All About Filtered water
Your complete guide to filtered water - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Filtered water Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for filtered water in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Opened Bottled Filtered Water (Room Temperature)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
A slightly stale or 'off' taste, a faint smell (though rare for water), or, if left for too long, a subtle sliminess around the bottle rim. Visible particles or cloudiness if significant contamination occurred.
How to Check
Take a small sip to check for any unusual taste. Visually inspect for clarity and any foreign particles. If you've drunk directly from the bottle, saliva can introduce bacteria, significantly shortening its freshness. If unsure, discard.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, avoid drinking directly from the bottle repeatedly; instead, pour into a clean glass. Keep the cap tightly sealed when not in use to prevent airborne contamination. For longer storage after opening, it's best to refrigerate.
Filtered Water in a Pitcher/Container (Refrigerator)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
A slightly stale or 'off' taste, a faint slimy film on the inside surfaces of the pitcher or dispenser (especially if not cleaned regularly), or, rarely, visible specks or cloudiness if the container or filter is compromised.
How to Check
Taste the water for freshness. Visually inspect the pitcher for any film or particles, especially around the waterline. The cold temperature significantly slows down microbial growth, but it doesn't stop it indefinitely.
Storage Tips
Always use a clean, food-grade pitcher or container. Ensure the lid is kept on to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors and airborne contaminants. Clean the pitcher thoroughly with soap and water every few days, even if it looks clean, to prevent biofilm buildup. Replace filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Filtered Water in a Pitcher/Container (Room Temperature)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
A stale taste, potential for faint sliminess on the inside of the container (especially if exposed to light or warmth, or if the container is not perfectly clean), or a slight off-smell.
How to Check
Taste the water for freshness. Visually inspect the container for any film or particles. Warmer temperatures accelerate potential microbial growth more rapidly than refrigeration.
Storage Tips
Keep the container covered to prevent dust and airborne contaminants. Avoid direct sunlight, which can promote algae growth. For best taste and safety, consume within 24 hours. If you notice any sliminess or off-tastes, discard the water and thoroughly clean and sanitize the container before refilling. Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.
Unopened Bottled Filtered Water (Pantry/Room Temperature)Indefinitely (beyond 'best by' date), but 1-2 years for optimal taste and bottle integrity.
Signs of Spoilage
No spoilage of the water itself. Look for physical damage to the bottle (cracks, leaks, bulging), a broken seal, or, very rarely, unusual particles or discoloration within the sealed bottle.
How to Check
Visually inspect the bottle for any signs of damage or tampering. Check that the seal is intact. The 'best by' date primarily relates to the quality and integrity of the plastic bottle over time, not the water's safety, which remains potable as long as the seal is unbroken and the bottle undamaged.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong-smelling chemicals (like cleaners or gasoline), as plastic bottles can be permeable to odors and certain chemicals over long periods. Water itself does not spoil, but the container can degrade or allow contaminants in.