does water go bad?

[The_Blob]

Originally Posted by NaeKid

What about water stored in a camper's fresh-water holding tank. What is the extent of life expectancy of water sitting in there. Will bacteria drain-away when the tank is emptied, or, would the bacteria have the ability to "stay alive" even when dry for extended periods of time?

You could always use a quart of mild OTC (3%-5%) Hydrogen Peroxide solution to rinse out the tank after emptying it.

[sailaway]

Originally Posted by The_Blob

You could always use a quart of mild OTC (3%-5%) Hydrogen Peroxide solution to rinse out the tank after emptying it.

Thanx Blob, I am just about to get my campers fresh water holding tank cleaned and running again after 30 years. (if it's any good.) I don't think I would use it for potable water though unless I boiled it. The container is an old metal one. I may even replace it in the future as finances permit. I was thinking of cleaning it with Chlorine and then Hydrogen Peroxide. The last thing I want is some water born bacteria. I guess if it doesn't kill ya it will only make U stronger

[erdocsg]

so the amount that leechs out of the containers i guess would be minimal, if we are in a survival situation... the water preservers that they sell i'm assuming are just bleach, or if not, just one or 2 drops of household bleach into 2 gallons of water, how long do you think it would keep it good for? a year or two?