Water does not expire in general, however anyone who has ever purchased bottled water may have observed an expiration date stamped on the package. This may lead to questions about whether the water is safe to drink after it has passed its expiration date.
HOW SHOULD ONE BE STORING WATER?
The manner someone stores water, more often than not, reveals a lot about how long it will be safe to drink. Properly storing bottled drinking water helps to prevent bacterial growth and reduces the chance of unpleasant side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach ache, and vomiting. Warm temperatures, in particular, promote bacterial development and accelerate the discharge of toxic plastic compounds into the water. This is why keeping bottled water cool and out of direct sunlight can assist to ensure appropriate water safety and limit the chance of negative health impacts.
Because plastic bottles are porous, it is advisable to keep them away from cleaning products and chemicals. If customers find that your bottled drinking water has acquired an unusual flavor or odor, one must boil it before drinking it or toss it entirely.
DOES BOTTLED WATER GO BAD?
A long time ago, in New Jersey, a legislation was passed requiring food and water firms to label their products with an expiration date of two years or fewer. Even though water does not expire, it became necessary to print an expiration date on water bottles. The legislation was later altered, but it is still not recommended to drink bottled water that is more than six months old.
Bottled drinking water is packaged in plastic bottles, which emit BPA (bisphenol), antimony, and other chemicals into the water, contaminating it and making it unsafe for human use.
DOES THE TAP WATER EXPIRES?
It is totally safe to store and use tap water for up to 6 months without any risk of negative side effects, especially when properly preserved. Because tap water is carbonated, it can turn flat as the gas slowly disappears from the liquid, the only consequence is a change in flavor over time.
The carbon dioxide in the air reacts with the water, slightly acidifying the normal water. Because of this, even ordinary water develops a stale taste over time. Although some forms of water may develop an unpleasant taste with time, they are still safe to drink for up to six months.
To avoid contamination, water should be stored in clean, sanitized food-grade water containers that are labelled with the filling date and a statement that it contains drinking water. Customers should keep these containers dry, cool, and dark for six months.
CONCLUSION
Tap water or water from your specific sources can be stored safely for up to six months. However, because certain chemicals found in plastic leach into bottled water over time, it is not safe to consume it after the expiration date and may cause harm to your overall health. As a result, it may be best to avoid drinking water from such water bottles that have passed their expiration date. Another important consideration is to always check the expiration date of your packaged drinking water to ensure your safety.
Additionally, use proper storage techniques to reduce the risk of adverse effects caused by long-term storage of water and to ensure that the water you consume is safe.