The general guideline is to use food-grade plastic bottles. You can also use glass bottles so long as they haven't stored non-food items. Stainless steel is another option, but you won't be able to treat your stored water with chlorine, as it corrodes steel.
When storing safe water (water that has been treated to make it safe to use), it is best to use food-grade water storage containers, which do not transfer toxic substances into the water they are holding. FDA-approved food-grade storage containers can be found at surplus or camping supply stores.
Glass is the boss in the reusable water bottle category. It is the safest and best way to store both food and liquids for several reasons. Water in glass bottles isn't affected by any flavor from the container, giving it a “purity of taste” benefit when compared to plastic bottles and other options.
As a general rule, HDPE (plastic #2) is the best type of plastic for water storage containers. Plastics #4 and #5 are also okay for water storage. However, plastics #1, 3, 6, and 7 are not good options because they are weak and/or leach chemicals into the water.
When you're using plastic containers, never store water in them for longer than 3 to 6 months, and keep a close eye for when it starts to become discoloured, cloudy or for any signs of contamination that will make it harmful for consumption.
Fill bottles or jugs directly from the faucet. Cap tightly and label each container with the words "Drinking Water" and the date stored. Store sealed containers in a dark, dry, and cool place. If after six months you have not used the stored water, empty it from the containers and repeat steps 1 through 3 above.
BPA-free water bottles are generally accepted as food-safe, as the plastic water bottles do not leach harmful chemicals into the water like BPA plastics do. They are typically accepted in recycling plants, albeit with some exceptions depending on the bottle type.
Since glass bottles are nonporous, there is far less of a chance for bacteria or other harmful chemicals to leach into your drinking water when compared to plastic water bottles. This is just one of the many benefits of glass bottles rather than plastic.
A stainless steel bottle can keep your water cold or hot for longer hours, while glass cannot. However, both of them can keep your drinks free from chemicals. Both glass and stainless steel bottles are non-corrosive, BPA-free, and leach-proof.
#1 Stainless steel is better for your health
Plastics are packed full of toxic chemicals which can leach into water over time, particularly if the bottle is filled with hot liquids. The most well known of these toxins is Bisphenol A (BPA).
Water stored in thoroughly clean plastic or glass containers can be chemically disinfected for long-term storage by treating each gallon with 4 to 5 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach (Clorox or Purex type bleaches, containing 4% to 6% sodium hypochlorite). One teaspoon of bleach disinfects 5 gallons of water.
Metal bottles are safe to use as long as they are made of high-quality stainless steel and are clean. Unlike plastic, stainless steel is a safe and non-toxic material that won't leach chemicals into your water. Also, metal bottles are more durable.
Are Stainless Steel Water Bottles Safe To Drink From? The safest type of reusable water bottle to drink from is a high-quality stainless steel water bottle. In comparison, reusable stainless steel water bottles are better than plastic or aluminium. Stainless steel is a non-toxic material that doesn't need a liner.
Store in a cool, dark place.
Light and heat can damage containers, especially plastic ones. Sunlight can also cause algae or mold to grow in clear containers, even sealed, store-bought bottles.
Glass Jars are Ideal for Water Storage
One of the great benefits is that it does not harbor bacteria and leach chemicals back into the water. Sterilizing some of your water supply is a great idea.
Another study also found that stainless steel bottles or glasses can leach iron, chromium, nickel and other minerals into alkaline and acidic beverages due to the chemical composition of the metals and the beverages stored in them. These minerals can harm the body and cause toxicity.
Stainless steel is not only a top-quality and durable metal, it is also the safest option for use in your home. Stainless steel emits no toxins and does not react with ingredients.
The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates the bottled water industry, does not require a shelf life for bottled water. That means if bottled water is appropriately stored, it fits for an indefinite amount of time. However, the recommended shelf life for still water is two years, and sparkling water is one year.
Bacteria, fungi and even mold can thrive in a water bottle, thanks mainly to its moist environment. Simply rinsing the bottle out with water isn't sufficient, and care must be taken when cleaning bottles that have attached straws and narrow-mouth lids with lots of nooks and crannies.
Hence, prolonged consumption of water stored in plastic bottles can “cause severe health problems such as hormonal disturbances — in males, it can lead to low sperm count, and early puberty in girls. Even the probability of having liver and breast cancer is higher for people consuming bottled water.
Week-old water is safe to drink as long as the bottle is clean and sealed properly, and stored in an area where there is no direct sunlight. Moreover, you can also store water in a tightly sealed stainless steel bottle for up to 6 months.
BPA can be eliminated by supporting liver detoxification and cultivating a healthy microbiome with organic foods, antioxidants, and specific supplements. Research shows that BPA is excreted in sweat—exercise, sauna therapy, and adequate water intake support this pathway.
The good news is that, according to the Tupperware website, all plastic products that the company has made since 2010 are now FREE from BPA. But sadly, the same can't be said of its older products like sippy cups, drinking glasses, reusable water bottles, food storage boxes and so on.
A near-ubiquitous ingredient in plastic products, BPA is increasingly replaced by cousin chemicals — such as Bisphenol F (BPF) or BPS — due to mounting health concerns.
Commercially packaged water can be stored for about 5 years; home filled stored water should be changed annually. Stored water will go flat but can be aerated prior to consumption by pouring it between two containers a few times.