Purified water, when properly stored, can last indefinitely. However, several factors influence its drinkability and safety.
Factors Affecting Purified Water Shelf Life
- Storage Container: Using capped plastic or glass containers prevents contamination. Avoid metal containers as they can rust and leach into the water. [Source: 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.]
- Disinfectants: While disinfection ensures initial safety, the effectiveness of disinfectants diminishes over time. Replacing the water every six months is a recommended practice. [Source: Because the disinfectant that was in the water when you stored it will slowly go away, replacing the water every six months is recommended.]
- Temperature: Higher temperatures can degrade the quality of plastic bottled water. [Source: Plastic bottled water depends on the temperature it is kept at, since higher temps mean...]
- Opened vs. Unopened: Unopened bottled water, stored correctly, has a longer shelf life. Opened bottles are generally safe for a few days, but refrigeration is recommended. [Source: If you have opened a bottle of water and taken a drink from it, it is generally safe to drink the rest of the water for up to a few days,...]
- Manufacturer Recommendations: While the FDA doesn't require expiration dates on bottled water, many manufacturers recommend consumption within two years of the manufacturing date. [Source: Water Boy recommends consuming any bottled water within 2 years of the manufactured date unless properly stored using the strategies below.; To keep you safe, many bottled water companies will print a two year expiration date on the bottle, although there's really no precise way to predict exactly...]
Best Practices for Storing Purified Water
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Use clean, sealed containers.
- Rotate your water supply regularly, replacing older bottles with newer ones.
- Consider adding a date label to each container.
Conclusion:
While indefinitely drinkable under ideal conditions, regular replacement is advised for optimal purity and safety.
