You’ve probably seen those expiration dates stamped on bottled water and wondered, “Can water really go bad?” It’s a valid question, especially considering that we rely on bottled water for everything from emergency preparedness to everyday hydration.
But the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While the water itself may not spoil in the traditional sense, there are other factors at play that can affect its quality and safety over time.
Do you take a sip and hope for the best, or toss it out just to be safe?
The Truth about Bottled Water Expiration Dates
Believe it or not, bottled water doesn’t actually go bad or expire in the traditional sense. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bottled water has an indefinite shelf life as long as it’s properly stored.(ref)
The FDA regulates bottled water as a packaged food product and requires it to be produced under sanitary conditions and labeled accurately.
So why do some bottles have expiration dates printed on them? It turns out that those dates are more about the bottle than the water inside. Over time, chemicals from the plastic can leach into the water, affecting its taste and potentially its safety.
However, this process is slow and can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the type of plastic and storage conditions.
How to Store Bottled Water for Maximum Shelf Life
To keep your bottled water fresh and safe to drink for as long as possible, follow these simple storage tips:
- Store bottles in a cool place, ideally between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C)
- Keep them out of direct sunlight
- Don’t store bottles near toxic substances like gasoline, pesticides, or cleaning supplies
Store bottled water at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals. If you want to be extra cautious, consider replacing your emergency water supply every six months to a year. This ensures you always have a fresh, great-tasting source of hydration on hand.
What to Do with Old or Questionable Bottled Water
If you come across a bottle of water that looks or smells funky, it’s best to err on the side of caution and toss it out. While boiling water can kill harmful bacteria and parasites, it won’t remove chemical contaminants that may have leached in from the plastic.
Experts have raised concerns about the risk of microbial growth in plastic water bottles, especially during heatwaves. Consuming contaminated water can lead to health issues like cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery. To minimize these risks, avoid leaving bottled water in hot cars or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Instead of pouring suspicious water down the drain, consider using it for non-consumption purposes like watering plants or cleaning. And always recycle those empty bottles when you’re done – they can be transformed into everything from planters to art projects!
While bottled water doesn’t technically expire, it’s still important to store it properly and replace it regularly for the best taste and safety. So go ahead and stock up on a fresh supply – your future thirsty self will thank you.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.