How Long Does Bottled Water Last?

How Long Does Bottled Water Last?

Introduction

Bottled water feels like one of the safest, most permanent items in our homes. We stock it for daily hydration, keep a few bottles in the car, and often rely on it during emergencies. Because water itself doesn’t spoil in the way food does, many people assume bottled water lasts forever. In reality, bottled water does have a shelf life—just not for the reason most people think.

The key factor isn’t the water itself, but the bottle it’s stored in and the conditions it’s exposed to over time. Understanding how long bottled water lasts, what expiration dates really mean, and how to store it properly can help you make safer, more informed choices.

In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how long does bottled water last, whether it truly expires, how heat and storage affect it, and when it’s best to throw it away.

Does Bottled Water Expire?

Technically speaking, water does not expire. Pure water is chemically stable and doesn’t spoil. However, bottled water is packaged in containers—most commonly plastic—that do change over time.

That’s why you’ll see a “best by” or expiration date printed on bottled water. This date reflects:

• The expected lifespan of the bottle
• Quality and taste assurance
• Manufacturer compliance with safety and labeling regulations

In the U.S., the FDA allows bottled water companies to include expiration dates voluntarily. These dates usually indicate when the manufacturer can no longer guarantee optimal quality, not when the water suddenly becomes unsafe.

How Long Does Unopened Bottled Water Last?

For most commercially bottled water:

• Unopened bottled water lasts 1–2 years when stored properly.

This timeframe applies primarily to plastic (PET) bottles, which are the most common. Glass and aluminum bottles may last longer, but they are less widely used.

What affects unopened bottled water shelf life?

• Bottle material (plastic vs glass)
• Storage temperature
• Exposure to sunlight
• Proximity to chemicals or strong odors

If bottled water is kept in a cool, dark, and dry place, it will usually remain safe and pleasant-tasting through its printed date and often beyond.

How Long Does Opened Bottled Water Last?

Once you open a bottle of water, the clock speeds up significantly.

• Opened bottled water lasts 3–5 days if refrigerated
• 1–2 days if kept at room temperature

The main issue after opening is contamination. Bacteria from your mouth, hands, or the surrounding air can enter the bottle and begin to grow.

Tips for opened bottles:

• Always recap tightly
• Refrigerate when possible
• Avoid drinking directly from the bottle if you plan to store it
• Discard if it smells or tastes unusual

Why Do Bottled Water Companies Put Expiration Dates on Bottles?

Expiration dates are less about the water and more about packaging integrity and consumer safety.

Over time, plastic bottles can:

• Break down due to heat or UV exposure
• Leach trace chemicals into the water
• Absorb external odors or flavors

Manufacturers test their packaging to determine how long the bottle maintains quality under normal storage conditions. The expiration date reflects this testing, not a sudden change in safety.

Does Bottled Water Go Bad in Heat or Sunlight?

Heat and sunlight are the biggest enemies of bottled water.

When exposed to high temperatures—such as inside a car—the plastic bottle can degrade more quickly. This increases the risk of:

• Chemical leaching
• Off-putting taste or odor
• Reduced overall quality

Is bottled water left in a car safe?

Occasional exposure is usually not dangerous, but repeated or long-term heat exposure is not recommended. If bottled water has been stored in a hot car for weeks or months, it’s best to discard it.

Sunlight, especially UV rays, can accelerate plastic breakdown and encourage microbial growth if contamination occurs.

Is Bottled Water Safe After the Expiration Date?

In many cases, yes—expired bottled water is still safe to drink, especially if:

• The bottle is unopened
• It was stored in cool, dark conditions
• There are no changes in taste, smell, or clarity

However, quality may decline over time. If you notice:

• A plastic or chemical taste
• Cloudiness
• Floating particles
• Bottle deformation

…it’s safer to throw it away.

Does Glass Bottled Water Last Longer Than Plastic?

Yes, glass bottles generally preserve water longer than plastic.

Comparison:

• Plastic (PET): 1–2 years
• Glass: 2+ years
• Aluminum: 2+ years

Glass is non-reactive, doesn’t leach chemicals, and offers better protection from oxygen and odors. The trade-off is weight, cost, and breakability.

Best Practices for Storing Bottled Water

To maximize shelf life and safety:

• Store in a cool, dark place
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Keep away from gasoline, cleaners, or chemicals
• Avoid long-term car storage
• Rotate emergency water supplies every 12–24 months

For emergency preparedness, label bottles with purchase dates and replace them regularly.

Bottled Water Shelf Life Comparison

Bottle TypeUnopened Shelf LifeStorage RecommendationPlastic (PET)1–2 yearsCool, dark placeGlass2+ yearsCool, dry areaAluminum2+ yearsRoom temperature

When Should You Throw Bottled Water Away?

Discard bottled water if:

• The bottle is swollen, cracked, or leaking
• The water smells or tastes odd
• It has been exposed to extreme heat long-term
• It was opened and left unrefrigerated

When in doubt, replacing water is inexpensive compared to potential health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does bottled water expire if unopened?

No, water itself doesn’t expire. However, the bottle can degrade over time, which is why manufacturers include a best-by date.

Can bottled water make you sick?

Unopened bottled water is very unlikely to cause illness. Opened or improperly stored bottles can become contaminated.

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

Occasional exposure is usually fine, but repeated or long-term heat exposure is not recommended.

How long does bottled water last for emergencies?

For emergency storage, rotate bottled water every 12–24 months and store it in a cool, dark place.

Does freezing bottled water affect shelf life?

Freezing doesn’t harm the water, but expanding ice can damage plastic bottles, increasing contamination risk once thawed.

Can bacteria grow in bottled water?

Bacteria can grow in opened bottles or contaminated water, especially if stored at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Bottled water doesn’t last forever, but it does last a long time when stored correctly. While expiration dates aren’t a hard safety cutoff, they are useful guidelines for quality and peace of mind.

If you store bottled water properly, rotate your supply, and pay attention to taste and odor, you can confidently use bottled water when you need it—whether for daily hydration or emergency preparedness.

About BearSprings

BearSprings is a Canadian spring water delivery company focused on providing reliable, high-quality drinking water to homes and businesses. Sourced from a natural spring in Coldwater, Ontario, BearSprings emphasizes purity, consistency, and convenience in every delivery.

The company offers spring water delivery services along with water dispenser rentals, making it easy for customers to access clean, great-tasting water without relying on single-use retail bottles. BearSprings positions itself as a practical solution for everyday hydration, workplace wellness, and household water needs.

With a focus on dependable service and straightforward offerings, BearSprings serves customers who value trusted Canadian-sourced water and hassle-free delivery. Their approach centers on long-term use, refillable containers, and maintaining water quality from source to consumer.