How many years can you store bottled water?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 22, 2026
The recommended shelf life is two years. The U.S. Food and Drug administration which regulates bottled water does not require a shelf life be listed but due to degradation of plastic over time, especially in heat we recommend two years for still water and one year for sparkling water.
What happens to bottled water after 10 years?
After long-term storage, the bottled water's appearance, smell or taste may change somewhat, but the water will still be safe to consume, says the FDA. And while bottled water manufacturers are permitted to put expiration dates on their labels, these dates are meant to be indicators of quality, not safety.
Can water be stored for years?
Can water be stored indefinitely? Potable drinking water can be stored indefinitely if stored properly in food-grade containers that are stored in a dark cool environment. Chemical treatments (including household bleach or iodine) can be used every 6 months to a year to keep the water potable.
How do you store water for years?
Tips for storing safe water in a container after cleaning and sanitizing:
- Label container as “drinking water” and include storage date.
- 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.
Can you get sick from drinking old bottled water?
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.
24 related questions foundHow long can you store tap water?
Although properly stored public-supply water should have an indefinite shelf life, replace it every 6 to 12 months for best taste. If the water you are storing comes from a private well, spring, or other untested source, purify it before storage to kill pathogens (see below).
Is it safe to drink bottled water left in a hot car?
In general, no one recommends storing your water in a hot car or exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight. But a bottle of water left in the car for a day or two is extremely unlikely to do any harm at all.
Does water expire in plastic bottles?
Although water, in and of itself, does not go bad, the plastic bottle it is contained in does "expire," and will eventually start leaching chemicals into the water.
Can you store water in the garage?
But Cheryl Watson, a professor in the biochemistry and molecular biology department at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, advised people not to store bottled water in places that have a significant amount of heat, like a garage or a car parked outside.
Is there canned water?
There is a type of bottled water on the market, Ever & Ever, that comes in an aluminum can. It is not the only one. PepsiCo is also testing canned Aquafina water, evidently in response to environmental concerns.
At what temperature does plastic leach into water?
Toxicology. Finally, the range of melting points for recyclable 6 plastic, formally known as polystyrene, is 100 to 120 degrees Celsius (212 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit) according to T.C. They are often void of nutritional value and can have BPA leach into the food.
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.
Can you drink rain water?
Thus, it's not advisable to start collecting and drinking rainwater unless you're 100% certain it's clean and safe for human consumption. Although clean rainwater is safe to drink, it can easily become contaminated as it falls, which could pose a significant health hazard.
Can you drink distilled water?
Distilled water is safe to drink. But you'll probably find it flat or bland. That's because it's stripped of important minerals like calcium, sodium, and magnesium that give tap water its familiar flavor.
Can you drink snow?
It is generally safe to eat snow or use it for drinking or for making ice cream, but there are some important exceptions. If the snow is lily-white, you can safely ingest it. But if the snow is colored in any way, you'll need to stop, examine its color, and understand what it means.
Can you drink ocean water?
Drinking seawater can be deadly to humans.
When humans drink seawater, their cells are thus taking in water and salt. While humans can safely ingest small amounts of salt, the salt content in seawater is much higher than what can be processed by the human body.
How do you treat water for long term storage?
Water stored in thoroughly clean plastic or glass containers can be chemically disinfected for long-term storage by treating each gallon with 4 to 5 drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach (Clorox or Purex type bleaches, containing 4% to 6% sodium hypochlorite). One teaspoon of bleach disinfects 5 gallons of water.
How long can I store water in a 55 gallon drum?
Water Storage Barrel - 55 Gallon
Water is the #1 emergency supply to have. This barrel can store up to 55 gallons of emergency water for 5 years (when used with water preserver concentrate).
How often should you replace 5 gallon water bottles?
Although 5-gallon water jug delivery services encourage customers to return their plastic water jugs so that they can inspect, clean, and sanitize the bottles and then refill them for reuse, the 5-gallon water jugs can only be refilled on average about 40 times before needing to be discarded due to damage from wear and ...
Is it safe to drink bottled water that tastes like plastic?
Drinking from disposable a plastic bottle may lead to chemical leaching and toxicity. Chemical leaching occurs when heat causes the toxic chemicals from the plastic to be released into the water.
Is it safe to drink bottled water left in a cold car?
BPA is a chemical that is often used to make certain plastics, and according to the Mayo Clinic, it is not harmful in small doses. "if you're leaving a bottle of water in a car for a day, there's really no risk of any chemicals leaching into the water," Williams said.
Should you drink bottled water?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set the standards for bottled water. They require manufacturers to process and transport bottled water under sanitary conditions and to use processes that ensure the safety of the water. This means that, in general, bottled water is safe to drink.
Is Deja Blue water?
Deja Blue is an American brand of bottled water that is distributed by Keurig Dr Pepper. The color of the bottle is clear blue. It was first available in Oklahoma, starting in 1996.
Does canned water expire?
It can help extend the shelf life, and water packaged in aluminum is reported to last even longer. Although water doesn't expire, water stored in aluminum cans has a shelf life of 50 years. The higher the quality of the bottle for your water, the longer it lasts.
Are aluminum cans better than plastic bottles?
Aluminum is much better than plastic in so many ways, starting with its recyclability. And, it just keeps getting better. Aluminum is a recycling hero–easy to recycle and infinitely recyclable. In fact, nearly 75 percent of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use today.