How Long Does Bottled Water Keep? 

If you’ve ever stocked up on bottled water, you might be wondering how long it keeps. This question is a big one since it can have an impact on your emergency preparedness plan. 

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The good news is that if you store bottled water correctly, you can drink it for years to come. In fact, many bottled water makers recommend keeping it for two years. 

However, if you’re concerned about the environment or your health, it may be worth investing in a reusable bottle or ordering it to be delivered to your home bi-weekly or monthly. That way, you can avoid wasting any bottled water that doesn’t make it into your fridge. 

Why Does Bottled Water Have a Best Before Date?

The date on a water bottle is called the “best before” or “sell by” date, and it’s voluntarily set by the company that manufactures it. The date stamp is used to indicate when the company believes the product will lose its freshness and taste. The date is also important in helping to detect any problems with the product, such as contamination or bottling errors. 

It’s also a great way for consumers to know when they should discard an unopened bottle of bottled water. If it’s been more than two years since you purchased it, then it might be time to think about throwing it out. 

You’ll need to dispose of a bottle that’s more than two years old because the plastic will degrade, releasing toxic chemicals into the water. This can be especially harmful to children and people with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

What’s the difference between a best-before date and an expiration date?

A best-before date indicates the water’s freshness and flavor, while an expiration date is a safety measure. The best-before date is based on the manufacturer’s estimate of how long it will take for the water to begin losing its freshness and flavor. 

There is no standard shelf life for bottled water, but most brands have a recommended best-before date that will tell you how long they are safe to drink. Some bottled waters will have a special treatment, such as ozonation, that can prolong the shelf life. 

How to Know When Your Bottled Water Is Expired?

You can check the best-before date on your bottled water by holding it under a light and looking for a small black dot. This dot should be visible under the cap. 

Ideally, you should store your bottled water in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or heat. This will help to prevent the formation of algae and mold. 

The most common cause of bacteria in bottled water is the leakage of small bits of air from the seal around the cap. This oxidizes the water, making it taste stale and metallic. 

You can also get rid of bacteria by washing bottles of water and sanitizing them. This is a simple step that can make a huge difference in the quality of your bottled water.