r/explainlikeimfive 7d ago

Chemistry ELI5: Is there a difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?

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u/The_Razielim 7d ago

Sterile water is just that, sterile water (treated to eliminate any microbial presence). It will remain sterile until in use and then potentially contaminated (either by exposure to the air, poor sterile technique, etc)

Bacteriostatic water takes it the extra step and is sterile water with an additive (0.9% benzyl alcohol), which serves to inhibit any potential microbial growth if it gets contaminated.

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u/jaap_null 7d ago

TIL I learned that slightly drunk water is cleaner than stone sober water.

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u/The_Razielim 7d ago

Not really. Bacteriostatic is not bactericidal. Bacteriostatic just means that it inhibits their growth, but they're still present (and alive, for a while).