What is the best container to store water in? How to store drinking water in plastic How to store drinking water at home.
This is such a simple question, it would seem. If you need to transport or store purified water, what is the best way to do this? Of course, if transportation takes 10 minutes, then the question posed in the title of this article is not worth a damn. But, if you need to store a supply of water, say, for a day?
So, let's not beat around the bush, but get straight to the point:
1. The best place to store water is glass containers. Yes, ordinary glass is the least aggressive medium in principle; it does not react with water and does not spoil it in any way. The disadvantage of glass is its weight and fragility.
2. Stainless steel- the second best container for transporting and storing clean water. Stainless steel is an extremely low-chemically active alloy, so water in such containers does not acquire any odor or color in most cases (when using a high-quality alloy, of course). It’s not for nothing that expensive flasks use stainless steel alloys; moreover, such containers are not subject to accidental destruction due to impacts, pressure, or falls.
3. Aluminium alloy. Oddly enough, this is the most practical material. Despite the fact that water in aluminum containers acquires a distinct metallic taste, it does not have harmful properties. Aluminum is light and quite strong, aluminum flasks are extremely durable (it’s not for nothing that army units use aluminum flasks). But, over time, deposits may appear inside the aluminum container, which must be periodically removed by washing.
4. Well, in last place in terms of priority of use is plastic container. This is a simple, accessible and cheap way to transport and store water. Light weight and ease of production made this container extremely popular.
However, it is useful to know that plastic (food grade) is also different, and not every container should be used. You can determine the suitability of the plastic by the marking (usually on the bottom) in the form of a triangle with arrows and a number inside (and an abbreviation below it). Security (from top to bottom):
| polypropylene | low density polyethylene |
| food containers, syringes, toys, shakers | bags (garbage), some containers |
| safely | relatively safe |
| polyethylene terephthalate | high density polyethylene | other types of plastic |
| water bottles, cosmetics, water bottles | disposable tableware, containers for cleaning products | water bottles, toys, packaging |
| practically safe | conditionally safe | usually safe |
That is, the safest containers are those with the number “5” (PP - polypropylene) and “4” (LDPE - low-density polyethylene). And the most dangerous (which should not be used in principle) are “3” (PVC or V - polyvinyl chloride, also known as technical plastic) and “6” (PS - polystyrene, not suitable for reuse in anything, as it emits a carcinogen in the form of styrene). And the most common type of plastic is “1” (PETE), almost 100% of water and lemonade bottles are made from it.
Well, to get clean water in our world, you need a filtration system. Without water purification, any container causes less harm to your body, rest assured of this.
Water plays an important role in the biochemical processes occurring in the human body. Our health and well-being directly depend on the quality of drinking water. If you don't know how to store water That's right, you can do a lot of harm to your health.
Everyone knows that spring water, which has an excellent taste, is the most beneficial. City dwellers, far from natural springs, drink tap water, which is chlorinated to protect against pathogenic bacteria. But this does not save you from harmful microorganisms. To avoid unpleasant consequences, tap water must be boiled or passed through a filter.
What and where to store water
The quality of water is greatly influenced by the container, storage location and temperature. Research by scientists has proven that the molecules of the materials that make up storage containers have different effects on the structure of water molecules. Therefore, it is important what the water is poured into.
It is recommended to store large amounts of water (for example, in the country) in wooden or ceramic containers. Thanks to their properties, water remains drinkable for up to 3 days.
Silver ions have a positive effect on preserving the molecular structure of water, and accordingly on its quality. Silver containers are the best for storing water.
Meaning of Sunlight
When thinking about how to store water, we must not forget about the influence of light.
According to scientists, the content of structural elements in unboiled water gradually decreases in the dark. And, conversely, under the influence of scattered light, changes occur in a positive direction. It has also been noticed that if tap water is poured into a glass decanter and allowed to sit well in diffused sunlight, its structure remains almost unchanged throughout the day. While in a plastic bottle stored in the refrigerator, changes for the worse occur after 10 minutes. Therefore, it is healthier to store water in the light.
