What happens to water and dangers of it

[BobbyJoe]

Hi everyone,

I have a question and hope for some advice or information on the following many thanks;

• How long should tap water be left out at room temperature before drinking (how long is too long)
• How many times should you change the water in the kettle before boiling it, should you pour out and add fresh water every time you use it?
• What happens to water which has been left out for more than 24 hours, does bacteria form ( if so which kind) and are there any dangerous health hazards if you drink the water.

Thanks once again

 

[oz-plumber]

Point 1: Drinkable it until it evaporates. - unless contaminated by other souses.
Point 2: Home kettle, continual use and filling as required. Boiled water purified.
Motel Kettle - never use, bring your own.
Point 3: Just because water comes out of you tap when you open it does not mean its fresh.
It may have been in the water mains for days or weeks and probably in the resevoir for months - even years.
There would be more dangerous health hazards to your body for not drinking water than drinking it.
Even water that contains many chemical and bacteria that is in the water we all drink.
Bottled / processed water probably has more chemicals in it than average tap water

 

[Chuck]

Point 1: Drinkable it until it evaporates. - unless contaminated by other souses.

When the water gets cut off here, I follow the same practice as I've seen in hospitals. Keep water in a jug with a lid. Top up as necessary during the day but empty completely and refill with fresh water at least once a day.

Water in an open jug starts tastes 'stale' to me after a day, probably because it has become de-aerated.