Desalinated water can usually be stored safely for several days to a few weeks, depending on how the reservoir is designed and managed. Because desalinated water has very low mineral content, it can be more chemically aggressive than natural freshwater, which means careful monitoring is needed to prevent corrosion or leaching from pipes and storage materials. To keep it stable, a small amount of minerals and disinfectant, such as chlorine, is often added before storage.
If the reservoir is covered, well-maintained, and regularly disinfected, desalinated water can remain safe for extended periods without significant changes in quality. However, if water sits too long without circulation or disinfectant levels drop, there is a risk of microbial growth or changes in taste and odor. For this reason, operators typically design storage to meet short- to medium-term supply needs rather than keeping large volumes unused for long periods.
