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).
Storage Duration: While pure water can remain safe indefinitely, it's generally recommended to consume stored water within six months to a year to ensure its quality. For the best practice, store water in a cool, dark place in clean, food-grade containers.
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.
After 24 hours, it's likely that the chlorine will have evaporated and bacteria may begin to grow, although this depends on the amount of water, the temperature it's stored at, and the amount of chlorine in it.
✅ 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.
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.
This is because water has an indefinite expiration period, and depends mostly on how you store your bottled water. With that in mind, Water Boy recommends consuming any bottled water within 2 years of the manufactured date unless properly stored using the strategies below.
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.
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.
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 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.
Stale water is rarely harmful unless it has been left out for an extended period or contaminated. Its taste may change, but this doesn't necessarily mean it's unsafe.
Generally, tap water stored in a clean, tightly sealed plastic container can remain safe to drink for several days to a few weeks. However, if the container is exposed to sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, or if it's not properly sealed, the water's quality may deteriorate more quickly.
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.
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.
Water in a glass left out on the counter doesn't "go bad" in the way food does, but it can become less desirable to drink over time for several reasons: Dust and debris: Over time, dust, particles, or small insects can settle into the water, making it less hygienic.
Symptoms may appear as early as a few hours to several days after infection and may last more than two weeks. These symptoms, however, are not just associated with disease-causing organisms in drinking water; they may also be caused by several other factors.
The longer you leave a glass of water on a table, the more debris - like dust - it collects. And there's also surface scum…even if you can't see it, it could introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the mix.
But if you've ever swigged a sip of day-old water from bedside your bed or on your desk and wondered why it tastes funny, that's because after about 12 hours it goes flat and, as carbon dioxide from the air interacts with the H2O in your glass, it slightly lowering its pH.
Drinking water from a bottle that has been sitting in a hot car may be harmful to your health. If the bottle contains BPA or has been opened, it's best to avoid it. Opting for an insulated reusable water bottle is your best bet. Make sure to clean your bottle between uses.
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.
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.
Does bottled water have a shelf life? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, has determined that there is no limit to the shelf life of bottled water. Thus, FDA does not require an expiration date for bottled water products.