Sanitizing Top Off Water

[golmar]

Does top off water need to be sanitized? I've been using bottled water and sanitizing the top of the bottle before opening and pouring into the kettle. .

[BDawg]

Yes, you should always use sanitized water.

[golmar]

OK, thanks. How long can I leave sanitized water around for?

[BDawg]

Depends on how you seal it. Bottled water should be ok for months.
It's probably easier to just boil some extra water up on brew day, though, and keep it covered and ready.

[BYOHB]

Interesting point!

I have always used chilled, filtered, tap water. From charcol/membrane filter into well rinsed 1 gal jug, directly into the fridge.

No problems so far, after 16+ batches, but I could see it being a potential issue.

[golmar]

No boiling BYOHB?

[BYOHB]

Nope! Filtered water for mash, and chilled for makeup.

But it makes sense, so I may start!

I guess my local water is pretty clean, or at least chlorinated well!!!

[Maine-iac]

I've always just topped off straight from the tap. I've made 20 batches this way without any problems (maybe not award winning beer, but certainly nothing bad from the water).