Yes, you can generally drink 5-day-old water. It's highly unlikely to make you ill, though the taste might be less appealing, especially if left uncovered.
Factors Affecting Water Safety
Several factors influence whether 5-day-old water remains safe:
- Storage Container: A clean, sealed container prevents contamination. Germs from your own mouth are a bigger concern than external sources in most cases. (Source: SELF)
- Storage Location: Avoid leaving water in direct sunlight or areas with potential contaminants.
- Initial Water Quality: If the water source was already contaminated, the risk increases with time.
While water left out overnight, for days, or even a week is generally considered safe, (Source: Quora), it's best to use fresh water whenever possible for optimal taste and to minimize any potential risk. Leaving water uncovered for extended periods can lead to a less desirable taste. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)
Recommendation
For optimal taste and safety, it's recommended to drink water within a day or two of opening the container. While drinking 5-day-old water from a sealed container is unlikely to cause harm, fresh water is always the best choice.
