How do you store purified water?
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.
Free download
Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)
How long juice, soda, coconut water and bottled water last, opened and unopened. Every line shows its source and the date we read it. Print it and keep it where you store your drinks.
- Cartons, fresh-squeezed, bottled lemon and lime juice, apple cider
- Soda, mixers, bottled water and drink mixes
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
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.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.



