How long does bottled water really last?
Bottled water is convenient and easy to grab when you’re on the go. But how long can you keep it around? Does bottled water expire? And what factors affect the water’s quality over time?
This article will explore the shelf life of bottled water and how to store it properly. We’ll also discuss expiration dates, safety concerns, and your best options for making sure your bottled water remains fresh and safe to drink.
Understanding bottled water expiration dates
Here’s a surprise: the FDA doesn’t require expiration dates on bottled water. In fact, they consider it to have an indefinite shelf life. But most bottled water has a “best by” date printed on the bottle.
This “best by” date actually refers to the plastic of the bottle, not the water inside. Over time, the plastic can degrade, which could change the water’s taste and smell.
For what it’s worth, in the UK, bottled water doesn’t need to have an expiration date at all.
Factors Affecting Bottled Water Quality and Safety
Even though bottled water is generally safe to drink, several factors can affect its quality and safety over time.
Storage Conditions
How you store your bottled water is critical. Ideally, you should keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing it in hot cars, garages, or attics, where high temperatures can cause the plastic to break down more quickly, potentially releasing chemicals into the water.
It’s also best to keep bottled water away from cleaning products, chemicals, or anything with a strong odor. These substances can actually seep through the plastic and contaminate the water inside.
Plastic Type and Degradation
Most bottled water comes in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. PET is usually considered safe, but it can release chemicals into the water over time, especially when exposed to heat. The longer the water sits in the bottle, the greater the chance of this happening.
Microplastics are another growing concern. Recent studies have found that bottled water can contain surprisingly high levels of microplastics – tiny plastic particles. One study even found some brands contained “almost a quarter of a million nano-plastic fragments” per liter.
How long does bottled water last? Unopened vs. opened
The shelf life of your bottled water will depend on whether you’ve opened it or not.
Unopened bottled water
If you stash your bottled water in a cool, dark place, it should be fine to drink for up to two years. Even so, the taste and quality may start to go downhill after the “best by” date.
Before you drink it, give the bottle a quick once-over to make sure there aren’t any cracks or leaks.
Opened bottled water
Once you break that seal, you’ve got about 4 to 6 days to finish it off. Once opened, the water’s exposed to air and whatever might be floating around in it, so it’s more likely to pick up contaminants.
To keep your opened water as fresh as possible, be sure to wash your hands before you handle it, and store it in the fridge.
How to tell if bottled water has gone bad
While water itself doesn’t “spoil,” there are still signs that your bottled water isn’t safe to drink. Changes in how the water tastes, smells, or looks can mean that it’s contaminated or that the plastic bottle is breaking down.
If your water smells weird, tastes off, or looks cloudy or discolored, throw it away.
You should also check the bottle itself. Cracks, leaks, or other damage could mean that the seal has been broken and that bacteria or other contaminants have gotten inside.
Storing Bottled Water for Emergencies
Bottled water is an essential part of any emergency preparedness kit. It’s a good idea to keep enough bottled water on hand for everyone in your household to last for several days.
But to make sure the water is safe and doesn’t taste terrible when you need it, you have to store it properly. Rotate your stock often so you use the oldest bottles first.
Some sources suggest that spring water is best for emergency storage, and they recommend storing it for no longer than a year.
What are some alternatives to bottled water?
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of bottled water, there are plenty of alternatives.
- Reusable water bottles: A reusable bottle is an eco-friendly option, and you can find them made of stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.
- Water filters: You can buy filters that attach to your faucet or come as part of a water pitcher. These give you access to clean, filtered tap water.
- Water delivery services: Some companies will deliver purified water to your home. This reduces the waste produced by individual plastic bottles.
The Bottom Line
Although bottled water doesn’t exactly “go bad,” its quality can suffer depending on how it’s stored and how long it’s been sitting in the plastic bottle. To keep your water tasting fresh and staying safe to drink, proper storage is key.
It’s also important to think about the environmental consequences of bottled water. Instead of buying plastic bottles, consider using a reusable bottle and filling it with filtered water from home.