How Long Does Bottled Water Stay Fresh? Storage Tips & Best Practices
Does bottled water go bad? It’s a question we hear all the time at Douglas Water Depot. Whether you’re storing water for daily use, emergencies, or just long – term peace of mind, understanding shelf life and proper storage is key to keeping your water fresh, safe, and great tasting.
In this blog, we’ll break down how long bottled water really lasts, best practice, and how to make sure your supply is always in top shape – at home or in an emergency stash.
Does Bottled Water Expire?
Let’s clear something up: there’s a big difference between an expiration date and a best by date.
Expiration date: a safety deadline. After this date, products may be unsafe to consume. (Fun fact: Infant formula is the only food item required by law to have an expiration date)
Best By Date (also seen as “Best if Used By”): a quality indicator. It tells you when a product is at peak flavor, texture, and nutrition – but it’s often still safe after that.
The FDA regulates bottled water as a packaged food product. Because water contains no sugar or proteins that spoil, the FDA doesn’t require an expiration date. However, plastic bottles can affect water over time due to:
Plastic Leaching: heat and age can break down plastic, possibly releasing chemicals that alter taste and quality.
Odor Absorption: Plastic is slightly porous, meaning it can absorb smells from nearby products like cleaning supplies or gasoline
Shelf Life of Bottled Water
Here’s what you need to know about bottle water longevity:
Rotate your water every 6 – 12 months
Label containers with the purchase or refill date
Use the oldest bottle first when restocking
Check regularly for cracks, leaks, or swelling
After 6 – 12 months, clean and refill containers to maintain taste and quality
Signs Your Bottled Water May Not Be safe
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to toss it:
unusual smell or taste
Cloudy appearance or floating particles
Damaged, swollen, or cracked bottles
Why Choose Douglas Water Depot?
At Douglas Water Depot, we’re proud to provide locally sourced, high – purity bottled water that meets all state and federal safety standards. Here’s why customers trust us:
Four types of water to choose from
Sanitizing station for your own 5 – gallon plastic or glass refill bottles
Eco – Conscious refilling options to cut down on plastic waste
Home and business delivery available
24 – hour outdoor refill station for ultimate convenience
Conclusion
No, bottled water doesn’t technically go bad – but how you store it matters. With the right conditions and regular rotation, your water supply will always be fresh, clean, and ready when you need it.
Need to restock? Looking for the best – tasting water around?
Visit Douglas Water Depot today for in-store refills, delivery options, or expert tips on proper water storage. We’re here to keep you hydrated – safely and sustainably.
