Can water go bad from sitting?

Author: Evelyn Romaguera  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

If your water vessel is uncovered overnight or for an extended stretch, the water can also accumulate dust, debris, or other small particles from the air circulating in your home, office, or car. While it's very unlikely that these will cause you any harm, they may alter the flavor of your water the next day.

How long can water sit before it goes bad?

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. 2.

Is it bad to drink water that's been sitting for days?

Unless it has been in contact with organic material that might decompose in it, clean water standing out in a container for a day is perfectly safe to drink.

How long is water good for sitting out?

If you leave unrefrigerated filtered water open in a room temperature environment, then it is safe to drink for up to 12 hours. Then carbon dioxide from the air eventually starts to mix in with the water, changing its taste. Also, other microscopic elements, such as dust and debris, can be exposed to your cup of water.

What happens to water if it sits too long?

Often referred to as “standing water,” stagnant water is water that's left sitting for long periods of time. With no movement and aeration, stagnant water becomes a prime breeding ground for biofilms, or a collection of bacteria or fungi.

Can Water Go Bad?

How long does water have to sit to cause water damage?

The first 24 hours are critical, but here is a quick breakdown of the water damage timeline: 24 to 72 Hours: After that initial day, the impact grows significantly. Wooden elements and drywall can be impacted and warped, and metal surfaces may begin to corrode.

Can I drink 12 hour old water?

Bacteria will grow more in warm water, especially if any chlorine has evaporated. Therefore it's best to discard any warm water that's been left open for more than 12 hours. To help prevent your glass of water tasting stale or smelling off, simply keep it covered.

Can I drink water that sat out overnight?

On its own, a clean glass of water should be perfectly fine to drink from if it's only been left out overnight. However, it can taste a bit off because exposure to carbon dioxide in the air can cause its pH to lower, resulting in a flatter flavor.

How long before water becomes stagnant?

How Long Does It Take Water to Become Stagnant? Standing water can become stagnant after 24 hours. It becomes the perfect environment for bacterial growth in the hours and days after.

Is it safe to drink water that sits out?

That old water on your countertop, water left overnight next to your bed, or even days-old water on your office desk from Friday are all okay and safe to drink. It's very unlikely that they'll cause you to be ill, but they just might not taste very good—especially if they've been left uncovered.

Can I drink 2 week old water?

According to Krogh, even an open glass of water that has been standing out for a number of days is safe to drink, provided it hasn't been contaminated with bacteria from dirty hands or saliva. It may taste flat and odd, but it is still safe to consume.

What happens if you sit in water for 24 hours?

For reasons that still aren't well understood, human skin starts to break down after continuous immersion in water of a few days. You'd suffer open sores and be liable to fungal and bacterial infections just from the spores on your skin, even if the water itself was perfectly sterile.

Can I drink a water bottle that's been sitting in my room?

If you water was stored in a cool or refrigerated area out of direct sunlight, the bottled water should be safe to drink.

Can water get too old to drink?

While water doesn't expire, some concerns are associated with its plastic bottles. These vessels can produce health concerns and odd tastes as they degrade over time and microplastics enter the water. Properly storing water in your warehouse, office or facility may help mitigate these risks.

How long does it take for water to get spoiled?

✅ Does bottled water last forever? Since water is a naturally occurring substance it has an indefinite shelf life, however due to the fact that plastic water bottles leach chemicals into the water overtime we recommend a 2 year shelf life for still water.

How long does it take for bacteria to grow in water?

Bacterial growth occurs in noncarbonated natural mineral waters a few days after filling and storage at room temperature, a phenomenon known for more than 40 years.

How long after drinking bad water do you get sick?

Symptoms of Waterborne Illness

The incubation period (the time between exposure to the pathogen and onset of symptoms) may begin within hours after being exposed or may begin days later.

How long can water sit before bacteria?

Once you have filled the container, it should be tightly sealed and stored in a dark, cool location. The water should be rotated out about every six months. It won't necessarily go "bad," ​but you may get some algae on the container and there is a slight risk of bacterial growth after several months of storage.

Can water get moldy?

Yes, some kinds of mold can grow in water, but it needs specific conditions to do so. To grow, mold requires moisture, warmth, and a food source. So, standing water in a warm location for an extended period can provide an ideal environment for mold growth.

What to do if you accidentally drank bad water?

If you suspect water contamination exposure, immediate medical attention is crucial. Healthcare providers can perform specific tests to identify the contamination source and provide appropriate treatment.

Can you drink 20 year old bottled water?

For the last 21 years, the FDA's stance has been that bottled water can last indefinitely if you store it properly.

Why does my water taste bad after sitting out?

Most noticeable among the changes is that carbon dioxide that dissolves in your water lowers its pH level, meaning it increases its acidity, giving it that stale taste. Is it harmful? No, not unless you have some dangerous gases floating around in your home.

Is it OK to drink 2 weeks old water?

When you leave the glass of water uncovered for about 12 hours, carbon dioxide in the air starts to mix with it. This reduces the pH level of the water and gives it an off taste. But even then this water is safe to drink. Moreover, most experts believe that tap water has a shelf life of six months.

How long can tap water sit before it goes 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).

How long can water sit in a water bottle?

If left in the open, your water may taste slightly different since it will absorb carbon dioxide. For this reason, the recommended period is to consume the water 3 days following the day it was opened. For best refreshment, you can recap your water and store in the fridge, out of sunlight to keep a crisp taste.

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