Does Water Go Bad? How Long Does Bottled Water Last?

by Jay | Updated on July 26th, 2022

Every day, we drink water, both tap and bottled. But now and then, you come across a stray bottle of water that has been sitting in the pantry for who knows how long. That is when we wonder, “Does bottled water go bad?”


Bottled water is common in many homes today, with some people stocking up on more bottled water than others. But, how often do you stock up on bottled water? Whether you stock up regularly or when a need arises, here are a few facts you need to know about bottled water.

bottled water

How long can unopened water bottles be kept?

The FDA, which regulates the bottled water industry in the United States, does not require bottled water to have a shelf life. Bottled water can be stored properly indefinitely, but we recommend no more than two years for non-carbonated water and one year for sparkling water.

It’s best to finish the bottle within a few days of opening it. This is because it will absorb some carbon dioxide over time, and thus its flavor will change. As a result, many sources advise finishing the bottle within three days and refrigerating it.

The best-by date is useful for all other types of water, such as carbonated, flavored, or vitamin water.

Of course, water in an unopened bottle will not go bad a week or a month after the expiration date, but the taste may be altered. For example, carbonated water will not be as sparkling as it once was, flavored water will lose some flavor, and vitamins may not have the same nutritional profile as a fresh bottle.

Generally, it’s best to drink this type of water within a few months of the expiration date on the label.

Regarding an open bottle’s shelf life, 2 to 3 days is recommended for the best quality. However, it should still be tasty even if you keep it in the fridge for more than a week.

 PantryFridge
Water (unopened)5 years + 
Water (opened) 3 – 5 days
Sparkling, vitamin, or flavored water (unopened)Best-by + 3 months 
Sparkling, vitamin, or flavored water (opened) 2 – 3 days

Is bottled water regulated?

bottled water

Countries do regulate the production of bottled water. For example, in the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets good manufacturing practices for bottled water, including labeling requirements and maximum levels of contaminants for various impurities.

Different states also impose additional requirements which must be observed. In addition, water intended for non-US markets may be required to adhere to other requirements.

Is bottled water free of lead and other contaminants?

Bottled water is not necessarily contaminant-free, but it cannot contain any contaminant beyond the allowable concentration or the level set by the government.

So, why are there expiration dates on bottles, and is it safe to drink after that date?

FDA doesn’t require expiration dates on water bottles. Some manufacturers, however, continue to include them. This isn’t for safety reasons; it ensures the best quality and identifies the batch date. Drinking it before it expires will allow you to enjoy the best-tasting water.

Why care if bottled water is certified?

bottled water

While most countries regulate the production of bottled water, some don’t. That explains why you need to be careful when buying bottled water. Some companies even further assure their clients that their products comply with all regulations.

How long can you store bottled water?

You can store unopened bottled water products for up to 2 years. Check the shelf life indicated by the manufacturer to be sure how long you can store your water.

Keep in mind that bottled water is a food product, so it makes sense to store your water in similar conditions to other food items to prevent it from going bad. If you suspect your water is contaminated, trash it or boil it before drinking in an emergency.

You can tell your bottled water is contaminated or harmful if:

  • It tastes different
  • Has algae growth
  • Smell funny, etc

How do you know if your water has gone bad (been contaminated)?
If your water storage is contaminated,

  • It has an unusual odor.
  • Is hazy
  • A strange color has emerged.
  • Green algae are growing in it, and it has floaties.

Make your best decision consciously. Inspect your water storage every 6 months to see if it needs to be treated or replaced. If you are certain, drain the old water, clean the container, and refill with clean water.

Is it possible to freeze water?

Yes, we all make ice cubes sometimes, don’t we?
You can also freeze water in the bottle it comes in, as long as you open it first and pour some out.

Because water expands when frozen, putting an unopened bottle straight into the freezer is a recipe for disaster.

Is it possible to get sick from drinking old water?

Drinking contaminated water can make you sick. However, getting sick is caused by bacteria, algae, and other pathogens getting into the water source, not because the water is old. So getting sick from drinking old water is determined more by how the water was stored and how clean it was in the first place than by its age.

Drinking old water that has been sitting outside in an open cup or bottle for a couple of days, for example, is much more likely to make you sick than drinking a sealed, unopened bottle of purified water that is a couple of years old.

How to store water properly.

bottled water

The International Bottled Water Association recommends doing the following to keep bottled water safe:

  • Store out of direct sunlight: Exposing water to sunlight or heat has been linked to mold and algae development.
  • Store away from chemicals: Bottled water is packaged in plastic bottles which are slightly porous. This means air gases and vapor can pass through. Therefore, storing your water away from chemicals and other harmful products makes sense.
  • Keep track of the expiration date: It makes no sense to store expired water. Always discard expired bottled water.

Is bottled water better than tap water?

Bottled water is usually better, but you may want to be cautious as some bottled water products can be subpar. To be sure your bottled water is up to standard, consider researching thoroughly. Fortunately, today you can find many reports on food products online.

Jay

Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."