How long can water sit before it spoils?

Author: Alvis Kohler  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

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 without going bad?

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.

Can I drink 2 week old water?

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.

How long does it take for sitting water to go bad?

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.

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 Go Bad?

How long can water sit in a plastic bottle?

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.

Can I drink 3 year old water bottle?

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.

Is it safe to drink water that sat out overnight?

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 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.

How long does it take for water to turn 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 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 stale water safe to drink?

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.

How long is water safe to drink?

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.

Can you drink 3 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.

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 do you know if water has gone bad?

7 Signs Your Tap Water Might Be Contaminated
  1. Unusual taste. You notice a metallic, oily, or fishy taste.
  2. Chlorine smell. ...
  3. Sulfur smell. ...
  4. A cloudy, foamy look. ...
  5. Low water pressure. ...
  6. Blackening, dirt, or sediments in the sink.
  7. Government advisories and boil warning.

Can water go bad from sitting?

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.

How long does it take to get sick from stagnant water?

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.

What happens if you let water sit for too long?

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.

How long can water sit out before it goes bad?

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.

What should I do if I drank dirty water?

5 Steps to Take if You Consume Contaminated Water
  1. Understand the Source of Contamination. The first step to take if you drink contaminated water is to determine the source of contamination. ...
  2. Contact Local Authorities. ...
  3. Seek Medical Attention. ...
  4. Communicate Transparently. ...
  5. Trust Your Bottleless Water Cooler.

Is it okay to drink water that's been sitting in the car?

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.

Does water in plastic bottles 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.

How long can you store water in 5 gallon jugs?

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.

How long is water safe in plastic bottles?

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.

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