How to Extend Bottled Water Shelf Life
Whether you buy your bottled water in bulk for everyday drinking or you've stockpiled for emergencies, you may be interested in keeping it usable for as long as possible. According to the FDA, water bottled by U.S. companies has an indefinite shelf life for safety. More important is learning to store tap water bottled for emergencies. Learn more about storing bottled water and how to do it yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Chlorine bleach
- Food-grade storage containers or 2-liter soda bottles
- Marker
Instructions
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Extending the life of your bottled tap water
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1
Prepare a proper container. You should purchase a food-grade storage container (available at outdoors stores), or use a 2-liter soda bottle. Do not use old milk or juice containers, which contain acids that erode plastic over long periods.
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2
Wash and sanitize the containers with regular dish soap and water. Rinse completely to remove any residue.
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3
Sanitize the bottle with a solution made of one tablespoon bleach to one quart water. Swish the solution around the inside of the container and rinse thoroughly,
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4
Fill the containers with tap water, being careful to avoid touching the inside of the container or cap with your fingers. If you are using tap water that is not from a municipal source (i.e. if you have well water), treat by adding two drops of chlorine bleach to each gallon.
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5
Write the date on the container, and store it in a cool, dark place. You should replace self-bottled water every six months.
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Tips & Warnings
Manufacturers can opt to put an expiration date on their bottled water, but this reflects a change in the taste of water, not its safety. If it is pure bottled water (not supplemented with flavors or minerals, for instance) it is safe to drink indefinitely. Just store in a cool, dark place to preserve taste.
The Red Cross advises storing enough bottled water for every person in your family for two weeks (one half-gallon per person, per day) plus extra for bathing and cooking.
