Quick Answer
Most experts agree that bottled water can be safely consumed within 2 days of opening, as long as it has been properly stored. The key factors that determine how long bottled water lasts opened are the quality of the water, the cleanliness of the container, and the storage temperature. As a general rule, if the water still tastes, looks, and smells fresh, it should be safe to drink even after being opened for 2 days. However, those with weakened immune systems may want to exercise additional caution.
How Long Does Bottled Water Last After Opening?
Bottled water typically has a shelf life of 2 years unopened. This is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the water will remain safe to drink and maintain its advertised quality during that entire period.
However, once opened, bottled water has a shorter shelf life. This is because opening the bottle exposes the water to potential contaminants in the air and introduces the possibility of bacteria being introduced through contact with hands and surfaces.
Here are some general guidelines for how long bottled water lasts after opening:
– Refrigerated – 5-7 days
– Room temperature – 2-3 days
– Hot environments – 1 day
So for bottled water that has been opened and stored properly, 2 days is generally considered still safe by most experts.
However, take note of any changes in the taste, color or smell of the water over time. Cloudiness, off odors or foul tastes are signs that bacteria may be growing and the water should be discarded.
Factors That Determine How Long Bottled Water Lasts When Open
There are several key factors that influence how long bottled water will last after opening:
Quality of the Source Water
– High quality source water from protected springs or deep aquifers will stay fresher for longer compared to lower grade tap water that may contain more minerals or contaminants.
– Purified water usually lasts longer than spring water due to the intensive filtration and treatment processes.
Cleanliness of Bottle
– How clean and sanitized the bottle is before initially filling it will impact microbial growth after opening.
– Introducing contaminants by drinking directly from the bottle or letting unclean objects contact the lip can reduce freshness.
Storage Temperature
– Colder refrigerator temperatures between 35-40°F slow microbial growth best.
– Storing in hot conditions above 90°F will rapidly accelerate deterioration.
Exposure to Air and Light
– Each time the bottle is opened and exposed to air, more microbes can enter.
– Sunlight can also promote algae and bacterial growth.
– Storing in an enclosed container limits air and light exposure.
So drinking from ultra-clean bottles kept refrigerated and tightly sealed will result in the water lasting for the longest durations after opening.
Does Water Go Bad or Expire?
Water itself does not really go bad or expire in the way food does. Water is a stable molecule that can persist indefinitely without spoiling.
However, even though H2O molecules don’t change over time, water can become contaminated by:
– Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, molds. These can make the water unsafe to drink if they reach dangerous levels. Refrigeration inhibits microbial growth.
– Chemicals that leach from the packaging into the water over long periods, or improper sterilization earlier in the treatment process.
– Unpleasant odors, colors, and tastes caused by algae, minerals, or microbes. These don’t necessarily make the water unsafe, but degraded quality.
So while water won’t naturally expire, prolonged storage does present opportunities for contamination both from pathogens and aesthetic changes.
This is why manufacturers put expiration dates on bottled water—to ensure it remains consumable for the advertised shelf life before significant degradation can occur. The key is keeping contaminants out in the first place through proper sanitization, packaging, and storage.
Tips for Extending the Life of Open Bottled Water
Here are some tips for getting the most life out of your bottled water once opened:
– Refrigerate immediately after opening and between uses. This prevents microbial growth.
– Limit air exposure by resealing caps tightly and keeping containers closed.
– Avoid introducing contaminants by not drinking directly from the bottle’s lip and being careful your mouth and hands are clean before handling.
– Use clean cups or glasses when consuming the water rather than repeatedly opening and exposing to air.
– Keep bottles away from direct sunlight and extreme heat which can accelerate deterioration.
– Consume opened water within 2-3 days for optimal taste and freshness.
Proper storage and handling is key for keeping bottled water fresh after opening. Following these simple practices can maximize both the safety and quality of your water.
Can I Drink Bottled Water 2 Days After Opening?
Based on food safety guidelines and expert recommendations, bottled water that has been continuously refrigerated can generally be safely consumed within 2 days after opening.
