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It happens to us all. We come indoors from a hot, humid day that seems to leave us thirsty as though our body had sprung a leak. You walk, running almost to the bottle of water you remembered seeing on your desk, Yes the one that has been there forever and a day. You open the top and take a sip with the intent of feeling refreshed and renewed, but instead you notice that the water tastes...off.

You don't quite know what it is, or how it could possibly have happened, but inexplicably the water in the bottle seems to have gone bad! But water does not come with an expiry date...does it?

Indeed it does... sort of. You see what happens is not that the water 'expires' so much as it gets contaminated in one of two ways. The first way is when you leave water in an open container at room temperature for an extended period of time. Under these circumstances, you effectively provide a breeding ground for bacteria, algae and, most commonly, mosquitoes. The second way of contamination is where the container you store water in starts to leach chemicals into the water it is holding. The second reason is why all bottles have been boasting about being 'BPA Free' for the last two or so years. So how exactly do you prevent this from happening?



  1. Store Water Long Term Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    Select a 'food grade' container such as glass, stainless steel and polyethylene plastic are considered to be food grade. When in doubt, you can always use the 5 gallon (18.9 L) plastic jugs you see on water dispensing machines. The largest containers are the FDA approved, 55 gallon (208.2 L) polyethylene drums.
  2. Store Water Long Term Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    Be sure to store water in a clean container, i.e. wash it out thoroughly prior to storing water. If using a glass bottle, you can use hot water to do so. This kills any biological contaminants that the bottle may contain.
  3. Store Water Long Term Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    Also, take the time to boil the water to be stored. You are looking to bring it to a rolling boil, sustain it for a few minutes to kill existing bacteria and/or larvae in the water.
  4. Store Water Long Term Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    You may also choose to chlorinate the water with 16 drops of unscented chlorine bleach (e.g. Clorox or Purex) per gallon on water to prevent the growth of micro-organisms.
  5. Store Water Long Term Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    Seal the container tightly, and place it away from sunlight, basements are the best places. If using a plastic container, store away from gasoline, kerosene and pesticides, as vapors from them can permeate the plastic if it is thin enough.

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  • For extra protection use a filter when filling the containers.
  • Be sure to date all water containers to keep a track of how long you have had it stored.
  • Glass is thoroughly impermeable but heavy.
  • Change the cleaned, stored water every 3-5 years.
  • Plastic is more durable than glass and lighter.
  • When in doubt about whether a particular container is food grade, you can contact your local water authority for advice.


  • If you notice a leak or hole in the containers after having stored the water, do not drink from the container.
  • Do not use non food grade containers to store water.

Things You'll Need

  • Food grade containers made of Glass or FDA approved plastic
  • Unscented liquid chlorine bleach

Article Info

Categories: Water Conservation Solutions

In other languages:

Español: Cómo almacenar agua por largo tiempo, Português: Como Armazenar Água a Longo Prazo

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