How long is bottled water safe after the expiration date?

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), commercially bottled water has an indefinite shelf life if properly sealed and stored. However, the "expiration date" on the bottle refers to the plastic packaging, not the water inside. Understanding how long is bottled water safe after the expiration date requires examining the factors that can affect water quality over time, such as storage conditions and container degradation.

Quick Summary

The expiration date on bottled water relates to the plastic bottle, not the water itself, which doesn't spoil. Proper storage is key, as heat and light can cause chemicals to leach from the plastic over time, affecting taste and safety. Always check for discoloration, odor, or off-tastes before drinking old bottled water.

Key Points

The Water Itself Doesn't Expire: Pure water is chemically stable and doesn't spoil like food, so the date on the bottle refers to the packaging, not the water.
Plastic Leaching is the Primary Risk: Over time, and especially when exposed to heat and sunlight, plastic bottles can degrade and leach chemicals and microplastics into the water.
Proper Storage is Crucial: Storing bottled water in a cool, dark, and dry place away from chemicals is the best way to preserve its quality and prevent chemical leaching.
Signs of Contamination: Trust your senses. Discard water if it has a strange odor, a metallic or musty taste, or appears cloudy or discolored.
For Best Quality, Drink Within Two Years: While the water may be safe indefinitely under ideal conditions, manufacturers often suggest consuming it within two years for the best taste.
Rotate Emergency Stock Regularly: For emergency preparedness, replace commercially bottled water annually and self-bottled water every six months to ensure a fresh supply.

Is Bottled Water Really Expired?

Contrary to popular belief, the expiration or "best by" date printed on a bottle of water does not mean the water itself has gone bad. The water itself, being a stable chemical compound, does not inherently expire like perishable food items. The date is primarily a manufacturer's and retailer's guideline for optimal taste and quality and is also a holdover from past regulatory requirements. The primary concern with expired bottled water isn't spoilage but the degradation of the plastic container over time, which can impact the water's taste and safety.

The Real Culprit: Plastic Leaching and Degradation

Plastic bottles, typically made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are permeable materials that can break down over time. When subjected to heat, sunlight, or long-term storage, these plastics can leach chemicals and microplastic particles into the water. Recent studies have detected hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles in bottled water, with concerns raised about their potential health effects.

Microplastics: Tiny plastic fragments that can shed from the bottle into the water, potentially affecting the gut microbiome and leading to other health issues.
Chemical Leaching: Chemicals like antimony (a heavy metal) and BPA (a hormone-disrupting compound) have been found to leach from plastic into water, especially when exposed to high temperatures.
Odor and Taste Absorption: The porous nature of plastic can allow the water to absorb odors and flavors from its surroundings, such as from cleaning products or solvents stored nearby.

Factors Affecting the Safety of Expired Bottled Water

The safety of drinking bottled water past its date depends almost entirely on its storage history. An unopened bottle stored correctly in a cool, dark place is likely safe to drink well past the date on the label. However, improper storage can accelerate the bottle's degradation and increase risks.

Comparison Table: Properly Stored vs. Improperly Stored


Feature	Properly Stored Bottled Water	Improperly Stored Bottled Water
Storage Conditions	Cool (50-70°F), dark place, away from sunlight and chemicals.	Exposed to direct sunlight, high heat (e.g., in a car or garage), or near household chemicals.
Bottle Integrity	Remains structurally sound; minimal to no leaching of plastic components.	Plastic becomes brittle, soft, or discolored, indicating breakdown.
Water Quality	Maintains optimal taste and remains safe indefinitely.	May develop an off-putting, musty, or metallic taste and smell due to chemical leaching.
Health Risk	Very low to negligible risk of contamination.	Increased risk of ingesting leached chemicals and microplastics, with potential long-term health concerns.
Visual Signs	Water is clear and without sediment.	Water appears cloudy, discolored, or contains floating particles.

What to Do with Expired Bottled Water

When faced with a stash of older bottled water, it's best to use your senses to assess its quality.

Check for proper storage: If the bottles were stored in a cool, dark environment, they are more likely to be safe. If they were left in a hot car, garage, or exposed to sunlight, the risk of chemical leaching increases.
Inspect the bottle: Look for cracks, leaks, or discoloration of the plastic itself. A damaged or weakened bottle is a bad sign.
Check the water's appearance: The water should be clear and free of any cloudiness, particles, or sediment. A green or blue tint could indicate algal growth.
Perform a sniff test: Give the water a sniff. If it has an off-putting odor—musty, stale, or chemical—it's best to discard it.
Taste a small amount: If the water passes the visual and odor tests, take a small sip. If it tastes metallic, plasticky, or otherwise unpleasant, don't drink it.

Emergency Preparedness and Water Rotation

For emergency supplies, it's a good practice to rotate your bottled water stock. The American Red Cross recommends replacing commercial bottled water supplies annually to ensure freshness and reduce risk, even though the water itself may last longer. For tap water bottled at home, the CDC recommends replacing the supply every six months. Storing water in glass or food-grade containers can significantly extend its shelf life without the risk of plastic leaching.

Conclusion: Prioritize Storage and Inspection

Ultimately, the question of "how long is bottled water safe after the expiration date" has a nuanced answer. The water itself does not expire, but the plastic container can degrade over time, posing potential health risks from chemical and microplastic leaching. Proper storage is paramount to maintaining safety and quality. Always inspect old bottled water for signs of contamination—like odd smells, tastes, or discoloration—before consumption. For long-term storage or emergency use, consider alternatives like glass or high-quality food-grade plastic to minimize health concerns associated with older plastic bottles.

If you have concerns about the safety of older bottled water, especially if it was improperly stored, the safest and easiest option is to discard it and replenish your stock. For more information on safe drinking water practices, resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

The expiration date on a water bottle refers to the plastic container, not the water itself. Over time, the plastic can degrade and leach chemicals into the water, affecting its quality and taste, especially when exposed to heat.

While the water itself may not be dangerous, it is generally not recommended to drink water from a bottle that is significantly past its expiration date, particularly if it was improperly stored. The risk lies in potential chemical and microplastic leaching from the degraded plastic bottle.

In most cases, if the water was stored correctly, the worst that may happen is a stale or off-putting taste due to CO2 absorption or bottle degradation. However, improperly stored water may have leached chemicals, which poses a potential, though often long-term, health risk.

Check the water for discoloration, cloudiness, or floating particles. Smell it for any musty, metallic, or chemical odors. If it looks or smells off, or if it tastes unpleasant after a small sip, it's safest to discard it.

For optimal quality and safety, bottled water should be stored in a cool (50-70°F), dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight, high heat, and household chemicals like cleaning agents or gasoline.

No, you should not reuse single-use plastic water bottles. They are not designed for repeated use and can harbor bacteria. For reusable containers, opt for durable, food-grade plastic, glass, or stainless steel bottles and wash them regularly.

Like still water, expired sparkling water is primarily a quality issue, not a safety one. The main consequence is that the carbonation will dissipate, leaving the water flat and potentially with an off-taste.