Optimal temperature for storing water
The most acceptable temperature is 7-12 degrees. It slows down the proliferation of microorganisms, remains transparent and quenches thirst well.
Mineral water can be stored at a lower temperature - from 4 to 10 degrees. Glass bottles must be in a horizontal position.
Water in a plastic bottle is stored in the refrigerator. In summer, at temperatures above 30 degrees, plastic begins to release toxic substances into the water.
So, in order not to harm your health and enjoy drinking water, it is best to store water in a silver or glass container in diffused sunlight at a temperature no higher than 15 degrees.
Clean drinking water is the most important resource for humans. Proper storage of drinking water is no less important than the choice of water itself.
Drinking water storage conditions
To preserve the properties of drinking water, it is recommended to store it at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees, but not in direct sunlight. Remember also that when stored for a long time, water loses its quality, so you shouldn’t stock up on it too much for future use. Acceptable storage periods for drinking water depend on the container used. If you buy bottled water, always pay attention to the shelf life indicated by the manufacturer and do not violate it.
Containers for storing drinking water
Today there are many types of containers to choose from: plastic, clay, metal, glass. Water can be safely stored in a glass container for up to 3 years. In principle, this is the most recommended option, but not always practical. A small amount of water (up to 50 liters) can be stored in a special plastic container with screw-on lids. And if you need to store a large amount of water, then it is better to use a spare container made of food-grade plastic or specially treated metal. Melamine containers are the most dangerous: although they are aesthetically pleasing and durable, they emit harmful substances when in contact with water.
If you buy and store water in a plastic bottle, pay attention to its composition. The safest containers are bottles made of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). But the content of bisphenol A (BPA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is fraught with the release of toxins after 5-7 days. And reuse of such containers is prohibited.
By observing the basic requirements for storing drinking water, you ensure the preservation of its beneficial properties and safety for the body.
On the issue of long-term storage of drinking water, two patterns are clearly visible. We have become more concerned about proper nutrition and drinking quality drinking water, and living conditions in a big city simply force us to do this.
Nowadays, few city dwellers would risk drinking water from the tap, and using it without purification for cooking is even scary. Hence the use of all kinds of home filters, the purchase of high-quality drinking water in supermarkets and stores, and the need to stock and store water at home.
In addition, city residents, of course, visit public places of recreation: cafes, canteens, restaurants, where the need for clean drinking water is no less. But here visitors have to take it on faith that clean drinking water is used to prepare first courses, and sometimes second or numerous berry drinks.
How serious is the storage problem?
Let's think... You always need clean drinking water at home. In addition to quenching thirst, cooking, properly and healthy “watering” for children, you can remember something else. For example, driving around the city in a car in the summer without water is not always a joy.
Travels far and near... Trips to the dacha, to the river, or just for relaxation are in no way complete without a bottle of water. What if 3-4 people go on such a trip? That's right, the number of liters of liquid should be greater. And if it’s a car trip to the southern regions, when you don’t know what will be in roadside stores. Of course, it is better to travel with your proven water supplies.
In general, as they merrily sang in one wonderful Soviet comedy film: “Because without water - neither here nor here!” And one cannot but agree with this.
Proper storage
For long-term and proper storage of drinking water, conditions related to lighting, ambient temperature and container (or container) must be met.
Ideal storage conditions are:
- dark place;
- temperature from 15 – 25 C?;
- glass or aluminum container.
But we agree that storing water or taking it with you in a glass container is very inconvenient (it’s heavy and the volumes are small). And the solution seems to be to widely and massively use plastic containers (bottles, bottles and small bottles).
Storage in plastic
Containers in which water will be stored must be made of food-grade plastic. The label of such a bottle should be marked PET (polyethylene terephthalate - plastic not dangerous to humans). There is also a PVC marking. - This is a material with toxic properties. The containers are suitable for storing detergents, but not for drinking water.
Containers made of melamine and white dense plastic are absolutely not suitable for storing drinking water. Their purpose is to store technical fluids. Such containers are visually recognizable (especially by car enthusiasts) and when tapped, they emit a dull, low sound.
