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Many factors can motivate someone to store drinking water. Natural disasters in the area might threaten your tap water supply. Other people may hold water as a backup in case of a service interruption. Whatever the reason may be, storing water gives many people peace of mind. However, storing water safely takes a little more thought than just keeping a case of bottled water.
Humans cannot survive more than a few days without drinking water. In case of emergency, it is important to understand just how much water needs to be stored. The CDC recommends storing “at least one gallon of water per person, per day for 3 days” (1). For example, a family of four should set aside twelve gallons of water to store–one gallon of water per person, per day.
Families should also take into account special circumstances. More water should be set aside for pregnant women or people who are sick. Pets also need access to drinking water. If you live in a desert or other hot area, it is crucial that additional water is stored to account for the climate.
When you store water, you have two main options to choose from: buying bottled water or filling containers with water. Neither option is inherently better than the other, but both have positives and negatives associated with it.
Buying bottled water
The CDC typically considers bottled water the safest way to store water. Bottled water is purified, and an unopened bottle of water poses little to no risk of microbial growth. It is convenient to buy and store, as opposed to manually filling containers with water.
That being said, storing bottled water is not without its risks. Water bottles are typically made out of thin plastic that can be susceptible to plastic leaching, where heat causes the plastic’s chemicals to seep into the water inside. Even if the bottles are not stored in a hot place, it is important to observe the expiration date to avoid potential microplastic exposure in the water supply (2). Different brands of bottled water have different expiration dates, so make sure to pay attention next time you’re shopping.
Filling containers with water
While bottled water may be more convenient, filling containers with water may be safer–if done correctly. First, ensure that you are storing water in an FDA-approved food-grade container. These containers are usually made of a strong plastic or other material that is not at risk of plastic leaching. Additionally, the container should be durable and tightly sealable to avoid contaminants entering the water supply.
While these containers are not at risk of plastic-leaching, they are not without their risks. Unlike bottled water, containers of water are at risk of algae growth if the water is exposed to heat.
Bottled water can be stored until its expiration date. This can vary from a few months to five years, depending on the brand of water and the quality of the plastic bottle. However, the shelf life of the water depends entirely on how it is stored. If it is stored properly, bottled water will safely last until its expiration day. If it is stored in a hot area, next to chemicals, or in direct sunlight, then its shelf life will be shorter.
If you are storing your water in a container, it is best to change the water every six months. Label the container with the storage date so you know when it’s time to change it.
As previously mentioned, water should only be stored in a cool, dry area. This prevents plastic leaching in bottled water and algae growth in water stored in containers. For the same reason, it is recommended to avoid storing the water in direct sunlight.
Bottled water specifically should be stored away from cleaning products, paint, pesticides, or any other substances with strong vapors that can penetrate plastic and contaminate the water supply (3).
Additionally, water can be frozen and stored in a freezer. This method requires a freezer large enough to store large amounts of water, but it can be helpful in the event of a power outage, as the ice will help keep food cold for longer periods of time.
Even if you follow all the rules of water storage, water changes over time. Contaminants can enter the water supply, seasonal changes may affect the container’s temperature, and the taste may diminish over time. To ensure your stored water is safe to drink, consider purchasing a water filter that is tested to remove the contaminants of concern.
For example, if you are storing bottled water, consider keeping aSeychelle Standard Flip Top Bottle with your stash. This way, if disaster strikes, you can pour your water bottle into the water filter, removing 99.99% of toxic chemicals that may have entered the water supply over time.
Or, if you are storing your water in a container, grab aGravity Bag to store alongside it. When you need to use your stored water, you can pour it into the Gravity Bag to filter out any bacteria and parasites that may have crept into the supply.
Many people store water in case of an emergency. If you, too, are looking to equip your household with safe drinking water for any occasion, it is important to know all the facts. First, water lasts longest in a cool, dry environment. This will prevent plastic leaching and algae build-up, depending on your storage method. Also, abide by expiration dates of bottled water, or change your self-filled water containers every six months for maximum safety. Lastly, for an extra layer of caution, store a lab-tested water filter with your water to make sure your water is contaminant-free, every time.
What is the best way to store water long term?
Storing bottled water or water stored in an FDA-approved food-grade container are the safest ways to store water long term.
How long can water be stored and still be drinkable?
Water bottles can be stored and drinkable up until their expiration date, assuming they are stored properly. Water stored in containers should be replaced every six months.
What are signs that stored water has gone bad?
Water that has gone bad oftentimes has a distinct smell, color, or taste that indicates it has gone bad.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention,https://www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/about/how-to-create-and-store-an-emergency-water-supply.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/creating-storing-emergency-water-supply.html
Emily Swaim,Business Insider,https://www.businessinsider.com/does-bottled-water-go-bad-yes-but-it-probably-wont-harm-you-2023-3
Shuchi Shukla, et. al.,askifas,https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS439
