You have pure and clean water coming out of your reverse osmosis (RO) faucet. However, you are now considering storing this water in containers for later use and wondering how long it can last. This article will look at the best ways to store reverse osmosis filtered water and explore how long it can last.
Reverse osmosis water can be stored for up to two years, depending on the containers used for storage. Reverse osmosis water can develop fungus and bacteria if the container is opened, and the water is exposed to air and light. In addition, storage containers also tend to release traces of metal into the water over time.
Reverse osmosis water is purified water that is good for drinking and for cooking food. Naturally, there are occasions when you would want to store water for later use, and you might be wondering if RO water also goes bad in containers like normal and unfiltered water. Let’s explore the different ways in which you can store RO water for long-term use.
Learn more in my comprehensive article about reverse osmosis.
Table of Contents
How Can Reverse Osmosis Water Be Stored?
RO water can last for a very long time if it is stored in the right container and kept away from direct exposure to air and light. Here are a few options for storing RO water:
- Food-grade water bottles
- Juice containers
- Copper containers
- Stainless steel containers
- DIY container with a large trash can
The trick is to store the water in air-tight conditions, so the conditions required for the thriving growth of microorganisms are never created. Once you do open a container, it is best to utilize the water within a day or two to avoid bacterial and fungal growth.
| Storage Method | Storage Life | Potential Problems |
| Food-grade water bottles | 120 days | Bacteria and algae growth |
| Juice containers | 120 days | Bacteria and algae growth |
| Copper containers | 2 years | Metallic taste |
| Stainless steel containers | 1 year | Metal leaching into water |
| DIY container with a large trash can | 90 days | Bacteria and algae growth; chemical taste |
Tips for storing RO water
So, once you have chosen the kind of container you want to store your water in, here are some steps you can take to ensure the water stays contaminant free:
- Use soap and hot water to thoroughly wash the container from the inside out.
- Use 1 teaspoon of home bleach (non-scented) for one quart of water to create a strong sanitizing solution. Add this to the container and close it. Once properly sealed, shake the container, and try to cover all the inside of the container with the solutions. Let this sit for 30 seconds.
- Pour the solution out and properly rinse the container to get rid of all traces of bleach.
- Make sure not to use milk or bleach containers for reverse osmosis water storage since these can have traces of bacteria and bleach, respectively, and contaminate the water.
- Keep the stored water away from chemicals or kerosene sources since these can permeate into the water.
- You can store the water in the freezer as well. Use only plastic bottles for this kind of storage.
- Make sure to keep the container’s lid or cap tightly secured and store it away from direct sunlight.
Why are Copper Containers Great for RO Water Storage?
One option for storing all kinds of water, and not just reverse osmosis water, is a copper vessel or container. After being stored in a copper bottle or container, it takes up to eight hours for copper to release its extremely beneficial ions into the water.
Copper ions have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties; and they can actually kill bacteria in the water. Copper can also help in cell regeneration and create more hemoglobin in the body.
Copper intake is necessary to maintain our body’s health. Here are some benefits of drinking water that is stored in copper vessels or bottles:
1. Anemia prevention
Copper helps the body absorb more iron from food sources and hence aids in the production of hemoglobin which is necessary to prevent anemia in the body. Copper deficiency can lead to blood deficiency-related disorders.
2. Increased brain efficiency
Copper plays a vital role in carrying electrical impulses through the cells across the different parts of the body. These impulses are what enable the brain to communicate with the entire human body. Good copper intake increases the efficiency of this communication.
3. Efficient weight loss
If you take an appropriate intake of copper, it can aid weight loss by effectively breaking down the fat stores in the body. Copper can also keep the body in a fat-burning state, even if the individual is in a resting state.
4. Prevents early aging signs
Copper has anti-aging properties. It helps in new cell generation and also offers antioxidant properties that can help hair and skin fight against free radicals in the environment.
5. Better gut health
Copper can maintain very good gut health by promoting the regular contraction of the stomach lining and properly cleansing the stomach. This reduces inflammation, bloating, and ulcers.
6. Better Heart Health
Copper can help heart health by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to this vital organ. Copper can also remove plaque and keep your heart in good condition. It also significantly reduces hypertension by properly regulating blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does reverse osmosis water damage bones?
RO water does not contain calcium. Calcium deficiency can damage bones. However, water should not be your primary source of calcium and you should take calcium rich foods and supplements to meet your calcium intake goals.
2. Is it healthy to cook food in reverse osmosis water?
Reverse osmosis water is free from any odor, taste or contaminants and is the best choice for cooking food. Food cooked with reverse osmosis water is healthy and free from any diseases, hence it is great for your health.
3. Does RO water run through appliances?
RO water is purified after a long process, is limited in quantity and only available via a select tap in your house for drinking purposes. If you need to protect your appliances from hard water, you should use a water softener instead of an RO filter.
Final Thoughts
Reverse osmosis water is free from all contaminants and can be stored for later use for a long time. The key is to store it in clean and airtight containers. Copper containers are an excellent option because copper can add properties to the water that can benefit your health. We hope this article helps you determine how you can store RO water for later use.