Why does water have a shelf life

Water really does not go bad on its own, but packaging and other environmental factors can actually cause water to go bad.

The shelf life of water depends on the preparation method not all water is created equal and how it was stored. Water is the most abundant compound on Earth and it is essential to every form of life. All sources recommend that people drink 8 glasses each and every day. Because of its relatively low cost and proven health benefits, it is one of the most popular beverages in the world. We drink it from fountains, streams and bottles. So, how long does water last?

When properly stored, the shelf life of bottled water past a printed date is:. With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a day free trial today! High temperatures can break down the chemicals in plastic bottles which can then leak into the liquid. You can freeze bottled water not sparkling water to use in a cooler or ice chest and then drink the water when the picnic is complete.

There are some water-selling brands that have started to print an expiration date on water bottles and studies show that it can be a little misleading. It makes you question if the water is really safe to drink once the expiration date has passed. Let us find out if water really has an expiry date.

According to researchers, it has been found that tap water is safe to consume if stored properly for 6 months. However, carbonated tap water becomes flat with time as the gases in the water start to evaporate, resulting in a stale taste. The regular tap water can also start tasting old after some time because the carbon dioxide in the air gets mixed up with the water, reducing the oxygen levels and leaving it with a slightly acidic undertone.

Despite the off-taste of both plain and carbonated tap water, they are considered safe to drink for up to 6 months. All you need to do to keep water healthy and drinkable for at least 6 months is store water in a cold, dry and dark place where the sanitization can also be maintained. According to a law passed in in New Jersey, it became necessary for food and water companies to put an expiration date of under two years on each product.

The law was later changed but it is always advisable to not drink water from plastic water bottles if they are older than 6 months. Plastic is known to release BPA bisphenol and other chemicals that contaminate the water, making it harmful for human use.

Regular consumption of water from plastic bottles can result in a visible deterioration in health by causing gut health problems and it also lowers immunity. Storing the botted water properly is extremely necessary as it can prevent many side effects that are caused by careless storage of it like nausea, vomiting, etc.

One of the most common mistakes that we make in water storage is keeping it in a warm environment. The heat makes the plastic release toxins into the water that are harmful for consumption. However, storing it in a cool and dry place can keep the negative side effects at a distance for a longer period of time. And because of its slightly permeable nature, it is also advised to keep the water away from any form of chemicals; even cleaning supplies of your house. If you still notice something off about the taste of the water, either boil it before consuming or discard it completely.

Does water expire? In short, no. Over time, chemicals from the plastic bottle can begin to leak into the water it holds. And when you drink that water, chemicals like BPA can make their way into your system. Well, some manufacturers still choose to include them. Drinking it before the expiration date can help you enjoy the best tasting water.

It's easier and more efficient to simply put a stamp on all the bottles whether needed or not rather than dedicating a special machine just for bottled water. Finally, expiration dates are usually only one element of a printed code that also identifies the date, bottling plant, and other information. Even though the expiration date itself is meaningless in terms of water going bad, the manufacturing information could be useful in tracking down contamination, bottling errors or product recalls.

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