As a general rule, HDPE (plastic #2) is the best type of plastic for water storage containers. Plastics #4 and #5 are also okay for water storage. However, plastics #1, 3, 6, and 7 are not good options because they are weak and/or leach chemicals into the water.
High density polyethylene (HDPE) is another plastic bottled water packaging material that FDA has approved as safe for food contact.
Plastic bottled water containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics. PET accounts for 78.8 percent of plastic water bottles, PC for 12 percent, and HDPE for 9.2 percent.
When you're using plastic containers, never store water in them for longer than 3 to 6 months, and keep a close eye for when it starts to become discoloured, cloudy or for any signs of contamination that will make it harmful for consumption.
Plastics #5 Polypropylene (PP) is considered to be the safest of all plastics, this is a robust plastic that is heat resistant. Because of its high heat tolerance, Polypropylene is unlikely to leach even when exposed to warm or hot water. This plastic is approved for use with food and beverage storage.
Long-Term Water Storage Solutions
The general guideline is to use food-grade plastic bottles. You can also use glass bottles so long as they haven't stored non-food items. Stainless steel is another option, but you won't be able to treat your stored water with chlorine, as it corrodes steel.
Water stored in plastic containers should be filled to the top so there is no air space and should be stored in a cool, dry location away from petroleum and insecticide products, and away from strong odor food or perfumed products. Vapors from these substances could permeate the plastic and affect the water.
Glass is the boss in the reusable water bottle category. It is the safest and best way to store both food and liquids for several reasons. Water in glass bottles isn't affected by any flavor from the container, giving it a “purity of taste” benefit when compared to plastic bottles and other options.
#1 Stainless steel is better for your health
Plastics are packed full of toxic chemicals which can leach into water over time, particularly if the bottle is filled with hot liquids.
You can purchase water that has been commercially bottled. This water will keep for up to five years. You can also get five-gallon containers (typically in boxes or bags) at emergency supply stores. These are convenient, clean, you can pick the taste you prefer, and they are sealed for longer storage.
STAINLESS STEEL WATER TANK
Toxicity: Stainless steel is considered to be very safe and preferable for many applications, hence its use in surgical equipment, catering, drink bottles and so on.
1. Avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 (PVC), 6 (polystyrene), and 7 (other). Plastics are not all the same, and some are more toxic than others. Look at the recycling code on the bottom of plastic products and containers to find the plastic type, and avoid plastics with recycling code 3 as they may leach phthalates.
Research suggests that all plastics may leach chemicals if they're scratched or heated. Research also strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in these products, such as bisphenol A (BPA), may cause cancer in people.
According to Care.com, just because a product is labeled as BPA-free doesn't mean it's fully safe to use. In fact, 70 percent of all BPA-free products still leach harmful chemicals into food and beverages.
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is widely known as the most toxic plastic for health and the environment. In its production, it releases dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium and other toxic chemicals.
The safest plastic food storage containers are HDPE, LDPE, and PP plastics. These include juice and milk jugs, grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, and food storage boxes. Food can be stored in these types of plastic containers without any toxins leaking.
Avoid using rainwater for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, or rinsing or watering plants that you intend to eat. Instead, use municipal tap water if it is available, or purchase bottled water for these purposes.
Generally yes. A properly maintained rainwater tank can provide good quality drinking water. Providing the rainwater is clear, has little taste or smell and is from a well maintained water catchment system it is probably safe and unlikely to cause any illness for most users.
Aluminum is a great bottle choice for storing your water! It can help extend the shelf life, and water packaged in aluminum is reported to last even longer. Although water doesn't expire, water stored in aluminum cans has a shelf life of 50 years.
The insulating properties of stainless steel water bottles mean that you can enjoy cool drinking water up to 24 hours after filling the bottle from your water cooler. Hot water stays warm for nearly six hours in a stainless steel bottle.
Plastic water bottles contain chemicals, and those chemicals can leach into the water. This plastic leachate can have detrimental health effects on consumers. At certain levels of exposure, some of the chemicals in plastic, especially the chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA), have even been implicated as carcinogens.