Can I drink 10 year old bottled water?

Author: Marcellus Parker  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

The FDA has determined that commercially bottled water doesn't have a shelf life, since it comes from sanitary facilities subject to regular inspections and contains no additives to hasten spoilage.

Is 12 year old bottled water safe to drink?

The FDA considers bottled water to have an unlimited shelf life if it is produced properly and is unopened. Bottled water companies may choose to add a date to the bottle due to concerns about taste and odor, not safety.

Is bottled water good after 10 years?

Bottled water is considered to have an indefinite safety shelf life if it is produced in accordance with CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Process) and quality standard regulations and is stored in an unopened, properly sealed container. Therefore, FDA does not require an expiration date for bottled water.

How long can water sit in a plastic bottle?

Drinking water that is thoroughly disinfected can be stored indefinitely in capped plastic or glass containers that water will not rust, as metal containers may. Because the disinfectant that was in the water when you stored it will slowly go away, replacing the water every six months is recommended.

Is it safe to drink expired bottled water?

The big question is, can you drink bottled water after its expiration date? In most cases, yes, but with a few important caveats. Bottled water doesn't “go bad” like perishable food items, but over time, the quality can degrade, particularly if the water has been stored improperly.

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How to tell if bottled water is bad?

✅ Can you tell if bottled water is bad? Plastic water bottles are slightly permeable, and can leach chemicals into the water over time. This is particularly a problem in non-bpa free plastic and water bottled in milk jug plastic. If your water has a strange taste or smell we recommend you discard it.

How long does bottled water stay safe?

While the FDA does not set a limit for the shelf life of bottled water, general industry recommendations are around two years.

Does water stored in plastic bottles go bad?

Can Bottled Water Go Bad? When properly packaged and sealed from outside contaminants, water will not spoil and has an indefinite shelf life. However, with improper storage, the plastic bottle that the water is stored in can potentially cause contamination.

Is drinking water from old plastic bottles safe?

Bacterial growth can happen quickly just from the ordinary use of drinking out of the bottle. Even unfinished beverages left at room temperature can have a lot of bacteria growth throughout the day. It's best to reuse plastic water bottles sparingly and wash them thoroughly because germs spread so quickly.

What bacteria grow in stagnant water?

Stagnant water conditions typically result in biofilm formation, which can harbor and grow dangerous waterborne pathogens, such as legionella. In turn, there's a higher probability that standing water contains dangerous waterborne pathogens, such as legionella.

What water does not expire?

Bottled water typically doesn't “expire” in the same way as perishable foods, but its quality may deteriorate over time, affecting taste and freshness. Tap water doesn't have an expiration date and is treated to ensure safety and quality, though long-term storage may lead to a stale taste.

How many years can you keep a water bottle?

But because plastic can begin leaching into bottled water over time, they generally have an expiration date of 2 years from the date of manufacture. Figuring out how to stay hydrated is vital to your health, with water doing everything from preventing dehydration to carrying nutrients and oxygen to your entire body.

Can you store water for 10 years?

Technically you should be able to store water indefinitely, if the container is cleaned properly, but to be safe, I change mine and reclean the containers every few years.

What bottled water has the longest shelf life?

BLUE CAN Water offers a 50-year shelf life guarantee for its water products based on state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that meet or exceed standard FDA regulations and bottled water industry standards.

Does water go bad in stainless steel?

This material is corrosion-resistant as it's made from chromium and nickel. Due to this resistance, 304 stainless steel prevents harmful substances from “leaking” into your water - meaning you're free to enjoy every last sip of your beverage of choice without worry.

What is the shelf life of a 5 gallon plastic water bottle?

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.

How long can water sit before it goes bad?

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).

What are the symptoms of bacteria in water bottles?

Germs inside our water bottles aren't often visible and they may not affect the taste of our water, but they could potentially cause us to experience symptoms like food poisoning, according to a new Cleveland Clinic report. Digesting mold and bacteria can also lead to these symptoms: Sore throat. Runny or stuffy nose.

Should I stop drinking bottled water?

Studies have found contaminants, including microplastics, in up to 78 percent of bottled-water samples. Microplastic contamination has been associated with a range of health issues, including oxidative stress, immune system disruption, and changes in blood fat levels.

How long is bottled water safe to drink?

After opening bottled water, the shelf life decreases due to the increased risk of contamination. Although there's no definitive answer to how long opened bottled water lasts, consuming it within four to six days is generally recommended.

Does bottled water expire if unopened?

No, unopened bottled water that's been properly stored does not expire | fox61.com.

What happens if you leave water in a plastic bottle for too long?

This is due to the fact that plastic can leach into the water over time, resulting in chemical contamination that is toxic to the drinker.

What happens when bottled water goes bad?

While water doesn't expire, some concerns are associated with its plastic bottles. These vessels can produce health concerns and odd tastes as they degrade over time and microplastics enter the water. Properly storing water in your warehouse, office or facility may help mitigate these risks.

Is it safe to drink water that has been in a plastic bottle for a long time?

It's safe to drink water out of plastic bottles without a risk of cancer even when the bottle has been left in hot cars, frozen or reused. There is no scientific evidence to dispute this.

Can water get moldy?

Yes, some kinds of mold can grow in water, but it needs specific conditions to do so. To grow, mold requires moisture, warmth, and a food source. So, standing water in a warm location for an extended period can provide an ideal environment for mold growth.

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