Does water expire? Facts & Myths Explained

Shelf Life of Bottled Water: The Facts

Unopened Bottled Water

Unopened bottled water, if stored properly, can last indefinitely. Although manufacturers may stamp an expiration date on the bottle, this doesn’t mean the water will spoil or become unsafe. Instead, it suggests when the water is expected to retain optimal taste and quality. As long as the bottles are kept in a cool, dark environment, the water remains safe for consumption over the years.

Opened Bottled Water

Once a bottle is opened, the situation changes. Exposure to the environment raises the risk of contamination. For best results, consume opened bottled water within a few days, especially if it’s stored at room temperature. Keeping it in the fridge can extend its freshness up to a week, but for peak taste and safety, it’s best to drink it sooner rather than later.

Storing Bottled Water Safely

With ideal storage conditions, bottled water can last for years. FEMA suggests rotating emergency water supplies every six months to a year, yet unopened water in a good environment often stays drinkable well beyond that. Here’s how to keep bottled water in top condition:

• Cool, Dark Storage: Avoid sunlight, which can degrade the plastic and even encourage algae.
• Stable Temperature: Don’t store bottled water in places with significant temperature swings, like garages or attics.
• Avoid Heat: High temperatures may accelerate chemical leaching, which can affect water quality.

Understanding Expiration Dates on Bottled Water

Water itself doesn’t spoil. It’s a chemically stable substance that won’t go “bad.” So, why the expiration date? This is largely a quality measure, addressing the potential leaching of chemicals from plastic bottles over time. Some regions mandate expiration dates on bottled water to ensure product quality at the point of sale.

What Does a Bottled Water Expiration Date Mean?

The date is the manufacturer’s assurance of freshness and taste up to that point. Drinking water past the labeled date is generally safe as long as it’s been stored well.

Chemicals in Plastic Bottles: What You Should Know

Plastic’s Impact on Bottled Water Quality

Plastic bottles can release tiny amounts of chemicals into the water, especially if exposed to heat or sunlight. Commonly found chemicals include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA): This compound can affect health if ingested in high quantities, though many bottles are now BPA-free.
• Phthalates: These may impact water’s taste and odor, and high exposure over time has potential health risks.

Storing bottled water in a cool, dark place helps reduce chemical leaching, preserving water quality.

Health Implications of “Old” Bottled Water

Possible Health Concerns

Though bottled water doesn’t technically expire, poor storage conditions can lead to chemical exposure. Long-term consumption of water stored in hot conditions, for instance, could expose you to low levels of substances like BPA or phthalates. If opened, bacteria or algae may grow, potentially causing stomach discomfort.

What Happens if You Drink “Expired” Water?

Drinking water past the labeled expiration date is typically safe if it’s been stored in a cool, dark place. If you detect any odors or flavors, however, it’s wise to discard it.

FAQs

Does Bottled Water Expire?

Bottled water doesn’t “expire” in the way most food does. However, you might notice an expiration date stamped on the bottle. This isn’t about the water itself—it’s chemically stable—but rather a suggestion to ensure you enjoy it at its best. Why? Because the plastic bottle can subtly affect the taste over time. For the freshest experience, manufacturers recommend drinking it before that date.

Does Water Go Bad in Plastic Bottles?

Water in plastic bottles is safe for long periods, particularly if stored in a cool, dark place. However, as time passes, chemicals from the plastic can slowly leach into the water. Heat speeds this process up, which may change the flavor. Though it doesn't make the water unsafe to drink, the taste may not be as clean as it originally was. So, where and how you store it really matters.

What Actually “Expires” in Bottled Water?

The water itself? No. But the bottle it’s in can certainly affect its quality over time. External factors like heat and sunlight can trigger chemical reactions within the plastic. This can cause the water’s taste to change, making it less fresh. While still safe to consume, the flavor may not be quite what you expect.

Does distilled water last forever?

Distilled water, praised for its purity, has an impressively long shelf life when stored properly. The water itself remains unchanged. But the container still plays a role. If it’s in plastic, there’s always the potential for chemicals to leach into the water—just at a slower pace compared to other types of bottled water.

Why Do Bottles Have Expiration Dates if Water Doesn’t Expire?

Those dates on bottled water are about maintaining quality, not safety. They’re there to help ensure you experience the best taste. While the water remains safe, plastic bottles can release small amounts of chemicals, especially when stored improperly. The expiration date is a guide to enjoying your water at its peak freshness, not a hard-and-fast rule about when it becomes undrinkable.