How to store spring water?
Keep unopened bottled spring water in a cool place out of direct sunlight and follow the expiration date on the bottle. If you fill your own containers with tap water, the CDC says to label them with the date and replace the water every six months. Store them at 50 to 70 degrees F, away from gasoline and pesticides.
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In this article
Where should I store bottled water?
The CDC calls unopened, commercially bottled water the safest and most reliable source of water in an emergency. It says to observe the expiration date on store-bought water. Its page does not give separate rules for spring water, so the same advice applies to bottled spring water.
How long can stored water last?
For bottled water, the CDC points to the date on the bottle. For tap water you store yourself, it says to replace it every six months. We found no official source that gives a fixed number of years for unopened bottled water.
What is the best place to keep it?
- A cool place, 50 to 70 degrees F.
- Out of direct sunlight.
- Away from toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides.
Can I store tap water at home?
Yes. The CDC advises FDA-approved food-grade containers. If you cannot get them, choose a container with a tight lid, made of durable, unbreakable material (the CDC says not glass) and never one that held bleach or pesticides. That also answers whether glass jars are a good idea: the CDC advises against glass for emergency storage.
How do I clean a container first?
- Wash it with soap and rinse completely.
- Sanitize it with 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household bleach (5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite) in 1 quart of water.
- Cover tightly and shake so the solution touches every inside surface.
- Wait at least 30 seconds, pour it out and let the container air-dry.
- Fill with clean water, seal tightly, then label it “drinking water” with the date.
How much should I keep?
The CDC recommends at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, and a 2-week supply if possible. Keep more for pregnant women, sick people, pets or hot weather. Use a clean scoop each time and do not touch the water with your hands.
People also ask
How long can you store spring water?
Follow the expiration date on store-bought bottled water, says the CDC. Tap water you store yourself should be replaced every six months. We found no official source giving a longer fixed shelf life for unopened bottles.
Can you store tap water for drinking?
Yes. The CDC says to use clean food-grade containers, label them with the date, keep them cool and out of sunlight, and replace the water every six months.
Is it safe to store water in glass jars?
For emergency storage the CDC advises containers made of durable, unbreakable material, and it says not glass. It does not discuss everyday use of glass jars.
Sources
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