Is it safe to store drinking water in polypropylene containers for the fridge?
Use caution. Cold storage is lower risk than heat, but polypropylene can still shed plastic particles.
Short answer
Glass is better for water you store and drink every day. A polypropylene container in the fridge is not the same as hot plastic, but it is still plastic touching water for hours or days.
What is in it
Polypropylene is the number 5 plastic used in food containers, pitchers, and storage tubs. It does not use BPA, but BPA is not the only issue. Scratches, age, washing, and heat history can all make plastic shed more.
What the research says
A 2025 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study tested polypropylene food containers with water. The researchers confirmed nanoplastic and microplastic release. Hot-water exposure released more particles, but the study still supports treating polypropylene as a possible source of plastic particles in food and drink.
What to do
Use glass for daily fridge water when you can. If you still use polypropylene, keep it cold, do not pour hot water into it, replace cloudy or scratched containers, and wash by hand instead of using high dishwasher heat. Refill often instead of storing water for a week.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Release of Nanoplastics from Polypropylene Food Containers into Hot and Cold Water. | J Agric Food Chem | 2025 |
What to use instead
Shop glass jars for fridge water and everyday food storage.
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