Can You Get Sick from Drinking Old Water?

We must drink enough water to keep our bodies hydrated since it is vital to our survival. The safety and absence of dangerous chemicals in the water we drink, however, is equally crucial. It might be dangerous to drink old water because it might contain dangerous germs or other toxins that can make you ill.

Old water is water that has been kept in storage for a long time, and how long it has been kept in storage might affect the quality of the water. Water can grow germs and other microbes if it is kept in a container that hasn’t been properly cleaned or sealed. As a result, the water could become tainted and dangerous to drink.

It is crucial to preserve water properly to guarantee its safety for consumption. Water should be maintained in a cold, dry location in a clean, airtight container. To avoid the accumulation of germs and other impurities, it is also crucial to routinely clean the container.

Use of emergency drinking water may be required under dire circumstances, such as natural catastrophes or power outages. Water that has been treated to remove dangerous impurities and is suitable for ingestion is emergency drinking water. Bleach is one approach to treat water. Add 8 drops of bleach, or 1/8 teaspoon, to a gallon of water to treat it, then let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking.

Make sure that the water is lead-free when purchasing bottled water. Pipes, plumbing components, and even some kinds of water bottles can release lead into the water. The majority of bottled water companies follow the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulation of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for lead content. To make sure the water is safe to drink, it is crucial to check the labels and pick a renowned brand.

Due to panic buying during the COVID-19 outbreak, bottled water has recently become hard to get in stores. It is crucial to remember that most places still allow drinking of tap water. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controls tap water regulations and establishes safety guidelines. You can ask your neighborhood water supplier for a water quality assessment if you’re not sure how good your tap water is.

In conclusion, drinking stale water runs the risk of making you ill, so adequate water storage is crucial to avoid contamination. Using emergency drinking water that has been bleach-treated may be necessary in dire circumstances. Making sure that bottled water is lead-free and selecting a reliable brand are crucial. Last but not least, tap water is typically safe to drink. However, if you are concerned about the quality of your local water supply, you can ask them to provide you with a water quality report.