From this article you will learn:

• What is the best container to store drinking water in?
• Conditions and terms of storage of drinking water in plastic containers
• How to properly store drinking water with different properties

Nowadays, in order to cook food or simply drink, water must be purified using a filter or purchased from a store, where it is sold in 19-liter bottles or small plastic bottles. We usually store it in the same container at home. But is this right? You will learn from our article what conditions and terms must be observed when storing drinking water.

What containers are best used for storing drinking water?

First of all, it should be noted that it is correct to store water in a closed container and certainly in a glass one.

If you do not have such a container on hand, take a container made of food-grade plastic, which includes polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene and polypropylene.

The listed polymers are chemically inactive and harmless, but manufacturers add technological substances - stabilizers - to improve their strength. As a result of chemical decomposition, once in the water, they can have a toxic effect. We get the same effect when drinking water is stored for a long time in a plastic container or after it is heated. In addition, polymeric materials, changing (aging), release decomposition products.

Polyethylene(abbreviated as PE) is a thermoplastic saturated polymer hydrocarbon. Its molecule contains ethylene units.

Water and other polar liquids do not wet polyethylene, in addition, when room temperature it is not affected by organic solvents. When heated (up to +70 °C and above), PE swells and then dissolves in aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Xylene, decalin and tetralin dissolve polyethylene best. Also, at high temperatures, PE decomposes (usually it is pre-softened).

Polyethylene is impact resistant strong acids and alkalis, insensitive to moisture. It reacts differently to organic solvents (depending on the chemical basis of the polymer), and is not physiologically dangerous.

Polyvinyl chloride(abbreviated PVC) is a product obtained as a result of complex chemical synthesis based on natural materials - sodium chloride and petroleum hydrocarbons.

During the production of polyvinyl chloride, the intermediate product is VX (vinyl chloride) with a monomer structure. Further, during polymerization, VC monomers are converted into PVC polymers. They are already completely inert and non-toxic. The final polymer contains only 0.1 ppm, although the MPC of toxins (maximum permissible concentration) in plant foods should be 10 ppm.

To give PVC certain properties, various additives are used - stabilizers, plasticizers and fillers. Stabilizers are divided into two types - Ca/Zn (calcium/zinc) and even highly toxic lead compounds can be used.

Polyvinyl chloride is very popular due to its low cost. PVC is used to produce disposable tableware, containers for household chemicals, cosmetic bags, and bottles for water and drinks. After some time, the PVC begins to release VC (vinyl chloride). This carcinogen gets into the water, from it into food, and with food into the human body.

According to research, vinyl chloride begins to be released a week after liquid is poured into a plastic container. After a month, for example, several milligrams of VC accumulate in mineral water (according to oncologists, this is quite enough for the development of cancer). Under no circumstances should plastic bottles be reused, although we see this all the time.

Polystyrene(abbreviated as PS) – obtained as a result of the polymerization of styrene (viniobenzene). This product belongs to the thermopolymer class of polymers (resistant to thermal influences). Its chemical formula is [-CH 2 -CH(C 6 H 5)-] n -. The phenyl groups in polystyrene interfere with the ordered arrangement of macromolecules and the creation of crystalline compounds.

Polystyrene is characterized as a rigid and at the same time brittle amorphous polymer with a significant degree of optical light transmission and low mechanical strength. When finished, it is colorless, cylindrical granules.

The density of PS is low (1060 kg/m3), thermal resistance is up to +105 ° C, shrinkage during injection molding processing is 0.4–0.8%. It is an excellent dielectric, frost-resistant (withstands temperatures down to -40 ° C). It has little chemical resistance (except for diluted acids, alkalis and alcohols).

In order to improve the qualities of PS, it is modified by mixing it with other polymers - it is cross-linked and styrene copolymers are obtained.

Polystyrene is soluble in gasoline, toluene and acetone.

The popularity of polystyrene is based on its low cost, easy processing and large assortment. various types. The most common are impact-resistant polystyrenes (their production accounts for over 60% of the total production of polystyrene plastics). These are copolymers of styrene with different types rubber.

PS is inert towards water and various types of liquids. But if you pour into a container like this hot water, then this container will begin to release a toxic compound - styrene.

Polyethylene terephthalate(abbreviated PET, PET) – thermoplastic, resistant to elevated temperature. It is produced by the polycondensation of ethylene glycol with terephthalic acid (and its dimethyl ether). PET is solid, colorless, transparent in the amorphous state, and white and opaque in the crystalline state. The molecular weight is (20-50)x10 3. PET is an excellent dielectric, durable and wear-resistant.

PET is chemically resistant to acids, salts, alcohols, gasoline, paraffin, fats, mineral oils, ether, insoluble in water, resistant to water vapor.

