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How do you store purified water?

Quick answer

Store drinking water such as purified water in its sealed original bottle or a clean food-grade container with a tight lid, in a cool place (50 to 70 degrees F), out of direct sunlight and away from fuel, pesticides and other chemicals. Follow the date on store-bought bottles; Ohio State University advises replacing home-filled water every six months.

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In this article
  1. How do you store purified water?
  2. Which container?
  3. How do you prepare a container?
  4. Where should you keep it?
  5. How long does it last?
  6. How much should you store?
  7. Is purified water different?

How do you store purified water?

Ohio State University’s food safety guidance on emergency water gives clear storage rules for drinking water. It is not specific to purified water, but the container and storage advice applies.

Which container?

  • Keep store-bought water in its sealed original bottle.
  • For water you fill yourself, use food-grade containers, which will not leach toxic substances into the water; ask the manufacturer if unsure.
  • If you cannot get one, choose a container with a tight lid, made of unbreakable material (not glass) and with a narrow opening if possible.
  • Never reuse a container that held bleach, pesticides or other toxic chemicals.

How do you prepare a container?

Wash it with soap and rinse well. Sanitize with a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented bleach (5 to 9 percent sodium hypochlorite) per quart of water: shake, leave at least 30 seconds, pour out, air-dry, then fill with clean water.

Where should you keep it?

In a cool area, 50 to 70 degrees F, out of direct sunlight and away from gasoline, pesticides and other toxic substances.

How long does it last?

  • Store-bought water: follow the expiration date on the bottle.
  • Water you fill yourself: replace every six months.
  • Label home containers “drinking water” with the storage date.

Once opened, treat a bottle like any drink: keep the cap on, keep it cool and drink it within a few days. We did not find an official figure for opened bottles, so this is general advice.

How much should you store?

At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, for drinking and sanitation, with a 2-week supply preferred if possible. Store more for pregnant women, sick people, pets or hot climates.

Is purified water different?

The guidance does not single out purified water. As general advice, keep any stored drinking water in a clean, sealed container.

People also ask

How long can purified water be stored?

Follow the date on store-bought bottles. Ohio State advises replacing water you fill yourself every six months.

Where should I keep stored water?

Somewhere cool, 50 to 70 degrees F, out of direct sunlight and away from chemicals.

How much water should I store?

At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days; two weeks is preferred.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. Ohio State University Extension: Creating and storing an emergency water supply, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Aug 2, 2024 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
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