If I put tap water into a bottled water container, how long is it safe to drink?

Question

Sometimes when I purchase bottled water and I finish it, I just refill with my tap water. Anyone know if there's an amount of time that I should drink this by before it's not considered safe?

Answer 1

Unrefrigerated, about 3 days.

There is an educational "Water Festival" held at Colorado State University by Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District and our city utilities dept. Last year, they handed out water bottles that said "Fill It At The Tap". There was some smaller print with info about the city's water quality, and because I had wondered before, I especially remember that it said tap water was safe to drink for about 3 days without refrigeration.
(a website about storing water for emergencies said that if you can keep it cold, tap water is safe to drink without disinfecting for about a week)

As far as the little molecules of plastic getting in the water. There is no logical reason they would only get in the tap water - they would get in the bottled water, too. If you are concerned about that, you could use glass bottles, or some of the new, hi-tech bottles that are not supposed to have that problem.

We do refill store-bought water bottles fairly often. Because you put your mouth on it, though, they should be washed if you plan to refill the same bottle several times (like all week).

Answer 2

We re-fill at home but my wife also washes the empty bottles in the dishwasher so the heat will pretty much sterilize the bottle. Then we fill them and put them in the fridge. They are rarely there more than 3 days. Most city water also has a fair amount of chlorine in it so they will let it last a little longer. We also have a regular water cooler with 5 gal. jugs. I have had these large jugs in my garage for as much as 3 months with no ill affects, although they were still sealed.

Answer 3

First off, it had a survey done which concluded that tap water is safe for consumption and then is the water in a cool place {fridge} if not it should be good for at least a week

Answer 4

Well, this is a big debate. My family uses these again and washes them in between, then recycle them after a few months. However, scientists have found the material in the plastic inside some tumors caused by cancers. Some think the plastic decomposes, especially when exposed to the summer sun, and can cause disease like cancer. So like I said - if you choose to reuse, wash in between and recycle after a few months. If you truly want to be safe, by a bottle that's meant to be reused.

Answer 5

The water should be good for awhile, but if you keep refilling it the bottle will start to stink.

Answer 6

It is no different then getting a glass and letting it sit. My question is are you talking about a gallon than you put in the fridge. You should not have to worry there either chances are you will drink it in a few days and start over again.

Answer 7

your not really supposed to refill the bottles. rumor has it, that little molecules of plastic are released into the water and it is not good for your health.

Answer 8

I never fill it with tap water. I always buy bottled water.

Answer 9

Why dont you just drink it that day??.....better than just throwing the bottle away.

Answer 10

i usually dont drink if it has bubbles in it from being to hot.