At temperatures from +40 °C to +150 °C, polyethylene terephthalate dissolves in substances such as acetone, benzene, phenol, toluene, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform.

Practically does not absorb moisture (hygroscopicity 0.4–0.5%) - this depends on the phase state of the polymer and relative humidity air.

PET has high heat resistance (melts at +290 ° C), and is destroyed at a temperature that is 50 ° C lower than the inert environment. Can be used at temperatures from +60 °C to + 170 °C, subject to thermal destruction at temperatures from +290 °C to +310 °C.

The destruction of PET occurs statistically along the polymer chain. PET contains volatile products such as terephthalic acid, acetaldehyde and carbon monoxide. At a temperature of +90 °C it forms a large number of various types of hydrocarbons. Most of the volatile products consist of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane.

Now polyethylene terephthalate is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of packaging for foods and drinks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, video, audio and X-ray films, car tires and much more. This material gained its popularity due to the exceptional balance of PET capabilities, and also due to the fact that it is easy to control the level of orientation and degree of crystallinity in the finished product.

PET without impurities is not toxic, but it may contain phthalates and other toxic chemical compounds, dicarboxylic acids, glycols, etc., which increase the light, thermal, and fire-resistant properties of the polymer.

Additionally, BPA (bisphenol A) may be used in the production of plastic beverage containers. It disrupts the endocrine system, promotes the development of breast cancer, and leads to hormonal imbalance.

Initially, English scientists said that the presence of BPA in the human body is dangerous and can lead to the development cardiovascular diseases, To diabetes mellitus. Further experiments proved that in liver diseases and obesity the level of BPA was also exceeded, but they could not connect this with the use of plastic containers, and traces of formaldehyde were also found in their composition.

On back side On the bottom of dangerous containers, conscientious manufacturers put an icon with the number 3 in a triangle or write PVC (which means PVC). Also, such a bottle is recognized by a characteristic influx at the bottom in the form of a line or spear at both ends. When you press on a dangerous container with your fingernail, a white mark remains. High-quality containers will remain smooth.

Terms and conditions for storing drinking water in plastic containers

The number of plastic water bottles in stores is steadily increasing these days. Bottled water can be ordered for home delivery. Hypermarkets willingly sell such water, since it has a fairly long shelf life.

IN normal conditions water under the influence of sunlight and heat quickly loses its properties, and due to bacteria that get into it, it appears bad smell and taste. But why does water last so long in supermarkets? The fact is that manufacturers preserve this water.

There are three methods of preservation:

• ozonation;
• carbonation;
• adding an antibiotic.

The first two methods are harmless, but such liquid is stored only until the bottle is opened, that is, as soon as you unpack the container, you need to drink the water from it over the next few days.

Drinking water preserved using the third method is stored for a long time, but antibiotics can cause serious harm to your health and immune system.

Bottled water should be stored in a dark place at a temperature of +15...+30 °C. It is better to purchase one that was recently bottled in your area - it contains more useful substances.

The water storage container must be made of food grade plastic. If it has a PET symbol, it is made of polyethylene terephthalate, which does not react with liquids and is non-toxic. Under no circumstances should you store water in a bottle marked PVC - this means that it is made of toxic material. In addition, liquid stored in melamine containers is dangerous.

If you do not find any marks on the bottle, then you can check which class the material belongs to quite simply. Press your fingernail into the container. On a dangerous one you will see a whitish mark, on a PET bottle you will not notice any changes. Tap the bottle, if the sound is dull, then the container is made of melamine.

The shelf life of water preserved in a plastic bottle is from 6 months to a year. Moreover, after opening, drinking liquid can be stored for about 10 days.

Drinking water, in addition to its expiration date, also has a so-called “usefulness” period, after which it loses most of its beneficial properties. Therefore, you need to purchase the freshest water possible.

Features of storing drinking water with different properties

According to manufacturers, water in plastic containers can not only be stored, but is simply necessary.

Plastic containers for storing drinking water are primarily made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET(E)), which is food grade and neutral, meaning it does not react to water and is harmless to health. Plastic markings are usually embossed on the bottles. Of course, there are also plastic containers of the PVC class (this material is toxic) or melamine (water cannot be stored in such bottles at all). From 6 to 12 months from the date of bottling - this is exactly the shelf life of liquid in plastic bottles.

Tap water for storage, you should first filter it and then pour it into an enamel, glass or plastic (PET) bottle, without closing the lid, let it sit (for example, overnight) so that the chlorine disappears.

After this, the water bottle should be tightly closed and stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for no more than two to three days.

If you only drink boiled water, store it in a tightly closed enamel container in small quantities, no need to boil it in reserve.

