Can I Drink Old Bottled Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Still,

it’s generally not a good idea to drink water from plastic bottles that’s way beyond its expiration date

. This is because plastic can begin to leach into the water over time, contaminating it with chemicals, such as antimony and bisphenol A (BPA) ( 5 , 6 , 7 ).

Is it safe to drink from old plastic water bottles?

Drinking from disposable a plastic bottle

may lead to chemical leaching and toxicity

. Chemical leaching occurs when heat causes the toxic chemicals from the plastic to be released into the water.

Can you drink 5 year old bottled water?

Answer: From a safety perspective, you have nothing to worry about. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,

unopened commercially bottled water will keep safe indefinitely, as long as the bottles remain properly sealed and aren’t damaged

.

Is bottled water good after 2 years?

There’s no precise way to predict exactly when the water in the bottle is no longer good to drink, but “it stands to reason that

the longer the bottle has been in circulation, the more likely it was exposed to heat or has started to generally degrade

,” Mercree says, hence the “standard” two years.

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.

How long will bottled water keep?

The recommended shelf life is

two years

. The U.S. Food and Drug administration which regulates bottled water does not require a shelf life be listed but due to degradation of plastic over time, especially in heat we recommend two years for still water and one year for sparkling water.

Does gallon water expire?

Though water itself doesn’t expire,

bottled water often has an expiration date

.

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.

Does bottled water in glass expire?

Glass and stainless steel water bottles are a popular choice for storing water. They do not leech contaminants into the water inside.

Theoretically, water stored inside this type of container will never expire as long as it stays sealed

.

What happens if you drink old water?

“But it’s most likely safe to drink,” Schwab adds. He says reusing the same dirty glass day after day will

raise you risk of exposure to some unfriendly bacteria

—especially if someone else is sipping from your vessel and mixing his or her mouth microorganisms with yours.

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.

What happens if you drink from a dirty water bottle?

Bacteria and mold grow in moist environments, and water bottles or any bottle of liquid you are drinking from

can have mold, bacteria and possibly yeast

, since it is not sterile, according to a 2014 paper in the ​Journal of Environmental Science and Health​.

Can water get moldy?

Can Water Grow Mold?

Mold can grow in water if the water is rich in nutrients

. The mold will form a mat on the surface of the water and produce spores. If the water contains little or no nutrients, then the initial growth would die for lack of nutrients.

How do you store water for years?

Fill bottles or jugs directly from the faucet. Cap tightly and label each container with the words “Drinking Water” and the date stored. Store sealed containers in a dark, dry, and cool place. If after six months you have not used the stored water, empty it from the containers and repeat steps 1 through 3 above.

Is it safe to drink bottled water left in a hot car?



You should never drink from a bottle that’s been once opened and closed and left in a hot space

, since it’s a perfect environment for different bacteria to grow,” explains Kristina Hendija, MD, a medical advisor for Beardoholic.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.