However, you should evaluate the water before drinking for any sensorial changes using these criteria:
Appearance
– The water should appear clear and colorless. Cloudiness or particulate matter is a sign of microbial growth.
Smell
– There should be no unpleasant or strange odors. A chlorine smell may indicate proper sanitization.
Flavor
– It should taste fresh, without any bitterness, staleness, sweetness, or other off tastes.
As long as it satisfies these conditions, 2 day old bottled water stored properly can be safely ingested by most healthy adults. However, if you notice anything unusual, it is best to discard the water to err on the side of caution. Those with compromised immunity may also want to exercise additional precautions.
Helpful Table on How Long Bottled Water Lasts Open by Storage Method
| Storage Temperature | Shelf Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Room temperature (68-78°F) | 2-3 days |
| Refrigerated (35-40°F) | 5-7 days |
| Hot conditions (Over 90°F) | 1 day |
Can Old Bottled Water Make You Sick?
Drinking bottled water that is past its prime can potentially make you sick, but it is not guaranteed. Here are the key factors that come into play:
– The type and level of contamination – Bacterial growth, chemicals, heavy metals lead to more severe illness than aesthetic issues like odors or taste. Life-threatening contamination is rare in commercially bottled water.
– The consumer’s health and immune function – Very young children, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risks of illness from drinking expired water. Healthy adults are less susceptible.
– Amount consumed – Drinking a small amount of tainted water is less likely to cause sickness than large volumes.
So while old, compromised bottled water may harbor increased levels of contaminants that can lead to adverse health effects, serious consequences are uncommon. Usually at worst, it may cause temporary digestive upset or nausea in healthy adults if brewed or consumed in large quantities. But it is still best practice to discard water that is past suggested timeframes.
Signs Your Bottled Water Has Gone Bad
Here are some red flags that indicate your bottled water may no longer be good to drink:
– Cloudiness – This could signal microbial growth like bacteria or mold.
– Strange odors – If it smells odd, stale, or unpleasant, it is likely contaminated.
– Change in flavor – Undesirable flavors like bitter, metallic, or soapy indicate the water is no longer fresh.
– Algae or particles – Visible signs of algae, molds, or sediment mean the water has been compromised.
– Lid swelling – Bottles that swell or bulge can indicate gas-producing bacterial contamination.
– Expired date – Water far past the manufacturer’s expiry date marked on the bottle is likely degraded.
While not necessarily dangerous on their own, these changes in the water’s taste, aroma, clarity and appearance should give you pause. When in doubt, it’s best to discard water that exhibits any of these qualities.
Can I Get Sick from Drinking Old Plastic Bottled Water?
It’s unlikely you would get sick solely from drinking old bottled water directly from clean, un damaged plastic water bottles. Here’s why:
– Plastic water bottles are made from inert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that does not easily leach chemicals into the water.
– PET plastic is approved by the FDA for use in food contact applications and does not degrade quickly on its own.
– Any odors or tastes that develop are more likely from contamination rather than from the plastic itself.
However, under certain conditions, old bottled water in plastic can potentially pose health risks:
– Over time, UV light and heat can cause a small degree of plastic breakdown into the water. This releases trace levels of PET and other compounds.
– Damaged bottles that are improperly stored long-term may leach increased plastic chemicals as degradation accelerates.
– Sitting water may pick up phthalates and other toxins if stored in very hot conditions (like a hot garage) for extended periods.
But overall, plastics themselves pose less of a danger than microbial contamination of old water. Focus on the quality and freshness of the water rather than concerns about the plastic leaching. Proper storage avoids plastic degradation.
Conclusion
Based on food safety recommendations, as long as it has been handled properly, bottled water that was opened within the last 2 days should still be safe to consume for most healthy adults. Pay attention for any changes in taste, clarity or smell which are signs that microbial growth may be present. All consumers should discard water that is more than 3-5 days old after opening for optimal quality and safety. Though not guaranteed to make you ill, consuming degraded bottled water can potentially lead to temporary sickness in some cases. Your health, the water’s quality, storage conditions and the amount ingested are all factors that determine the level of risk. But when in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your bottled water exceeds freshness timelines or appears compromised, play it safe and throw it out.