The shelf life of boiled water depends on its initial quality, composition, and degree of purification. It is known that boiling kills all bacteria, including beneficial ones. But during long-term storage, microorganisms from external environment, and the entire effect of boiling it is negated. Therefore, it is not recommended to store it for more than 12 hours.

Well or spring water We recommend storing it in glass or ceramic (clay) containers. When sealed, its natural beneficial properties are preserved for three years. Metal containers for storing drinking water should only be used that are enameled or have another neutral coating on the inside.

Pour spring water only from proven sources; drinking anything else is dangerous to your health!

Today there is a lot of debate about the usefulness structured water and its positive impact on the human body, including at the cellular and gene level. This defrosted water can easily be stored in a glass container.

It is best to store structured water in stainless steel or metal containers with an admixture of silver in a place where direct sunlight does not reach. Russian scientists have proven that the effect of liquid structuring increases significantly in silver dishes in the light - by about 7.5% within two hours.

If the water quality leaves much to be desired...

The problem of dirty water in the house can be partially solved by installing a high-quality filter, but in such systems it is periodically necessary to replace components, because this directly determines how well the drinking liquid will be purified.

At the same time, the question remains unresolved: how to ensure that our workplace or child’s school has the best quality water? The best solution is to buy it with delivery.

The Iceberg company offers favorable conditions for servicing its clients:

• free delivery of water to your home or office: buyers pay only the cost of the product;
• the wells from which our water is drawn have registration documents in the State Water Cadastre of the Russian Federation;
• Advanced technologies are used to extract and bottle water, which helps preserve and enhance its quality and natural purity;
• We also sell modern water coolers and other equipment manufactured by well-known European brands, taking into account existing quality standards. The sizes of pumps and racks for bottles vary, allowing the devices to be installed even in small spaces;
• delivery of drinking water to your home or office is carried out at a minimal price, thanks to constant promotions from our company;
• Along with water, you can purchase disposable tableware, tea, coffee and other auxiliary products.

Clean water is valuable, but it should not be worth its weight in gold. Our mission is to provide every home and workplace quality drinking water, so we have prepared the most favorable conditions for our clients.

Spring water is dangerous in spring
— Igor Nikolaevich, can water from a spring be collected in cans or plastic bottles?
— It is best to collect spring water in glass containers. Plastic containers - no the best option, since when exposed to sunlight, plastic can release a dangerous substance - vinyl chloride. It is also necessary to monitor the labeling of plastic containers. For example, markings in the form of “PVC” or a triangle with the number 3 indicate that the bottle is made of harmful polyvinyl chloride and water cannot be stored in it. You can collect water in a plastic container from bottled water, but do not store it in the light.

It is not advisable to store spring water in aluminum containers. Aluminum gradually passes into water and adversely affects the kidneys. In addition, aluminum negatively affects the function of the parathyroid glands. Long-term consumption of water with high aluminum content is one of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease in older people.

— How to collect spring water correctly?
— It is not recommended to collect it in the spring, when the soil is saturated with water, and therefore with harmful substances that pass into the water. It is best to do this one and a half to two weeks after the end of the rains or after dry weather sets in.
Before collecting water, the container should be rinsed with spring water, but pour it downstream of the spring.
Water should be drawn from the stream, and not from the reservoir that forms under the stream.
It is advisable to draw water from the top. It is necessary to pay attention to the external properties of water that indicate its poor quality: musty odor, turbidity, the presence of foam.

Shelf life - a week
— How long can spring water be stored and how to do it correctly?
— Spring water quickly loses its properties, so it should not be collected for future use. The permissible shelf life of spring water (best in the refrigerator or just in the cold) is 3-4 days. The maximum shelf life is a week. Next, irreversible changes begin in the water. Even if the water is clear, this does not mean that it is good quality. Chemical processes take place in it and microorganisms multiply. This is evidenced by the appearance of an odor and an unpleasant taste.
In any case, it is better to boil spring water before drinking. Especially if the source is unknown to you.

If the water turns green...
— Our readers complain that they took water from a spring, but it turned green...
— Spring water is “living” water. In addition to various chemical substances, it contains various microorganisms and microalgae. In the light they reproduce using light energy, as well as substances from the air and water. That's why the water turns green. This may also be due to dirty containers, which serve as a source nutrients for microorganisms.
— What could the black coating at the bottom of the canister that contained spring water mean?
— The color of spring water and sediment may be associated with the presence in it of organic colloidal compounds of iron, sulfur, manganese, etc. Black sediment is most often formed by manganese compounds, the high content of which is typical for our soils. This is not industrial manganese, but natural. These are the characteristics of our soils.
You should not drink water with black sediment or take water from a source whose bottom has a black coating.
In addition, the previous purpose of the canister should be taken into account. Perhaps some chemicals or non-food products were stored in it.

