I just came across this site while browsing around on the internet and it claims bottled water is good for only a year to two and tap water is only good for a matter of days. I was wondering if this sounded fishy to anyone else considering I've always been told water doesn't go "bad" just stale tasting. What is really weird is that it is from Virginia tech university and from a food science department?

http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/348/348-960/348-960.html

I put up tap water in 5 and 7 gallon containers and it keeps at least a year (I replace it then, just because). I put about a capfull (more or less) of plain chlorox bleach in the container each time I refill it.

I've also kept bottled water (in the hard plastic sport bottles) for years, and nothing grew in it....I actually sent one off after a few years to be analyzed.

Hummm... Just how long does it take for Water to Evaporate from a certain container? Because that is THE only way "Water can Expire".

I do understand that many plastic water containers can leach out some harmfull chemicals into the water they store. This does take time and any "Expiration Date" would only reflect this aspect of water storage. On the other side of this container issue, is there are many types of water containers that are strict chemical grade plastics and metals and do not leach any chemicals into what they are storing.

{As a note; Keep in mind the nature of "Water", it is one of the very few sustances that is both an Acid and a Base, at the same time.}

But "Water" itself, cannot ever "Expire" other than to "Evaporate" or become contaminated.

Michael

Is the bleach part neccessary for storage?

It's not a bad idea, to keep it clean. Especially if there will be any light where you store it.

You can use a carbon filter, or just let the container sit open for a day or two to get rid of the chlorine when you use it, if you want: It's really a small amount.