We’ve all done it before: You wake up in the middle of the night, desperately thirsty, and reach for the glass of water that’s been on your bedside table. But how long has it been sitting there, and can water actually go bad? You start wondering: Is old water safe to drink? Can water get old? Can water go off? You may notice it tastes a bit odd, but the good news is that your water hasn’t gone off and won’t make you sick. Your taste buds aren’t playing a trick on you, either; in fact, they’re quite good at detecting subtle changes in taste. So, why does it taste different?
Water is vital to our health, helping our bodies function at their peak. Staying hydrated not only ensures a happy, healthy body but also supports properly functioning organs, cell regeneration, and sleep. Hangovers are an unpleasant example of what dehydration can do to our brains and bodies.
Needless to say, your body needs H2O throughout the day, so drinking your daily quota all at once in the morning or at night isn’t very effective. That being said, most of us go to bed with a glass of water on the nightstand to sip on should we get thirsty in the middle of the night. But by the time we wake up, all bleary-eyed and dry-mouthed, that glass of water tastes stale and “off”. There’s a natural and scientific explanation behind this phenomenon.
Why does my water taste funny?
When water is exposed to open air for a couple of hours, the interaction between carbon dioxide in the air and the liquid in the glass changes its chemical composition. This lowers the water’s pH, making it more acidic and resulting in that off taste you’re getting. Even though this change is minor, it’s enough for your tongue to detect the difference.
Can water go bad?
According to Truls Krogh, director of the Department of Water Hygiene at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, “if the water is covered and of good quality to start with, in principle it can last a thousand years.” This means the water must be free of contaminants to begin with and sealed in a container that prevents impurities from entering.
According to Krogh, even an open glass of water that has been standing out for a number of days is safe to drink, provided it hasn’t been contaminated with bacteria from dirty hands or saliva. It may taste flat and odd, but it’s still safe to consume.
However, on the side of caution, we wouldn’t recommend drinking “old”, stale water, unless it’s an emergency.
What happens if you drink old water in a bottle?
Typically, like that glass of water on your bedside table, drinking stale water from a water bottle is safe to drink, so long as it’s remained sealed and stored well. Where things get a bit more risky is if a plastic bottle has, for example, been left in the sweltering heat in your car. This is because heat and sunlight can lead to chemicals like BPA in the plastic to leach into the water, which could upset your stomach. The extent of impacts on your health depend on the type of chemical, the dose, and how often you’re exposed to it, and these effects are still being extensively studied, with some researchers concerned about its long-term impacts.
Is Bottled Water Better than Tap Water?
While tap water in the UK is considered safe to drink and undergoes extensive treatment, bottled water is considered purer, and some tests show it contains less bacteria.
If you’re looking for hydration solutions you can trust, Culligan UK has a range of products from bottled water coolers to mains-fed water dispensers and instant chilled and boiling taps that ensure filtered, great-tasting water whenever you need it. Check out our range of products and see which ones suit your needs.
