How many times have you noticed that you are drinking water that has been sitting on your desk, nightstand or office for hours or even days? Although experts often warn us about the shelf life of food and drinks, water is completely harmless.
However, the way it is stored can affect its taste, quality and even safety. Standing water changes its taste and can pick up microorganisms from the surrounding area, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically dangerous. Factors such as whether the water has been covered, how long it has been standing, and what material it is made of are important, as these all affect its safety and quality.
Several changes occur during standing water. Water in a glass that stands overnight can change the taste slightly, as the carbon dioxide from the air creates a weak acid. In addition, every sip of water introduces bacteria from the mouth, so sharing water with other people can increase the risk of illness, especially if the water is exposed to heat.
As for tap water, it contains chlorine, which destroys microorganisms, but it evaporates after prolonged contact with air. The material of the bottle is also very important. Plastic bottles can release antimony and phthalates, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat. Disposable bottles are not recommended for repeated use due to the possible release of chemicals and microplastics. Reusable glass or metal bottles are safest, although metal ones heat up quickly, which can encourage bacterial growth.
Basically, water that has been standing for a day or two is usually safe to drink, although it may have an unpleasant taste. If you want to be sure that you drink high-quality water, follow a few simple rules. Unless you’re sharing water with others at the gym and letting it sit for weeks, it’s probably safe to drink water that’s a day or two old. For maximum safety, pour fresh water every day and clean the bottle regularly – the water will taste better and you will drink more.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
