Does Drinking Water Expire?

Water, as a naturally occurring liquid, does not go bad. Water only becomes unsafe for consumption after it has been exposed to contaminants. Water comes in different packages depending on the constituents and flavours.

Tap water, bottled water, carbonated water, and vitamin water are among the wide varieties of water. Each of these has different requirements to keep them. 

Tap Water

Tap water is commonly used for drinking, cooking, and other household activities that require water. Treated tap water is safe to drink and for kitchen use for up to 5 months under adequate storage conditions. 

How To Store Tap Water

• Purify the water using a water filter sydney or by boiling the water for fifteen minutes and allowing it to cool.
• Copper, steel vessels, bisphenol-free plastic containers, non- PET plastic, and glass bottles are ideal for storing water for long and short-term purposes. 
• Water in gallons and jerrycans should be covered at all times to avoid contact with air and microbes.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is considered safe, so most people opt for it instead of regular tap water. Bottled water has a shelf life of 2 years, which is the average time required for the water to be contaminated by the plastic bottle.

Plastic bottles are made from polyethylene (HPDE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is potentially harmful to humans.

When bottled water is exposed to high temperatures, the bottle can melt and leach into the water, contaminating it in the process. Harmful chemicals like antimony and bisphenol A (BPA) are released into the water, making it unsafe to drink.

Bottled water is not as safe as you think. It poses a more significant threat to your health than tap water. According to research, people who drink water from plastic bottles have their bisphenol A (BPA) levels increased by two-thirds in their urine samples.

Bisphenol exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, compromised immune systems, and diabetes. 

How To Store Bottled Water

The hotter the day, the less time is required for leaching. Keep bottled water in a cool place away from sunlight, extreme heat, and hazardous household chemicals like bleach.

Carbonated Water

Carbonated water is commonly known as sparkling water. Carbon dioxide is added to the water during the bottling process.

Unopened carbonated water has a shelf life of about 12 to 18 months when stored at room temperature. However, carbonated water will only last for a few days once opened. After this period, the water will lose its bubbly appeal. This is due to the loss of carbon dioxide.

How to store Carbonated Water

Carbonated water should be stored like bottled water, away from sunlight and intense heat. The bottle is permeable and should be kept away from harmful chemicals.

While water does not expire, the plastic that houses water can leach into the water when exposed to temperature. This can make the water unsafe for consumption.

Good storage techniques will go a long way to reduce unnecessary side effects and ensure your water is safe.