If there is no information on a plastic bottle about what material it is made of, all this can be checked. It is enough to press and run your fingernail over the surface, the PET bottle will be restored, and a characteristic white mark will remain on the PVC container.
Additional storage conditions
Drinking water often comes to us from the store, which means we need to carefully read the label and pay attention to the following:
- preservation method. There are three of them: with antibiotic, carbonation, ozonation. 1st increases shelf life well, but this water can destroy human immunity. The other two are harmless, but after opening the container, the water must be used within several days;
- spill period. The closer it is, the more useful substances are retained in the water;
- spill site. It is better if the water is stored in your area, and the path to the store is not far, and in terms of shelf life, this is good.
In general, drinking water in stores in sealed containers, in the right conditions (dark place, temperature 15-25 C?) can be kept from 6 to 12 months without losing its beneficial properties. If we approach the storage of drinking water with all seriousness, we must remember that after the “store” container has been unsealed and all the liquid has been used, it is not very advisable to use the same container for re-storing water. Because even PET containers, after about a week, begin to saturate the water with a harmful substance: vinyl chloride. So, it would be more correct to use plastic bottles for disposable use or as containers for short-term storage of drinking water. It is better to contact trusted suppliers, for example, you can order water for your office from the company Raiske Dzherelo - the quality there is at a good level.
Let's sum it up
Drinking water can be stored in plastic containers for up to 12 months, provided that bottling and packaging were carried out in the factory. In order for the liquid to retain its properties, storage conditions (darkness and temperature) must be observed.
At home, storing drinking water in “plastic” is only permissible for a short time (up to 10 days). When traveling, plastic bottles are suitable for water supplies, but, say, after a week you need to get rid of such containers. For long-term storage of water, glass containers must be used.
If it is poured into a low-quality container, contaminants or harmful chemicals from the bottle will get into the water. Water can not only acquire an unpleasant odor and taste, but also become hazardous to health.
Many doctors and nutritionists categorically state that drinking water should only be purchased in glass containers. All arguments boil down to the fact that when it reacts with water, plastic immediately begins to release harmful substances.
On the one hand, yes, glass is the safest container; it does not react with water, even if the bottle gets very hot. On the other hand, it is absolutely not suitable for transporting water in 19 liter bottles.
The ideal material in this case is polycarbonate. And here questions arise about phenol A and regular Pat - is there a difference?
Let's figure it out:
The Research Institute of Ecology and Hygiene conducted an examination and found that besphenol A does not pass into cold water;
For besphenol A to cause harm to the body, a person must eat and drink at least 600 kg of food and water every day that has come into contact with polycarbonate;
Subject to the rules and regulations of bottling, storage and transportation, a polycarbonate water bottle does not cause any harm and does not in any way change its natural composition;
Polycarbonate has high heat resistance (washing at temperatures above 60 degrees, which corresponds to EWBA recommendations);
Recyclable;
PET loses greatly in this regard:
Pet is the most unsafe container for health: it allows light and air to pass through, and when heated strongly it can release harmful substances into the water;
The maximum temperature during washing is 50 degrees, which does not meet EWBA requirements;
There are no disposal options.
CONCLUSIONS
The safest container for water is glass. Glass does not react with water, and harmful substances from glass containers do not enter the water, even if the bottle is heated. The disadvantages of glass are obvious - it is heavy and fragile.
In second place in terms of safety - polycarbonate This is an ideal container for large 18-19 liter bottles - lighter than glass and at the same time much stronger.
The most unsafe water container for health is polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride. These materials allow light and air to pass through, and when heated, plastic bottles can release toxic substances into the water; it is not recommended to reuse them.
How to choose safe and high-quality bottled water?
Andrey Mosov, head of the expert direction of NP Roskontrol, doctor:
“Bottled water is a product like any other and it has an expiration date and must be stored under certain conditions. Read the label and follow the instructions. Regardless of the container, water should not be stored in the sun. Sun rays and increased temperatures are especially dangerous for water in plastic bottles - toxic substances can get into the water. Choose water that has been recently produced. The longer the water was stored, the more harmful substances from the plastic managed to get into it.”
The material was made with the support of the company
