Keep in mind the residual (for moderate and long term storage) biocidal effects of added chlorine will be dependant upon the availability of “free” chlorine and the bio-load (the concentration of organisms to be killed). Water, might contain large amounts of organic compounds (think of well water near farming operations), which may bind/tie up the “free” chlorine as chlorinated hydrocarbons (not real good for the body over time). If you are planning on storing and treating large amounts of water with chlorine, it might be wise to have the water tested for organic and chemical load/contamination or in a pinch, at least obtain a water test kit from an aquarium store and test the water yourself.

Pete

Wildcard, I should have been more specific. It wasn't the flat taste of the water, it was the strong taste of the plastic.

Sue

If distilled water is in an airtight container, it will (hypothetically) be good indefinitely. The hypothetical part comes in with maintaining a proper seal, just not possible in a plastic container (at least as far as I know). The water will lose oxygen content, and go "flat" but the odd taste doesn't effect the drinkability at all. Water can be kept in plastic bottles indefinitely by treating it bi-annually with chlorine (plain, not scented), six drops per gallon, or two drops per liter/quart, as long as it doesn't evaporate, it will remain drinkable longer than you'll live.

That's the hitch... I just noticed you're posting from Germany...sorry about making the assumption, distilled water on this side of the pond is clear to drink.

Troy

P.S. I guess my ugly American was showing, some of us tend to forget that things get different when you leave the States, sorry again <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Distilled water is distilled water. That means that it is pure H2O, maybe with some air bubbles dissolved in it. I don't care were in the world you are, if it is anything else, it isn't distilled water.

And FYI, my local stores have "spring", "bottled", and "distilled" water on the shelf for human consumption. I drink them all pretty regualrly, becuase they are the same prive and on the same shelf. If you use a desert still/asperation bag, you are getting distilled water. It is safe to drink.

Good point, thanks Pete.

Troy

Powered gatoraide or flavored drink mixes help, and take little room. Even tea helps.

No, it was clear and very helpful.

Thanks, Vince

I treat my emergency water supplies at my home with chlorine. I do that because with 55 gallons of stored water it is worth the effort. But I'm trying to weasel out of doing that with the two gallons I keep in my truck. It's easier just to continue to buy two new gallons and rotate them. I'm just trying to lengthen the interval between switches. If distilled will get me an extra year over bottled without having to mess with it in any way I'll be happy. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Regards, Vince

No need to be sorry. Seems like we both learned something. That´s an advantage of an international audience. As far as the supply in the USA is concerned I stand corrected.