All About Water
Your complete guide to water - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Water Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for 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.
Tap Water (in clean, covered reusable container, at room temperature)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Cloudiness, visible particles, unusual or musty odors, flat or stale taste, sliminess on container interior.
How to Check
Visually inspect for clarity and absence of particles. Smell for any off-odors. Take a small sip to check for staleness or unusual tastes.
Storage Tips
Use a food-grade, thoroughly cleaned container. Keep it covered to prevent dust, debris, or insects from entering. Avoid direct sunlight, which can promote algal growth.
Tap Water (in clean, covered reusable container, refrigerated)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Flat taste, slight off-odor (often from the container or fridge environment), potential for sliminess if container isn't cleaned regularly.
How to Check
Visually inspect for clarity. Smell for any unusual odors. Take a small sip to check for freshness and absence of off-flavors.
Storage Tips
Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent the water from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Wash the container regularly with soap and hot water.
Bottled Water (unopened, at room temperature/pantry)1-2 years (or 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Degradation of the plastic bottle (cracking, unusual softness), visible particles inside the bottle (rare, indicates seal compromise), strong plastic or chemical odor/taste.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or expiration date on the bottle. Visually inspect the bottle for integrity and the water for clarity. If the bottle appears compromised or the water is cloudy, discard.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong-smelling chemicals (e.g., cleaning supplies, gasoline), as plastic can be permeable to odors.
Bottled Water (opened, at room temperature)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Flat taste, slight off-odor (especially from the bottle opening), potential for bacterial growth from mouth contact (though usually not visible).
How to Check
Smell the water, particularly near the opening, for any off-odors. Taste a small amount for staleness or unusual flavors.
Storage Tips
If drinking directly from the bottle, bacteria from your mouth can transfer to the water, reducing its shelf life. Avoid sharing bottles. Do not refill single-use plastic bottles, as they are not designed for repeated cleaning.
Bottled Water (opened, refrigerated)3-5 days (if consumed directly from bottle); 5-7 days (if poured into a glass)
Signs of Spoilage
Flat taste, potential absorption of fridge odors, slight off-odor if left too long.
How to Check
Smell for any off-odors. Taste a small amount for freshness and absence of foreign flavors.
Storage Tips
Keep the bottle tightly capped to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors. If drinking directly from the bottle, the shelf life is shorter due to potential bacterial introduction.
Filtered Water (from pitcher/dispenser, refrigerated)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Flat or stale taste, musty or off-odors, sliminess or biofilm on the interior of the pitcher/dispenser, visible particles or algae if not cleaned regularly.
How to Check
Visually inspect the water and the interior of the pitcher/dispenser for clarity, particles, or sliminess. Smell for any unusual odors. Taste a small amount for freshness.
Storage Tips
Regularly clean the pitcher or dispenser according to the manufacturer's instructions. Change water filters as recommended to ensure effective filtration and prevent bacterial buildup within the filter itself. Keep the pitcher/dispenser covered.