Keep stored water in a place with a cool temperature (50–70°F). Do not store water containers in direct sunlight. Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances, such as gasoline or pesticides, are present.

If properly stored, water will not spoil. The contamination that gets into it is what actually makes water go bad. The truth is that it can and does become contaminated over time. Bacteria, Algae, and other Pathogens are often what contaminates water storage and causes it to “actually go bad”.

Culinary water (tap water) is what is usually stored for long term storage. If you have a clean, opaque container where the light cannot get through and your water is bacteria-free when you store it you probably don’t need to treat it further. Under these conditions the water actually gets more pure as it is stored.

Sanitize every 6-8 weeks with a gallon of hot water mixed with a 1/2 oz of household bleach. If the inside of the bottle shows signs of bio-film (‘green goo’), you can also add rice or beans with the hot water and it will scrape the inside of the bottle. Shake mixture vigorously inside bottle, then let stand 5 minutes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the bottled water industry, does not require a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly, but we recommend no more than two years for non-carbonated water, and one year for sparkling water.

With the drastic difference in price, many people wonder why bottled water is so much more expensive than tap water. The truth is, the price has less to do with the water itself and everything to do with the manufacturing, transportation, and advertising costs associated with producing each bottle.

When it comes to the shelf life of an open bottle, 2 to 3 days is recommended for the best quality….How Long Does Water Last.