How Long Can Bottled Water Be Stored Safely?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the bottled water industry, does not require a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly, but we recommend

no more than two years for non-carbonated water, and one year for sparkling water

.

Can you get sick from drinking old bottled water?

It’s highly unlikely old water will make you ill

However, even smelly bottles are likely just encrusted with saliva, mouth bacteria, or even some mildew or mold, and there’s likely nothing to worry about.

How long does bottled water stay safe to drink?

✅ What is the shelf life of unopened bottled water? The recommended shelf life of still water is

2 years and 1 year for sparkling

. The FDA does not list shelf life requirements and water can be stored indefinitely however bottled water plastic leaches over time and can effect taste.

What bottled water has the longest shelf life?

Puravai Emergency Drinking Water

comes with a 20 year guaranteed shelf life but is safe to drink beyond 50 years when stored properly. This case of Puravai Emergency Drinking Water comes with 6 one liter bottles (33.8 fluid ounces) of the longest lasting, most durable and convenient water available.

How long can water sit in plastic bottle?

How long can water be stored safely? Although properly stored public-supply water should have an

indefinite shelf life

, replace it every 6 to 12 months for best taste.

How long will water last in a sealed container?

How long will it keep? Commercially packaged water can be stored for

about 5 years

; home filled stored water should be changed annually. Stored water will go flat but can be aerated prior to consumption by pouring it between two containers a few times.

Can bacteria grow in water bottles?

Bacteria, fungi and even mold can thrive in a water bottle

, thanks mainly to its moist environment. Simply rinsing the bottle out with water isn’t sufficient, and care must be taken when cleaning bottles that have attached straws and narrow-mouth lids with lots of nooks and crannies.

Does gallon water expire?

In their eyes, or according to their guidelines,

water does not expire

. This is true only if it is professionally packaged in food-grade bottles. We recommend that you use your water within two years of the manufacturing date. The use-by date is printed on the neck of the bottle.

Can I drink water that sat out overnight?

You should avoid drinking water left open for a very long time

. The water left overnight or for a long period of time in an open glass or container is home to numerous bacterias and is not safe for drinking. You never know how much dust, debris, and other small microscopic particles might have passed into that glass.

Why does Aquafina water expire?

Besides that, the expiration date on bottled water has certain benefits for the manufacturer. Although water, in and of itself, does not go bad,

the plastic bottle it is contained in does “expire,” and will eventually start leaching chemicals into the water

.

What happens when bottled water expires?

These plastics “

will leach into the liquid of the bottle once expired or especially when exposed to heat, including sunlight and hot cars or storage trucks

,” according to Amy Leigh Mercee, holistic health expert. “The toxicity contained in the plastic material enters the water.”

How long is Dasani water good for?

What is the shelf life of DASANI®? DASANI® will hold its crisp, fresh taste for

up to 12 months

. After that, it’s best to recycle the old one and start with a fresh, new bottle.

How long does bottled water last unopened?

Thankfully, bottled water has a generous expiration date compared to other types of foods. Unopened bottled water can last

up to two years

. Opened water bottles, however, can last a few weeks. Pure tap water usually expires after six months from the time it gets packaged.

Can water in containers go bad?

Though

water itself doesn’t expire, bottled water often has an expiration date

. In 1987, New Jersey became the first and only U.S. state to pass a law requiring that all food products — including bottled water — have an expiration date of 2 years or less from the date of manufacture.

Can you store tap water long term?

Can water be stored indefinitely?

Potable drinking water can be stored indefinitely if stored properly in food-grade containers that are stored in a dark cool environment

. Chemical treatments (including household bleach or iodine) can be used every 6 months to a year to keep the water potable.

How can you tell if water has bacteria in it?

1. Cloudiness.
2. Strange tinting or color.
3. Unusual taste.
4. Odors of sulfur, rotten eggs or manure.
5. Suspended solids.

How often do you need to clean your water bottle?

“You need to wash your water bottles

after every use

,” Sansori says, “or daily if you refill throughout the day. It may only hold water, but bacteria breeds in damp, dark environments like the inside of the bottle.”