How to Store and Handle Alkaline Water Safely
- Published:
- Updated: December 16, 2024
Summary
Alkaline water offers potential health benefits, but proper storage and handling are essential for maintaining its properties. Follow these guidelines:
- Choose glass or stainless steel containers.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Consume within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Alkaline water has been the vogue in the health-industry for a while now as the world moves towards wellness and health consciousness. But what is alkaline water anyway? In simple terms, alkaline water is water that has been ionized (the pH of water has been raised). That leaves water that’s higher than pH 7, the neutral point. It’s a water that’s said to have several health properties, like balancing acid in the blood, increasing metabolism, and making your body more easily absorbed nutrients. But, to keep its properties, alkaline water requires extra attention when storing and handling.
The Chemistry Behind Alkaline Water
And then, following up from the what to why, a little science here and there. pH defines alkaline water. So pH is basically a factor of acidity or alkalinity. Alkaline water, whereas standard tap water is neutral at pH 7 and regular tap water will typically be between pH 8 and 9. Alkaline water is thought to reduce the acidity of your body and that comes with a lot of health benefits. But those attributes can be readily changed if the water isn’t kept and handled properly.
What are the Proper Storage Techniques for Alkaline Water?
So, how exactly should we store alkaline water? Firstly, the choice of container is paramount. Glass and stainless steel containers are typically the best options for storing alkaline water. These materials are non-reactive and help maintain the water’s pH level. Conversely, plastic containers can react with the alkaline water and alter its properties. Furthermore, the water should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can rapidly degrade the quality of the water and reduce its alkalinity.
Following these storage tips can go a long way:
- Use glass or stainless-steel containers
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight
How Long Can Alkaline Water Be Stored Safely?
It also takes into account how long alkaline water stays stored. How long your water will last varies based on many factors including the water quality at the start, storage conditions and container. Alkaline water can usually last you about 1 – 2 weeks, if stored properly. But the key is to eat it soon after to reap the full benefits. Taste and smell: these symptoms signal the water isn’t good to drink anymore.
The Risks of Improper Storage and Handling
So, now for the dangers of storing and treating alkaline water incorrectly. The pH of the alkaline water will drop and its alkalinity will be lost if not stored appropriately. This does not only rob you of the health advantages of drinking alkaline water, but can also cause the colonisation of bacteria and microbes if it is left out in the wrong conditions. So make sure you do all you can when storing alkaline water.
Safe Handling of Alkaline Water
In the process of handling alkaline water there are a few easy but very important tips to remember. For one, never wash your hands before getting in contact with the water or the top of the cup. This keeps the room free from any pathogens or other contaminants. Also, do not shake the bowl as you serve or pour the water, this can mess with the properties of the water.
Some tidbits to remember:
Always handle with clean hands
Don’t tip when pouring, you don’t want it to squirt.
Transporting Alkaline Water Safely
If you’re shipping alkaline water across town or down the road, there’s one thing you need to ensure: transportation is secure. Always ensure to seal the container shut in case any leakage or contamination happens. The water should be transported as for storage – chilled, out of direct sunlight. Also be careful not to let the water shake too much because this could alter the properties.
Here are the main tips to help you safely transport alkaline water:
Seal the box well.
Remain cool and keep it away from the sun.
Avoid shaking the container excessively
Preserving the Benefits of Alkaline Water
In the end, it’s precisely for this reason that we care about the safety of alkaline water storage and handling: to keep its purported advantages intact. If it stays high enough in pH, the water can actually be doing its job of neutralizing acid in our bodies which can bring positive health benefits. When properly stored and processed, the alkaline water you drink will be of the highest quality and can offer you all the health benefits that have gotten it so popular.
To sum it up:
Keep the pH high for health benefits.
Store and handle properly to get maximum value.
The science of alkaline water is still in active research and controversy. However, even if you don’t, if you do know how to store and process it, you can rest assured that you’ll get the most out of your alkaline water. Just remember that the point is not to drink alkaline water, it is to drink it responsibly and at the highest quality possible.
Share this on social media:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Related Posts
