Can water in the fridge go bad?

Author: Bessie Cassin  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Assuming it hasn't been left in a plastic container in the sun or sitting stagnant in the fridge, it won't “go bad” unless any potential contaminates are already in/on the container or the tap water itself. I did a few google searches and the general consensus is a week.

How long does water in the fridge last?

If needed, open water bottles should be stored in the fridge to slow bacterial growth. According to the shelf-life gurus at Still Tasty, a continuously refrigerated bottle of water can maintain quality for four to six days after opening.

Is it bad to leave water in the fridge?

Water itself doesn't go bad in the fridge, but its quality can be affected by various factors, such as the container it's stored in and the environment around it. Here are some key points: Plain Water: If stored in a clean, airtight container, plain water can last indefinitely in the fridge.

How long can water stay in a fridge dispenser?

If you do not use the water dispenser for 2-3 days, the dispensed water may have an abnormal smell or taste. This is not a system failure. It is recommended to discard the first 1-2 glasses of water. For other situations, please check below.

How long can I keep filtered water in the fridge?

It's important to note that warm temperatures can encourage the growth of bacteria, while exposure to sunlight can stimulate algal growth in the water. Refrigerated: Filtered water can typically be stored in a clean, covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

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Is it safe to drink water from fridge with old filter?

Health Risks: Drinking from an old filter can expose individuals to harmful chemicals and heavy metals that the filter was initially designed to remove. This can lead to health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

Can you drink 5 day 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.

Does refrigerated bottled water go bad?

Technically, water doesn't go bad, but plastic bottles can. Over time, bottles are subject to degradation. If kept under ideal storage conditions, however, bottled water can remain fresh for several years. There are a few factors that can influence the shelf life of bottled water.

Can water spoil fridge?

Water inside your fridge is a recipe for trouble. It can lead to mold, bad smells, and wreck the insulation. Here's the lowdown: Mold Growth: Mold loves wet spots and can spread like wildfire.

Can water in a dispenser go bad?

Bacterial growth: Over time, your water dispenser can quickly become a hotbed of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella or E. coli, especially if positioned in direct sunlight. These bacteria thrive in moist or humid environments and contaminate drinking water.

Can water grow bacteria in the fridge?

Bacterial growth was markedly reduced at cold temperatures (refrigeration) compared with room temperature, with 50% fewer bacterial colonies in 24 hours and 84% fewer colonies in 48 hours. Interestingly, tap water resulted in only minimal growth, especially at cold temperatures (< 100 col/mL at 48 hours).

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.

Why shouldn't we drink fridge water?

One of the main reasons to avoid drinking chilled water is because it has a serious implication on your digestion. Chilled water as well as some cold beverages contract the blood vessels and also restrict digestion. The natural process of absorbing nutrients during digestion is hindered when you consume chilled water.

Is it OK to leave water in the fridge?

Tap water that's been treated with chlorine to disinfect it can be stored in the fridge for around 24 hours and still be safe to drink, according to Water UK - the organisation representing water and wastewater service providers. It's best stored in a sealed glass bottle to prevent any contamination.

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 often should you change fridge water?

Refrigerator water filters are one of the best, most cost-effective ways to ensure your family is drinking clean, fresh-tasting water, but they need to be changed every six months. After six months, three things can start happening: Your filter becomes easily susceptible to becoming saturated with contaminants.

Can water in the fridge grow mold?

A moldy refrigerator water dispenser could happen to anyone if that water spout isn't properly taken care of. This Halloween-ish threat is why every refrigerator owner or renter has to up their cleaning game and make sure these dispensers of water (and sometimes ice) are kept free from mold growth and bacteria.

How long can you keep still water in the fridge?

Can I boil water and set it aside for later? Boiled water can be stored in a clean, closed container at room temperature for 24-hours. But make sure it's out of direct sunlight. If you're storing boiled water in a sealed container in the fridge, it can be safely kept for three days.

Can water spoil a fridge compressor?

Remember, moisture in your refrigeration system is not a friend. It can lead to a lot of issues like freezing, reduced efficiency, and even damage to your equipment.

Can I drink 10 year old bottled water?

✅ 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.

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.

How long can I keep bottled tap water in the fridge?

Just remember water in the fridge needs to be changed every day, or used within 24 hours.

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.

Can you drink 3 week old bottled water?

Bottled water's expiration date warns when leached chemicals will begin to affect the water's taste. Drinking expired water probably won't harm you, especially if the water was stored properly.

How long is stored water safe to drink?

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).

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