How often should I change my drinking water?

Question

I work on a truck with no a/c. I have a 1.5 liter bottle which I don't always drain during the day, but refill and freeze at night. Is there some point at which I should dump all of the water, wash and refill it?

Answer 1

Empty the bottle, and use a clean white paper towel or kleenex to wipe inside the bottle. If you get a brownish residue on the towel, it's been too long since you washed it. It's only algae, so it won't hurt you. It takes 2-3 weeks to get to that point in the water bottle on my desk, so I try to remember to take it home once a week and wash it out.

Answer 2

It's a good idea to change it on a daily basis. But like in the case of campers I don't see you having a problem after a few days if you don't contaminate the water for instance with the mouth-to-mouth approach. Keep a cup at hand.

I see no reason not to drink the whole thing in a long day of work. But if you don't then use it for the garden or for cleaning and refill, 1.5 of a liter is not a big deal, and although bottled water doesn't expire by itself it can get contaminated very easily.

Answer 3

I do the same think except I don't work on cars. I just wash it every night before I refill it that way I start off with a clean cup every day and every few days I change the straw.

Answer 4

Not really. First off it is chlorinated water, so that eliminates all the microbes that could potentially be a health problem. Sticking it in the freezer over night eliminates health risk also.

There is one thing you might consider. Very small particles of food often transfer from mouth to bottle. So, sooner or later you are gonna see that. While it might be a good way to keep others from drinking your water, it is eventually gonna get disgusting looking.

I am glad to see you aren't one of those silly people that spend lots of money on bottled water.

Answer 5

Water doesn't expire, so it would not necessarily harm you, but it would be better to refill it daily rather than drink 2 weeks-old water...

Answer 6

Personally if you are refilling it daily, I would go ahead and change the water daily.

Answer 7

I agree with Pat. But if you are using a straw, and not putting your mouth directly on the bottle, then you can wash it less often.

Answer 8

after one or two day and when it start to smell funny and you see little things in your water. If you see any of these things you should dump it away.

Answer 9

every day