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Garages are great for storage, which is probably why you’ve considered stockpiling bottled water. Whether you’re worried about potential water shortages or want to take advantage of low water prices, you’re in the right place. Bottled water storage is crucial since the wrong location can make the water unsuitable for consumption.
Storing bottled water in a hot garage isn’t safe because studies have shown that plastic chemicals can leach into the water. Ensure your garage isn’t above 158 degrees F (70 C) to prevent BPA and other chemicals from entering the water. A thermostat can help with the garage’s temperature.
In this article, we’ll explain why bottled water shouldn’t be exposed to extreme temperatures in a garage or shed, where you can store them properly, and different methods to store water in a garage without risking contamination.
Does Bottled Water Go Bad in a Hot Garage?
Bottled water goes bad in a hot garage because the bottles aren’t designed to withstand extreme temperatures. The plastic won’t melt in a garage or shed, but the chemicals (namely BPA) will leak into the water. BPAs are known for causing all sorts of lifelong illnesses, but they only leak from the plastic if it gets too hot.
According to the University of Florida, most water bottles can withstand temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit before they start to leak their plastic chemicals. Milk jugs and juice bottles aren’t rated as high as water bottles, so they shouldn’t ever be stored in a hot garage. Believe it or not, your garage can get quite warm during hot summer months.
How Should You Store Bottled Water in the Garage?
You should store your bottled water in the garage with a thermostat and hygrometer to monitor and adjust the temperature and humidity. These two factors determine whether the plastic leaches, cracks, or lets the water get stale. Furthermore, do your best to choose BPA-free water bottles to stay away from the chemicals.
Here’s how you can safely store bottled water in a garage:
- Get a thermostat to control the ambient temperature in a garage or shed to protect the bottled water. Garage Smart recommends managing your garage’s temperature to prevent mold, mildew, grime, pests, and other issues. Using a thermostat will help you keep the bottled water below the aforementioned limit.
- Use a hygrometer to control the humidity and prevent excess moisture or dryness from ruining the bottles. While it’s unlikely that humidity will penetrate the bottles, it can grow mildew and mold under the cap. This process renders the bottles too dangerous to drink, especially if they’re hot throughout the month.
- Keep the bottled water in a cabinet or cupboard to stop it from getting too hot or stale. Even a little bit of insulation will work wonders for your bottled water. You can drop the temperature by quite a lot by keeping them in containers inside of an enclosed space that’s away from direct light.
- Always get BPA-free water bottles if possible. BPAs are some of the worst chemicals in bottled water, which is why so many people are steering away from them. However, if you can find BPA-free water bottles, you can keep them in a warm garage for a while. This method includes getting reusable BPA-free water bottles.
- Don’t store opened water bottles in a hot garage, even if they’re resealed. Once you open a plastic water bottle, it’s exposed to contaminants in the air. The bacteria can grow and spread when exposed to heat and moisture, both of which are present in a hot garage or shed.
Alternative Ways to Store Water in a Garage
There are many other ways to store water in a garage without exposing it to extreme heat. In fact, you can store large quantities of water for quite a long time in almost any space in your home. All you need to do is ensure it’s temperature regulated, free of toxic chemicals, and designed to keep bacteria out of it.
Try this list of five ways to store water in a hot garage:
- Keep the water stored in a mini-fridge. You don’t have to leave plastic bottles in the hot garage if they’re in a refrigerator. There are plenty of large fridges or mini-fridges that can withstand the heat and keep hundreds of water bottles at a good temperature. Furthermore, you don’t even have to turn on the fridge; The insulation is enough.
- Consider getting an insulated container for the water bottles. Speaking of insulation, you can add foam inside of a cooler or plastic box to keep the excess heat out of the container. This quick trick can preserve bottled water for a long time, but it’s also effective for buckets and other containers.
- Store tap water in food-grade buckets, bottles, or tubs. EZ Prepping shows you can store tap water for up to two or more years, provided they’re in the proper containers. Check for a BPA-free or food-grade label on the container before using it to store water in a hot garage or shed.
- Cycle water bottles every few weeks to prevent them from getting too hot. If you’re determined to keep bottled water in a warm garage, consider keeping a few cases in the garage and a few more under a bed or someplace inside. Switch them back and forth every so often, and they’ll be as good as new.
- Install a water storage tank. Water storage tanks are designed for long-term storage. Most of them sit outside, but you can call a local water company for indoor installations, including the inside of your garage. This simple trick is effective for 50+ gallons of water.
Conclusion
Water storage is a hot topic these days, but there are many ways to regulate the ambient temperature to ensure the bottles don’t get too warm. Keeping them within the recommended temperature range will prevent harmful chemicals from leaking into the water. Furthermore, it’ll stop the water from tasting stale.
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