Why Does Old Water Taste Funny?

Have you ever grabbed a water bottle or glass that was previously opened, and has been sitting on your nightstand, in your car, or even in your fridge for a few days, or sometimes simply hours? More than likely, that water will have a funny aftertaste — maybe even enough for you to ditch it altogether. What a waste, right? We’re here to explain the reasoning behind stale tasting water, and offer some suggestions on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim!

Glass of Water | Stale Water | Fresh Water | Water Filtration

Does water actually expire?

Not exactly — but that doesn’t mean it stays perfectly fresh and tasty either. Since water lacks sugars and proteins, it won’t rot and expire the way other food or drink would. What does change, is the chemistry within the water. Exposure to air allows your water to absorb CO2, which is converted to carbonic acids in small portions. Small — but enough to lower the pH of your water, causing that familiar funny taste.

So does that mean it’s safe to drink?

Typically, but not so fast! While water won’t necessarily “expire,” so to speak, allowing it to sit out can expose it to bacterial growth. Fortunately, most municipal tap and bottled water is treated with chlorine additives that can help ward off bacteria for a day or so. Now you’re thinking, “so, if I don’t open bottled water, it will never go bad, right?” Wrong! According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “some plastics release the hormone disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) when they’re heated,” which compromises the water in your water bottle.

How can I ensure safe, tasty drinking water?

We thought you’d never ask! Your best bet is to install a high quality reverse osmosis drinking water filter — like the Kinetico systems we offer here at Aquarius. With an RO filter, you’ll enjoy clean, crisp — and most importantly — fresh water, whenever you want it. (Learn more about our reverse osmosis systems in our recent blog post!)

Secure fresh water, on demand, with a water filtration system from Aquarius Water Conditioning! For more information about you drinking water system options, call 888-741-9025 today.

bill scherk

We love our Kinetico whole-home water treatment system.  No residue around our faucets.  No smelly well water.  My wife loves what Kinetico water does for her hair and skin and the Sherck boys LOVE the Kinetico K5 Drinking System (They fill their water bottles before hockey and soccer practices).

Clean, healthy, great-tasing water.  That is Kinetico!”

Bill Sherck

MN Bound

Minnesota Bound logo with a black lab