Berlin
After a short time, water can taste stale. We explain why this is – and what you should definitely not do.
It is an essential part of our life. We all need to drink it regularly to stay healthy: Water. Whether doing sports, eating or in between, many carry a bottle of water with them all the time. In the morning it still tastes refreshing, in the evening it is already stale. These factors determine the durability of water.
It depends on the bottle
Water can’t go bad – at least that’s what they say. But if you take a closer look, you can see an imprint on the water bottles expiry date. This is required by law in the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance. But contrary to what was thought, this does not refer to the content, but to the packaging. Also interesting: Why a glass of warm water is considered a health booster
Plastic bottles typically have an expiration date of one year as long as the Bottle remains intact and is not damaged. Glass bottles tend to have a longer shelf life because glass doesn’t leach chemicals and is impermeable to air. This means that the durability of the water is hardly affected. Glass bottles therefore have a shelf life of approximately two years.
How water should be stored
Also the type of storage affects the durability of water. Water should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The cellar or refrigerator is best suited for this. Read here: Water bubbler in the test: convenient and cheap for refreshment
Prolonged exposure to sunlight or storage near heat sources can damage water durability affect. In the case of PET bottles in particular, it is advisable not to place them in direct sunlight. If the plastic heats up, hormone-like substances can get into the water that are suspected of being harmful to health.
How long water can be kept
The durability of water also depends on the type of water. To clean it up and make it drinkable is tap water usually chlorinated. As a rule, it can therefore be kept for up to six months – provided it is kept in a clean container. Also interesting: Climate change: Clean water threatens to become a luxury
Mineral water on the other hand, due to its natural preservative properties, it usually has a longer shelf life than tap water. The carbonic acid conserves the mineral water, which is why, according to the Information Center German Mineral Water, it can be kept almost indefinitely when the bottle is closed.
Why mineral water tastes stale after a few hours
After a short time, mineral water can taste pretty stale. It’s his fault oxygen. It reacts with the water, changing the pH value. Part of the liquid turns into carbonic acid. As a result, there is a sour taste. The reaction happens faster with plastic bottles because they are more air permeable. But there is another reason to finish a bottle of water quickly. Also interesting: The supply is so uncertain: Protect our water!
With an open water bottle Microorganisms can enter, which can thrive quickly in a bright and warm environment. On top of that, bacteria can get into the bottle if you drink directly from it. But that could only become a problem if you share your drink with another person.
The own bacteria are not usually harmful to the Health. However, when sharing a bottle, pathogens such as cold or herpes viruses can easily be transmitted. They like to sit on the edge of the bottle. It is advisable to drink water from a clean glass of your own. (soy)
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