What is safe storage and use of bottled water?
Proper storage is essential in maintaining the purity of any products for human consumption. Often once an item has been opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within the week, but if frozen it can last a little longer. Bottled water has quite a lengthy shelf life but ensure to keep it away from direct sunlight as heat can react with the chemicals of the plastic bottle and contaminate the water.
To maintain the purity of bottled water, Health Canada recommends that you refrigerate the smaller bottled water once it is opened, and preferably once you buy it. The 18 L bottled water carboys should be dispensed through a refrigerated water cooler that is kept clean to avoid contamination (see Q.19) Check the bottling date and best-before-date on the bottle to determine how fresh the product is. Like many other food products, bottled water normally contains low numbers of harmless bacteria. However, if stored for prolonged periods at room temperatures, these bacteria can multiply rapidly. A 1988 Health Canada study of bottled water kept at room temperature for 30 days showed a substantial increase in the bacterial count.
A15: To maintain the purity of bottled water, the Health Protection Branch recommends that consumers refrigerate the smaller bottled water at least upon opening, but preferably upon purchase. The 18 L bottled water carboys should be dispensed through a refrigerated water cooler that is kept clean to avoid contamination (see Q18). Consumers can determine the freshness of the product by referring to the bottling date and best-before-date on the bottle.
