A glass of water should only sit for so long

We know about milk, beer, sodas, and more—when to drink them, when they go bad, and when to throw them away. But water? It is part of nature, can be served hot, warm or cold, can also be left out and usually only consists of one ingredient – water. Even adding ice just adds more of the same. But how long should you leave a glass of water without drinking? Believe it or not, it is durable. According to experts, a glass of water should only sit for so long…let us explain.

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According to water experts, you can safely let a glass of water sit for about 12 hours before you should worry about drinking it; However, due to the mixing of carbon dioxide from the air with the water, it can produce a bland or stale taste. Therefore, if you want the best taste, it is best to consume it earlier.

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The main danger of leaving water to sit for too long is that it will lose its freshness and develop a slightly unpleasant taste due to the absorbed carbon dioxide from the air. While it's generally safe to leave the water outside for a day or so, leaving it exposed for a long period of time can increase the risk of air pollutants becoming trapped in the glass, especially in dusty environments.

Water is the key to life. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine has determined that adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (slightly less than a gallon) of fluid per day for men and 11.5 cups (0.7 gallons) per day fluid per day for women.

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If you leave out the drinking water, it will be at room temperature and should therefore generally be considered for drinking. It is easily absorbed by the body, which is why tap water instead of cold water is best when you are hot and trying to stay hydrated.

To ensure the best quality when leaving out the water, cover your glass of water if you plan to let it sit for a while.