rains, the season, and how you collect and store the rainwater.

Does bottled water go bad? ›

✅ What is the shelf life of unopened bottled water? 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.

Unlike certain other mammals, humans cannot store much water in their bodies for later use. Our stomach and intestine can also only absorb around a half a litre of fluids per hour.

Water storage containers are made of opaque, food-grade polyethylene plastic and come in a drum, tank, or portable container. The best water storage containers are made of durable materials that can withstand extreme temperatures. They should also be leak-proof and have a tight seal to prevent moisture from seeping in.

One effective way to store water is in clean canning jars. Fill clean mason type quart or half-gallon jars with water, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jars. Attach two piece metal canning lids.

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.

When handled and stored properly, bottled water can be stored for a long time. While the FDA does not set a limit for the shelf life of bottled water, general industry recommendations are around two years.

If stored properly, unopened, store-bought bottled water should stay good indefinitely, even if the bottle has an expiration date. If you bottled the water yourself, replace it every 6 months. Replace plastic containers when the plastic becomes cloudy, discolored, scratched, or scuffed.

Water stored as ice is part of the water cycle

Short-term storage might be days or weeks for water in a lake, but it could be thousands of years for deep groundwater storage or even longer for water at the bottom of an ice cap, such as in Greenland.

Fact — Water doesn't “expire.” However, over time, plastics or chemicals can leach into water if stored improperly. Bacteria can also grow if the water container isn't sealed or is exposed to warm temperatures.