Is it unhealthy to refill a bottled water with more water?

Question

I have an empty bottled water that I just keep refilling with fountain water, is that not healthy?

Answer 1

I've often been asked if it's okay to reuse plastic water bottles, and the answer is generally no.

The whole trend of paying money for bottled water is silly to me. I see people take their water bottles out and take a squirt when tap water is just as good.


If you do buy water in a bottle, what's the point of refilling it with tap water? In any case, some people do refill the bottles, which could be an unhealthy practice, according to researchers at a San Diego lab.

For one thing, reusing the plastic bottles could create a bacteria-breeding ground. Also, non-food grade plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate can break down or leach with the addition of water, light and warmth.


The litmus test is the taste. If you refill a bottle and the water has a plastic taste, discard it.

This doesn't mean you can't put water in a large-mouth sport bottle made for that purpose. Athletes often carry this type of water bottle with them and they're safe to use because they can be easily cleaned with soap and water before refilling.

When it comes to those thin, small-necked plastic bottled waters you get off the store shelves, forget refilling them and put them in the recycling bin instead.

Answer 2

I've done that on occasion. But only if I trust my water source. Like I wouldn't drink the tap water in this city. But if I'm in an airport and don't want to buy another bottle, I'll refill it from the water fountain for the rest of my trip.

Or at least that's what I used to do. I don't think you can take bottled water on planes again yet. It won't kill you, I'd say get a new bottle after the third refill.

Answer 3

It can be bad, if you never sterilize the bottle. BUT if you are drinking a bottle of water, then refilling it throughout the day, then tossing the bottle and opening a new one the next day it is not so bad. I have 2 water bottles that way one is being washed/ sterilized daily while the other is in use. I sterilize mine with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

Answer 4

You can refill a bottle as long as you do not expose it to extreme temperatures. Its not a good idea to put it in the freezer because the plastic tends to flake off. Its not durable enough to handdle that kind of stress. But just refilling it with water is no big deal.

Answer 5

You should probably clean it now and then, but there are no real dangers to worry about.

The myth of plastic leaching is just that. See source below.

I saw a special where city drinking water is actually safer and cleaner than most expensive bottled water, so refilling plastic bottles seems like a good idea to me.

Answer 6

jeje. just clean the bottle at the end of the day with hot water and you are ready to go for the next day!

also if you put in filter water you will be good and save some money.

if you live in a major city the water from the foset is good to drink, just let it run for 20 seconds before fill the bottle

Answer 7

I've been told it isn't, but you can use the same water bottle just make sure to rinse it out after the 2nd refill.

Answer 8

Yes, becuase once you open the a water bottle, you allow air to enter the bottle, air is not bad, but it is when it is combined with questionable water source, it can lead to stagnation. Visit Pyrimid Lake Visitor Center; City water has to comply with 60 government regulations before they can supply to the public, bottle watered only has to comply with 30 regulations! Humm.... Make you wonder is bottled water cleaner or just tap water :)

Answer 9

You should wash it everynight when you get home. Just stick it in the dishwasher if you have one. It's not unhealthy to do that, but the bottle still gets germs on it like any other dish you would use. I, too, have one water bottle that I put everything in (water, tea, milk). You just have to keep washing it.

Answer 10

I don't think so. Just as long was you keep the water bottle clean.