How to properly store drinking water

Introduction

Water is the basis of life, so ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is of paramount importance. Properly storing drinking water is a major aspect of maintaining its quality and safety.

Whether you are storing water for emergencies, outdoor recreation, or everyday use, following certain rules and guidelines is vital to keeping it clean. In this article, we’ll go over the basic rules for storing drinking water, including information on its shelf life.

Choosing the right container

Choosing the right container for storing water is the first step in keeping it safe. Containers should be made of food-grade materials, such as polycarbonate or polypropylene, that do not release harmful chemicals into the water. Do not use containers that have previously held non-food substances, such as chemicals or detergents, as they may retain residual contaminants.

Cascade water is supplied in containers made of polycarbonate. It is durable and completely safe for food applications.

Cleanliness is the key to success

Before storing water, wash the container thoroughly with water and mild detergent and rinse it several times so that no soap residue remains. This pre-cleaning is very important to prevent foreign matter from entering the stored water.

The Cascade production line contains a fully automated tank washing unit. The human factor is completely eliminated.

Use fresh water

Fill containers with clean drinking water from a reliable source. Tap water is often not of the highest quality and it is better to use filtered or purified water. Avoid using water from swimming pools, rivers or other questionable sources as it may contain harmful bacteria, viruses or chemicals.

We have collected arguments for using purified water in a special article.

Stock rotation

Stored water can acquire an extraneous unpleasant taste and odor, such as musty, after its shelf life has expired. To prevent this, rotate your water supply regularly. To make this process easier, label the containers with the date of filling.

Properly close containers

To prevent contaminants and maintain water quality, water storage containers should be tightly closed. Many containers have screw-on lids, but you can use airtight devices or food-grade plastic wrap secured with rubber bands for added protection.

Store water in a cool, dark place

Proper storage conditions are key to preserving water quality. Store containers of water in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Exposure to sunlight and heat can promote the growth of algae and bacteria in the water.

Keep water containers elevated

By elevating water containers above floor level, you can prevent them from possible contamination by pests, dirt, or flood water. Place containers on shelves, pallets or wooden blocks so they are not standing on the floor.

Inspect and maintain the containers regularly

Inspect water storage containers periodically to ensure they are intact and free of damage. Look for signs of leaks, cracks or wear and replace any damaged containers immediately.

If you use the same water container for a long time, you should clean it regularly with detergent. Read more about our cleaning process in a separate article.

Every container we use undergoes a mandatory inspection to ensure that it is not damaged.

Know the shelf life of your purified water

The shelf life of purified drinking water depends on several factors, including the quality of the source water, water treatment methods, the type of container used and storage conditions.

The established shelf life for a sealed bottle of 18.9 Cascade water is three months. When open, water should be stored for no more than two weeks.

Conclusion

Proper storage of drinking water is key to a reliable and safe water supply, especially in emergency situations or when access to clean water is limited.

Following these basic rules and knowing how long to store treated water allows you to maintain the quality and safety of your stored water, providing peace of mind and health for yourself and your loved ones. Remember that clean and safe water is a valuable resource, and a responsible attitude to its storage is the key to good health.