About bottled water
— Igor Nikolaevich, at the end of our interview, please tell me why bottled water doesn’t spoil? Is she going through some kind of cleaning?

The influence of water on the human condition depends largely on how it is stored. Let's talk about how to properly store water so that it is healthy and stays fresh longer.

Rules for storing drinking water

Water quality plays a major role in determining the appropriate storage period. Well-purified drinking water is suitable for long-term storage; poorly purified water will quickly go rotten in any container.

• You can choose different water containers depending on its use: glass, plastic, metal. Plastic and glass containers are most often used to store water. It is more convenient to store small volumes of water in plastic bottles with a lid. If you choose plastic, then choose PET bottles. They are made of polyethylene terephthalate, which does not spoil water.
• PVC containers are unsafe and can “contaminate” the water with toxins. Also avoid using PVC or BPA containers.
• The storage temperature of water should not exceed +25 degrees, and you also need to ensure that the container with water is not exposed to direct sunlight.
• If you bought water in a store, then follow the deadlines indicated on the bottle.
• The container in which water is stored must be tightly closed, otherwise the beneficial substances will soon die. Also, water does not last long in an open container, because oxygen entering the water changes its chemical composition.
• Bottled water can be stored in polycarbonate bottles for twelve months. Water can be stored in glass containers from three months to two years, in PET containers - from three months to one year.

Not many people ask this question, but even boiled water has its own expiration date and some storage recommendations. Few people know how to store boiled water. And it, in turn, is an important component of a living organism. And our overall health depends on the quality of the water we drink. Everyone knows that it is important to drink a certain amount of water during the day, but not everyone pays attention to its quality. But in vain.

Types of water

Despite the fact that outwardly all water is the same, it often has different origins and therefore different properties.

For example, bottled water is most often obtained from artesian springs. These are layers inland waters located between layers of hard rock. This water is filtered, disinfected, enriched with necessary substances and poured into containers. After opening the bottle, this water can be stored in the refrigerator with the lid screwed on for no more than three days.

Mineral water is usually enriched with beneficial salts and minerals. It is divided into medical and dining rooms. The latter can be drunk daily. The shelf life of such water is much longer. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months. And in unopened form, some products can last for more than a year. It is better to drink open mineral water within a week.

Most often in people's lives there is a liquid that flows out of a water tap. It is usually purified and contains a small amount of chlorine, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Health-conscious people try to filter such water to get rid of harmful substances. Not all experts approve of this decision. For the most part, the composition of tap water is controlled and all substances included in its composition are within normal limits and cannot cause harm to health. The filter, in turn, along with harmful substances, may also retain useful components necessary for the body.

Bottled water that has been left open for more than 4 days or simply water whose quality is in doubt can be removed from harmful substances by boiling.

Boiled water

To rid water of harmful bacteria, you can boil it. The essence of boiling is that water is heated to one hundred degrees, this is the temperature at which the liquid boils. In these conditions, everyone dies in it pests and bacteria. The bad thing is that this also kills beneficial bacteria that enter the body along with water, so it is not recommended to use only boiled water. However, in some situations it is better to boil the water to avoid unpleasant situations.

How long and how to store boiled water? Experts do not recommend storing liquid treated in this way. The maximum time during which you can use boiled water is a day, and it does not matter in what container it was stored. This is due to the fact that the structure of water changes during boiling. Because of this, it becomes susceptible to various viruses and bacteria and literally attracts them.

The refrigerator can extend storage slightly. At temperatures of 4 degrees and below, the exchange of bacteria with environment passes more slowly and the liquid can be used within two days, but no more. Fortunately, boiled water can be prepared at any time and there is little need to store it.

What container to store water in?

The shelf life of a liquid is greatly influenced by the container in which it is poured. You should be careful when handling plastic containers; they can be toxic even when high temperatures begins to release toxic substances into the liquid. Therefore, in order to store water, you need to choose a plastic of a certain class - polyethylene terephthalate, specially designed for food products.

Enameled containers are best suited for storing boiled liquid. It is important to keep the container closed. It is better to keep filtered water in glass bottles. At all, the best remedy For storing any liquids intended for human consumption, glass containers with a cork lid are considered. Plastic lids release toxins and are therefore not recommended for such purposes.

Clay and ceramic dishes also work well. Any material that does not react with the liquid and does not release additional substances into its composition is well suited for storing water.

Clean drinking water is the most important resource for humans. Proper storage of drinking water – at least important aspect 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 on direct sun rays. 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 such containers are prohibited.

By observing the basic requirements for storing drinking water, you ensure the preservation of its beneficial properties and safety for the body.