How Long Is Refrigerated Bottled Water Good For?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Bottled water that has been continuously refrigerated will keep at best quality for about

4 to 6 days

after opening.

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 it take for bottled water to spoil?

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.

Does refrigerated water go bad?

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

How do you store bottled water long term?

Replace stored water every six months.

Keep stored water in a place with a cool temperature (50–70°F)

. Do not store water containers in direct sunlight. Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances, such as gasoline or pesticides, are present.

What bottled water lasts the longest?


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.

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.

Should bottled water be refrigerated after opening?

If left in the open, your water may taste slightly different since it will absorb carbon dioxide. For this reason, the recommended period is to consume the water 3 days following the day it was opened.

For best refreshment, you can recap your water and store in the fridge, out of sunlight to keep a crisp taste

.

How long can I store water?

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.

How long can you store water in 5 gallon jugs?

As stated, the shelf life of 5-gallon bottles is

up to two years

. The water will not go bad at that point. Yet, it may develop a stale taste. The jug itself lasts indefinitely as it is made from food-grade plastic or glass.

Is it OK to drink bottled water left overnight?

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.

Water left in a bottle for a long time is not safe to drink.

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.”

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.