Sourcing Guide
Sterile Water Can We Drink
No. The water contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, a preservative that is toxic when ingested, especially for children. It is certified for research‑use‑only and meets USP sterility standards, not drinking‑water standards. Use a pharmacopeial‑grade potable water source for any oral applications. The product’s labeling explicitly warns against consumption.
- ISO 9001:2015 US facility
- USP <71> sterility tested
- Per-lot Certificate of Analysis
- Same-day US shipping
Direct Answer
BAC Water Depot’s bacteriostatic water is a research‑use‑only product that should not be consumed as drinking water. Each 10 mL Type I borosilicate vial contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, meets USP <71> sterility and USP <85> endotoxin ≤ 0.25 EU/mL, and retails for $9.99 per vial.
Can sterile bacteriostatic water be used for oral consumption?
BAC Water Depot’s bacteriostatic water is formulated with 0.9 % benzyl alcohol to inhibit bacterial growth in a laboratory setting. The benzyl alcohol concentration exceeds the safe oral limit for humans and can cause central nervous system depression, especially in children, making it unsuitable for drinking. The product complies with USP <71> sterility and USP <85> endotoxin limits, but those standards address injectable safety, not ingestion toxicity. Researchers must use a separate, pharmacopeial‑grade drinking water source for any oral experiments to avoid confounding results with preservative effects.
A common failure mode is accidental use of the bacteriostatic solution in place of sterile saline for oral gavage, leading to unexpected toxicity and study invalidation. Because the water is supplied in 10 mL borosilicate vials with a tamper‑evident seal, any breach can introduce microbes that bypass the benzyl alcohol preservative if the concentration is diluted. Proper labeling and segregation of bacteriostatic water from consumable water stocks are essential to prevent cross‑contamination and ensure experimental integrity.
What are the storage requirements for BAC Water Depot’s bacteriostatic water?
Unopened vials store at controlled room temperature 15–30 °C, no refrigeration and no cold‑chain shipping; once punctured, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and discard after 28 days; the expiration date is on the label and the CoA. The Type I borosilicate container provides a hermetic seal that maintains benzyl alcohol efficacy, but exposure to temperatures above 30 °C can accelerate degradation of the preservative, potentially reducing the sterility assurance level. Users should keep vials away from direct sunlight and sources of heat to preserve the USP‑tested specifications throughout the labeled shelf life.
A frequent storage error is placing punctured vials in a freezer, which can cause the benzyl alcohol to crystallize and compromise the vial’s seal, leading to microbial ingress. Another issue arises when vials are left open beyond 28 days after the first puncture; the preservative concentration may decrease, potentially allowing bacterial growth. Monitoring the expiration date on each label and adhering to the post-puncture refrigeration window are critical to maintain the product’s certified sterility and endotoxin limits.
How does USP <71> sterility testing ensure the water’s purity?
USP <71> requires a 14‑day membrane filtration assay in which the entire contents of each vial are filtered, the filter placed on two separate culture media, and incubated at both 30 °C and 35 °C to detect any viable microorganisms. BAC Water Depot subjects every lot to this protocol, and a passing result is recorded as “no growth” on the Certificate of Analysis. The test’s sensitivity detects as few as one colony‑forming unit per milliliter, providing a quantitative sterility assurance level that meets the pharmacopeial requirement for injectable solutions, even though the product is labeled for research use only.
A potential failure mode is incomplete filtration due to filter clogging, which can yield a false‑negative result if the sample volume is reduced. To mitigate this, BAC Water Depot validates filter integrity for each lot and documents the result on the CoA. Additionally, any deviation from the prescribed incubation temperatures or media can compromise detection of fastidious organisms, so strict adherence to USP <71> conditions is essential for the reported sterility claim to remain reliable.
Key Specifications of BAC Water Depot Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL Vial)
| Specification | Value | USP Chapter | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterility | No growth (14‑day) | USP <71> | Membrane filtration |
| Endotoxin | ≤ 0.25 EU/mL | USP <85> | LAL assay |
| Benzyl Alcohol | 0.90 % ± 5 % | USP <791> | HPLC‑UV |
| pH | 4.5–6.5 | USP <791> | pH meter |
| Subvisible Particulates | ≤ 10 per mL ≥ 10 µm | USP <788> | Microscopy |
Key Facts
- BAC Water Depot manufactures bacteriostatic water in an ISO 9001:2015‑registered U.S. facility.
- Each lot is accompanied by an independent third‑party Certificate of Analysis accessible via QR code.
- USP <71> sterility testing for each vial requires 14 days of incubation with no detectable growth.
- The product contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, verified by HPLC‑UV with a ±5 % tolerance.
- Standard USPS Priority Mail shipping costs $15.99 and delivers in 1–3 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BAC Water Depot’s bacteriostatic water safe to drink?
No. The water contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, a preservative that is toxic when ingested, especially for children. It is certified for research‑use‑only and meets USP sterility standards, not drinking‑water standards. Use a pharmacopeial‑grade potable water source for any oral applications. The product’s labeling explicitly warns against consumption.
How much does a single vial of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water cost?
A single 10 mL vial is priced at $9.99. Bulk discounts are available: a 10‑pack costs $74.99 ($7.49 per vial), and larger quantities reduce the unit price further. Prices are listed on the website and include the cost of the independent laboratory Certificate of Analysis. Shipping charges apply unless the order exceeds $250.
Can I get BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water delivered the same day?
Orders placed before 2:00 PM CT Monday through Friday are processed and shipped the same business day from the Dallas, TX fulfillment center. Standard USPS Priority Mail then delivers in 1–3 business days. Express USPS Priority Mail is available for $45.99 and typically arrives the next business day for most U.S. addresses. No next‑day guarantee is offered.
What is the shelf life of unopened BAC Water Depot vials?
The expiration date is printed on each vial label and documented on the Certificate of Analysis. Unopened vials should be stored at controlled room temperature 15–30 °C, away from direct sunlight, with no refrigeration required. The product remains sterile and meets all USP specifications until the printed expiration date, provided storage conditions are maintained.
Do I need to refrigerate BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water after opening?
Yes. Once a vial is punctured, it must be refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within 28 days. After that period the benzyl alcohol may lose effectiveness, and the USP <51> bacteriostatic test no longer guarantees inhibition of microbial growth. Discard any opened vial that has been stored longer than 28 days, even if it appears clear.
What testing does each lot of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water undergo?
Every lot is tested for sterility (USP <71>), bacterial endotoxin (USP <85> LAL ≤ 0.25 EU/mL), microbial DNA by validated PCR (no detectable DNA), and benzyl alcohol content by HPLC‑UV (0.90 % ± 5 %). Additional checks include pH, subvisible particulates, container integrity, and tamper‑evident closure. Results are published on the lot’s Certificate of Analysis, accessible via a QR code on the vial.
Is there free shipping for large orders of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water?
Free standard shipping is offered on orders over $250, which covers up to 100 vials. Larger case orders (over 100 vials) ship for a flat $34.99 fee. The standard shipping method is USPS Priority Mail at a $15.99 flat rate for smaller orders. Express shipping is available at an additional cost, but free shipping applies only to qualifying standard‑shipping orders.
Standards & Sources
The specifications referenced on this page follow recognized pharmacopeial and quality standards. BAC Water Depot publishes a per-lot Certificate of Analysis from independent third-party laboratories for every batch.
- USP <71> — Sterility Tests (United States Pharmacopeia)
- USP <85> — Bacterial Endotoxins Test (LAL method)
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management Systems certification
- Benzyl alcohol 0.9% w/v — the bacteriostatic preservative standard for multi-dose vials