How long does drinking water stay drinking water?

[jack]

I can hold 15 gallons of fresh water but I was wondering what people do to keep it safe? How long does it stay drinking water? I also carry store bought water {spring water} in one gallon containers for emergency use. Thanks in advance for any advice, jack

 

[Gary]

They sell....

an additive which prolongs its life. I always try to use it liberally while in the slip, so as to prevent it from getting too old, then use it more conservatively while out. I do know that it takes only a few drops of bleach per gallon to preserve it. Wonder if you could taste it?

 

[Ben]

Bleach Helps

I typically run 2 cups of bleach through a full water tank at the start of the year to disinfect the tank and lines. I let it sit in the tank/lines overnight and then pump it out in the morning. All that said, I still carry a 5 gallon jug of store water for direct consumption...using the tank water for drinking only as a back up.

 

[Mike]

about a week

Jack-I am willing to drink the tank water in my boat for about a week; after that I go to the gallon or two-gallon jug of bottled water. After a week the tank water is used for washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc. I disinfect mine at the start of the season with a cup of bleach overnight and a full flush and refill with about a table spoon of bleach at refill. I suppose it's safe for a longer time than I drink it but it gets nasty tasting after a week especially if it's very hot outside.Mike