The Surprising Facts About Bottled Water Shelf Life

Bottled water is one of the largest uses of plastic, and it’s convenient to use when you don’t bring your own bottle. However, it’s important to note that bottled water can have an expiration date, but the water itself doesn’t expire. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t legally require a shelf life on bottled water, but because plastic can begin leaching into bottled water over time, it generally has an expiration date of 2 years from the date of manufacture.

It’s important to note that the expiration date on the bottle is not an indication of the water’s safety or quality. Instead, it’s a recommendation for the best taste and quality of the water.

It’s best to store it properly to avoid contamination and degradation. Keeping bottled water in a cool place out of direct sunlight can help promote proper food safety and reduce your risk of negative health effects. Because plastic bottles are also slightly permeable, it’s best to store bottled water away from household cleaning supplies and chemicals.

In summary, while bottled water does have an expiration date, it’s not an indication of the water’s safety or quality. Proper storage can help ensure that your bottled water remains safe to drink for as long as possible. Also, using your own water bottle can dispel the above safety concern. On the same time, it's a way to protect the environment.

By Wendy.A