Unopened bottled water can typically sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 years beyond its "best by" date, or even longer if stored properly in a cool, dark place. Once opened, however, it's best consumed within a few weeks to maintain quality and minimize potential contamination.
How long can bottled water be stored at room temperature?
Unopened bottled water can typically be stored for 1 to 2 years at room temperature, often well past the printed "best by" date.
The FDA doesn't actually mandate expiration dates for bottled water, since it doesn't truly spoil if sealed. Manufacturers usually include "best by" dates for optimal taste, as plastic can subtly affect flavor over very long periods, especially when it's exposed to heat or sunlight.
Can you drink bottled water that’s been sitting out?
Yes, you can generally drink bottled water that has been sitting out, especially if it remains sealed in its original container.
When unopened, it's protected from contaminants, maintaining its safety. That said, extreme temperatures might alter the taste. For an opened bottle, it's usually safe within a day or two; however, always check for unusual odors or tastes, as mouth bacteria can definitely start to multiply.
How long does it take for bottled water to spoil?
Unopened bottled water can last up to two years before it might start to lose its optimal taste.
Thankfully, bottled water generally has a pretty generous shelf life compared to other types of foods. Opened water bottles, however, typically last only a few weeks. Pure tap water, on the other hand, usually "expires" after about six months from the time it's packaged.
Can you get sick from drinking old bottled water?
It’s highly unlikely old water will make you ill.
Honestly, you probably don't need to worry too much. Even if a bottle smells a bit off, it's likely just encrusted with some saliva, mouth bacteria, or maybe even a little mildew or mold. In most cases, there’s truly nothing to worry about.
Is it OK to drink bottled water left overnight?
Water left in an *open* bottle or glass for a long time is generally not safe to drink.
Here's the thing: when water sits out overnight (or even longer) in an open container, it becomes a cozy home for all sorts of bacteria. You just never know what dust, debris, and other tiny microscopic particles might have floated into that glass. (It's pretty gross to think about, isn't it?)
Can bacteria grow in water bottles?
Yes, bacteria, fungi, and even mold can absolutely thrive in a water bottle.
This is mainly thanks to the moist environment inside. Simply rinsing the bottle out with water isn't usually enough, by the way. You really need to take care when cleaning bottles, especially those with attached straws and narrow-mouth lids that have lots of nooks and crannies.
How long can water sit and still be drinkable?
Tap water can generally be kept for up to 6 months.
While its flavor might change a bit over time (it can go "flat"), it's still considered safe to drink if you've stored it properly. (Just a quick thought: did you know food can actually affect your mood?)
How long can I store water?
Commercially packaged water can typically be stored for about 5 years.
For water you've filled yourself at home, though, you should plan to change it annually. Stored water often goes a bit flat, but you can easily aerate it before drinking by just pouring it back and forth between two containers a few times. (It really makes a difference, honestly.)
How can you tell if water has bacteria in it?
You can often tell if water has bacteria by noticing a few key signs.
Look out for these indicators:
- Cloudiness.
- Strange tinting or color.
- An unusual taste.
- Odors like sulfur, rotten eggs, or manure.
- Any suspended solids (things floating around).
Can you get food poisoning from bottled water?
Yes, drinking bottled water *can* potentially give you food poisoning.
Experts have actually warned about this. One study even suggested that over one in ten cases of the most common food bug were caused by mineral water. (That's a pretty surprising statistic, isn't it?)
How often do you need to clean your water bottle?
You really should wash your water bottles after every single use.
As Sansori points out, if you're refilling it throughout the day, clean it daily. Even though it's just holding water, bacteria absolutely loves to breed in those damp, dark environments inside the bottle. (Honestly, this is one of those things we probably don't do enough!)
