Is an Unopened 10-Year-Old Bottle of Water Safe to Drink?

Understanding expiration dates and 'best by/sell by' dates can significantly impact how we approach using products past their intended duration. For many, these dates are a hard barrier, but my approach is somewhat more flexible. I wouldn't hesitate to eat from a can ten years past its printed date, as long as it looks in excellent condition. However, when it comes to drinking water stored in plastic bottles for over a decade, my caution levels increase.

Does Water Have an Expiration Date?

It's important to clarify that the 'best before' or 'consume before' dates printed on the bottle are specifications for the bottle itself, not the water inside. Water, when bottled under sterile conditions, generally maintains its purity and safety for an extended period. However, the plastic bottle's condition over time can affect this. Plastic bottles, especially when exposed to heat, light, and other environmental factors, can begin to degrade, leading to potential contamination.

Why Is Plastic Bottle Degradation a Concern?

After a few years, plastic bottles often exhibit a noticeable internal shrinkage, though not as dramatic as an implosion. This process can result in small openings and changes in the bottle's surface, allowing substances to seep in or out. While current U.S. regulations allow plastic water bottles to remain sealed for several years, the integrity of the container is key to maintaining water quality.

Many are comfortable drinking from unopened water bottles well beyond their printed dates, but why take the risk? It's crucial to consider the potential for chemical leaching from the plastic into the water. Untreated or non-pasteurized bottled water, despite being sealed and stored in a controlled environment, may still be susceptible to contamination through the bottle's degradation.

The_EXPIRATION_risk_of_Old_Bottled_Water

While water bottled under sterile and quality control standards is safe for an extended period, its shelf life is not indefinite. Bottled water that has passed its expiration date should be discarded. This precaution is vital as the water may no longer be free from contamination. Health experts recommend sticking to water bottles within two years of the printed date for safety. Additionally, any noticeable changes in the bottle, such as internal shrinkage, should be a red flag, indicating the water's safety can no longer be guaranteed.

Once you recognize the vulnerability of plastic bottles to degradation, it becomes clear why it's crucial to prioritize bottled water quality. Drinking unopened water past its optimal shelf life can increase the risk of consuming chemicals from the plastic or potential contaminants that have made their way into the water supply.

Conclusion

While many packaged foods can remain safe to consume for up to two to three years past their expiration date, the same level of assurance does not apply to bottled water. Given the potential for chemical leaching and degradation of the container, particularly after a decade, it's wise to be cautious. If you're uncertain about the safety of your bottled water, especially if it's significantly past its printed date, it's best to err on the side of caution and choose fresh, properly stored water for your health and well-being.

**Keywords:** expiration dates, bottled water safety, bottle degradation