Yes, you can drink 2-day-old water, according to available information.
Safety of Stored Water
According to Krogh, water that has been standing out, even for several days, is generally safe to drink, provided it hasn't been contaminated by bacteria from dirty hands or saliva. This means that if your water was clean to begin with and has not been handled improperly, it should be fine to drink, even after two days.
Factors Affecting Water Safety
While age alone isn't the primary concern, there are factors to consider:
- Cleanliness: The most important thing is that the water is initially clean and has not been contaminated. If you used a clean container and haven't put anything into the water, it is more likely to be safe.
- Contamination: Introduction of bacteria from unclean hands, food, or saliva can lead to bacterial growth, potentially making the water unsafe to drink.
- Taste: Water left standing for a couple of days may develop a flat taste but that does not mean it has become unsafe to drink.
Practical Insights and Solutions
Here are some points to keep in mind regarding stored water:
- Covered Storage: Whenever storing water, it's best to keep it covered to prevent dust or other particles from entering.
- Clean Container: Ensure that the storage container is clean.
- Avoid Backwash: If you are drinking directly from a shared bottle, avoid letting saliva go back into the container.
Key Takeaway
| Condition | Safe to Drink |
|---|---|
| Clean & Uncontaminated | Yes |
| Flat Taste | Yes |
| Contaminated | No |
In conclusion, two-day-old water is generally safe to drink if stored properly and not contaminated. It may taste a little different, but the taste change does not indicate that it is unsafe.
