Do you ever find yourself asking how long water is good for in a water bottle before it goes bad?
Does it depend on the bottle's material, or is it more connected to external factors like usage and storage?
If this issue has been puzzling you lately, don't worry, I'm here with all the answers you need.
In this article, I discuss everything you need to know about how long your water remains safe and palatable when stored over time.
Contents
Shop-bought bottled water (in sealed single-use plastic water bottles) technically has an unlimited shelf life.
The FDA doesn't require bottled water manufacturers to put an expiration date on the bottle. So why do so many choose to?
It's generally accepted that sealed bottled water stays at its best for two years. So many manufacturers use that as the dates on their bottles.
Some bottled water companies print even shorter dates on their bottles.
This is usually in an effort to sell more products when you notice your stockpiled water has ‘gone bad' (according to the date printing), and you toss it and buy more.
Most manufacturers advise that you drink the water within two days of opening the bottle. That's because once opened, the water is no longer in a sterile environment and is exposed to bacteria from the air and your mouth.
Water stored in a reusable bottle (one that you refill from your tap or other sources) lasts for a few days before it starts to taste stale and bacteria levels increase.
If you use an eco water bottle, you should try to empty it out and refill it before use.
It's also important to clean your reusable bottle thoroughly after each use, especially if it's kept in a warm place and regularly used (thus exposing it to the bacteria in your mouth).
To maintain the best possible quality of your bottled water for longer, there are a few tips you can follow:
It's important to note that there are major sustainability issues regarding shop-bought bottled water.
From the amount of plastic waste generated by single-use bottles to their massive carbon footprint, the environmental consequences of buying bottled water are significant.
That's why many environmentalists (including us!) advocate for reusing and refilling a metal or glass bottle instead.
Some manufacturers are switching to metal or card/paper water bottles. This is a good step in the right direction for the environmental footprint of the bottled water industry.
It's also important to note that when a single-use plastic bottle becomes old and weathered, it can release chemicals into the water.
According to National Geographic, when “exposed to extreme heat, plastic bottles may ultimately become unsafe.”
This could potentially lead to health complications if you drink from those bottles often enough (especially if the bottles used by the manufacturer aren't BPA-free).
You can read my more detailed thoughts on BPA and disposable water bottles here.
Also, the water storage advice from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is to “store bottled water at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners, household cleaners, and dry cleaning chemicals.”
However, the big issue is that you have no idea how your bottled water was stored before you bought it.
I'm not sure I would drink it unless VERY thirsty. However, according to Hydro Cell, “Week-old water is safe to drink as long as the bottle is clean and sealed properly, and stored in an area where there is no direct sunlight. Moreover, you can also store water in a tightly sealed stainless steel bottle for up to 6 months.”
Alkaline water has a pH level of more than 7. Like regular bottled water, you can safely consume it without worrying about spoilage. It should remain highly alkaline for up to two years (providing it's unopened and stored in optimal conditions.
Although perfectly safe to consume when kept in a closed bottle, it's best not to drink water left out in an open glass or bottle overnight.
Most manufacturers advise that you drink the water within two days of opening the bottle.
That's because once opened, the water is no longer in a sterile environment and is exposed to bacteria from the air and your mouth.
The same rule of thumb applies to reusable water bottles. However, I like to wash my reusable water bottle every day.
Typically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used for standard bottled water, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used for 5-gallon water cooler jugs.
To confirm which plastic your bottle is made from, look for the plastic recycling symbol (usually on the base of the bottle).
I've answered that question in detail in my How Long Can You Use a Reusable Plastic Water Bottle article.
Unopened bottled water can technically last forever (but at least two years) if stored correctly. Once opened, it lasts a couple of days.
Water in reusable bottles can last a couple of days before, in my experience, it starts to taste a little stale.
Regardless of shelf life, there are so many other benefits of a reusable bottle over bottled water that it's a total no-brainer to ditch the single-use plastic and get yourself a good quality reusable bottle that you can clean and refill with tap water every day.
You'll be doing your bit to help the planet and have total control over where your water comes from and how it's stored!
Do you wash and refill reusable water bottles every day? Or are you happy buying bottled drinking water?
Do you prefer a plastic, glass, or stainless steel bottle? Do you have any experience drinking expired water? Drop me a line and let me know.
