Water

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PrepGent
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Joined: Sun Sep 22, 2013 6:04 pm

Water

Post by PrepGent »

Hi Guys...

First post..I've read many posts and thank you for your help...

This is what a total newbie I am....I am aware water is the No1 commodity if the shtf.. I thought it lasted forever if you stashed enough of it. My big idea was to nick a load of the bottled water from work.. you know the stuff that they put in the water machines in the big bottles....turns out it has a "best before" date on it. Whats the score with this..??
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Quercus-robur
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Location: Cumbria

Re: Water

Post by Quercus-robur »

I am just going by what I have read on other forums so could be wrong and if I am someone please correct me but apparently they only put an expiration date on either from convention or legal reason but I don't believe the water itself will go off.

The things you have to instead worry about are algae and bacteria growing in the water and I have read that over time there are chemicals that can leach from plastic containers into the water itself. I'm not sure if there are other things you can do as well but if you are storing water in clear plastic containers don't leave them in direct sunlight.

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JBird
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Post by JBird »

I wouldnt recommend knicking anything... unless you want to loose your job ;-)

Although if they let you have them when empty, then fill them up with water, a little bit of bleach and cycle them frequently.
Rearfang

Re: Water

Post by Rearfang »

Are these the water cooler bottles if so I'd imagine they are food safe non leaching plastic
Not sure how oftern you'll need to cycle them though
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pseudonym
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Re: Water

Post by pseudonym »

Hello and welcome to the Forum. :)
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TwoDo

Re: Water

Post by TwoDo »

PrepGent wrote:turns out it has a "best before" date on it. Whats the score with this..??
Reputedly Bisphenol A (aka BPA) can leach out of the plastics into the water over time. BPA is an oestrogen mimic.

Just google up "water bottle plastic leaching" or some such similar to find a ton of articles (both pro and con) discussing this.
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tigs
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Re: Water

Post by tigs »

welcome to the forum
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Oody
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Re: Water

Post by Oody »

Hello PrepGent,

Personally I think one should forget about storing water; at least in plastic bottles, and stuff you either buy or get from a tap. As has been stated, it all has a limited life, and although it'll likely be safe long after the stamped date, it'll become more stagnant and possibly polluted to over time, as phalates (spelling?) are indeed leached from plastic. The older it is the more it leaches too, which I'd assumed was the opposite at one time (the new and smelling plastic and all that).

I'd certainly recommend looking into getting hold of the world famous 'Berkey' (Berekefeld) stainless steel twin-tank canteen style water filter unit, that filters rain water, even pond and stream water (unless chemicals are in it, in which case they can still get through). Pre-filtering, with charcoal (you can make it yourself too) is a good way to prolong the life - much prolong - of the water filters in the Berkey.

They come in all different sizes, to suit different situations; but they are so simple, rugged and easily cleanable, that I feel ever home should have one. Buy one now, while they are still available, and at today's prices. You never know what's around the corner, supply wise. The place I bought mine from, in Cornwall, went bust, sadly, like many other businesses. A friend of mine was umming and aahing for some time, and then even if he wanted to he couldn't get the unit I did, for the same price. So now he's lost out rather, though they're still easily available. But make sure you buy decent filters for it too. There are several grades. I'd go for the top ones, as they're ceramic, with impregnated silver, with an almost infinite shelf life. Negotiate on buying a whole load, so when supplies do become difficult, you can still get access to clean water!

Hope this helps :)