Can You Drink 2 Year Old Bottled Water? The Surprising Truth

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While water itself does not technically expire, the expiration date printed on a bottle refers to the packaging, not the liquid inside. This means whether you can drink 2 year old bottled water is less about the water's age and more about how the plastic bottle has degraded over time.

Quick Summary

The expiration date on bottled water refers to the container's integrity, not the water. Safe consumption depends on proper storage to prevent chemicals from leaching into the water. Unopened bottles kept in cool, dark conditions can last years, but taste and quality may diminish over time.

Key Points

Expiration Dates are for the Bottle: The 'best by' date on bottled water pertains to the plastic container's longevity, not the water itself, which is chemically stable.
Poor Storage Accelerates Degradation: Heat, direct sunlight, and exposure to strong odors can cause the plastic bottle to break down faster, affecting water quality and safety.
Microplastic Consumption is a Concern: Over time, and especially under adverse conditions, plastic bottles can leach microplastics and chemicals into the water, with unknown long-term health implications.
How to Check for Spoilage: Before drinking old bottled water, always check for signs of degradation, including cloudiness, a strange smell, or an off-taste.
Optimal Storage is Key: To preserve bottled water for extended periods, store it in a cool, dark place away from chemicals to minimize plastic leaching and odor absorption.

What Happens to the Water in a Plastic Bottle Over Two Years?

When it comes to the safety of drinking 2 year old bottled water, the key isn't whether the water itself has gone bad, but how the plastic container has held up over time. Most single-use water bottles are made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While considered safe for one-time use, this material can degrade over an extended period, especially when exposed to heat or direct sunlight. As the plastic breaks down, it can leach chemical compounds and microplastics into the water. While the immediate health risks from consuming these trace amounts are generally considered low, scientists are still studying the long-term effects of ingesting microplastics, which have been linked to potential health concerns like chronic inflammation and hormonal disruptions.

Factors That Impact the Longevity of Bottled Water

Several factors significantly influence how well bottled water holds up over time. These range from how it's handled during manufacturing and shipping to its final storage location in your home. The 'best by' date is a manufacturer's estimate for peak taste and quality, but proper storage can extend its safe use well beyond this period. Conversely, poor storage can compromise the water's quality long before the date on the bottle.

Temperature: High temperatures, such as those inside a hot car, garage, or sun-drenched warehouse, accelerate the degradation of the plastic bottle. This speeds up the rate of chemical leaching and can cause the water to develop an off-flavor.
Light Exposure: Direct sunlight and UV rays also cause plastic to break down more quickly. This process not only affects the bottle's integrity but can also promote the growth of algae if the water isn't completely sealed.
Chemical Proximity: Plastic is a porous material that can absorb odors from its environment. Storing bottled water near strong-smelling chemicals like cleaning supplies, gasoline, or paint can result in the water taking on an unpleasant taste.
Bottle Integrity: A pristine, sealed bottle stored correctly is far less susceptible to contamination. Any crack, dent, or broken seal can allow contaminants and microorganisms from the air to enter the water.

How to Tell if 2-Year-Old Bottled Water is Bad

Before drinking water that has been stored for two years or more, it's wise to perform a quick sensory check. You can rely on your senses to identify any potential issues with the water's quality.

Appearance: The water should be clear and free of any cloudiness or visible particles. Any discoloration, such as a green, brown, or yellow tint, could indicate contamination.
Smell: Give the water a sniff. Pure water should be odorless. If you detect any musty, metallic, or chemical-like smells, it's best to discard it.
Taste: If the appearance and smell seem normal, take a small sip. If the water has a stale, plasticky, or otherwise unpleasant flavor, the plastic has likely leached into the water. It's safe to assume the quality has diminished.

Comparison Table: Long-Term Water Storage Options


Feature	Single-Use Plastic Bottle (PET)	Reusable Hard Plastic Bottle (BPA-free)	Food-Grade Glass Container	Stainless Steel Container
Ideal Shelf Life	Up to 2 years, but quality can degrade sooner.	Years, but depends on plastic type and storage.	Indefinite; glass is non-porous.	Indefinite; rust-proof and non-reactive.
Chemical Leaching	Risk increases with time, heat, and light exposure.	Lower risk than PET, but still possible with certain conditions.	Virtually non-existent; glass is stable.	Negligible risk; highly stable material.
Durability	Prone to damage from dropping or freezing.	Can withstand repeated use but can wear down over time.	Durable but fragile; risk of breaking if dropped.	Extremely durable and resilient to impact.
Weight	Lightweight and easy to transport.	Moderately lightweight.	Heavier and less portable than plastic.	Heavier than plastic or glass.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Drinking Older Bottled Water

To determine if you can drink 2 year old bottled water, the critical takeaway is to focus on the bottle's condition and storage history rather than just the 'best by' date. Unopened, properly stored bottled water can remain safe to drink for years, but its quality, taste, and safety are highly dependent on avoiding factors like heat, light, and chemical exposure. If the water has been sitting in a hot garage or a sunny location, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it. For emergency preparedness or long-term storage, selecting more stable containers like food-grade glass or stainless steel is a more reliable option to ensure the water's long-term quality and safety. Proper inspection of any old bottled water—checking for cloudiness, unusual smells, or off-tastes—is a simple, yet crucial step to ensure your hydration is safe and refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the water itself does not spoil, drinking from a bottle long past its 'best by' date might be unappealing due to taste changes from plastic degradation, particularly if improperly stored.

The expiration date is typically a guideline from the manufacturer indicating the period of optimal quality and taste, relating to the bottle's material rather than the water, which has an indefinite shelf life.

The risk is generally low, especially if the bottle is sealed and stored correctly. However, drinking from an opened bottle left out for extended periods risks bacterial contamination, and improperly stored bottles may contain leached chemicals.

Store bottled water in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and strong-smelling chemicals. For long-term emergency storage, regularly rotate your stock.

Freezing bottled water can halt bacterial growth, but it doesn't solve the issue of plastic degradation. The freezing and thawing process can cause plastic to crack, potentially compromising the seal.

For the safest long-term storage, consider using food-grade glass containers or stainless steel containers, as these materials do not degrade or leach chemicals into the water over time.

If you notice a plasticky or off-putting taste or smell, it is a sign that chemicals have leached from the bottle. While not necessarily acutely toxic, it indicates diminished quality, and you should discard the water.