How Long Does Water Last?

Right from our human body to the corner of the world, there is no place where water is not present. If we talk about culinary terms, it is used extensively in cooking and quenches your thirst.

Water, as per knowledge, does not have an expiry date. Many branded companies date the expiry of their water, but many don’t. However, what could be the reason for this? Is there an expiry date on the drinking or cooking water by any possibility? 

There are some factors about the water that many are not acquainted with. It has many unique properties that elevate its status as an exceptional ingredient. Water has an intrinsic adaptive attribute that spoils it. 

The water stored in a plastic bottle for a long time could have some leaked plastic carcinogens in the water. This would hamper the validity of the water, and it might have a harmful effect when consumed.

Generally, bottled water should be emptied within a day, and sometimes it has to be completed within the time span of 3 days and not more than that.

It will emulate carbon dioxide when stored longer in the bottle, which is quite dangerous when consumed.

There are many storage mechanisms when it comes to water, which may change the water’s durability to a large extent. How long water lasts depends on how you actually preserve it. 

How Long Does Water Last?

There cannot be a fixed date when it comes to the expiry date of water. The bottles have been tagged with expired dates for caution and would not hold good as a fact. 

However, an unopened bottle can last longer than a week past the expiry date or probably even a month when refrigerated. It must have gathered some carbon dioxide, making it viable for risky consumption.

Once the bottle is opened, it is advisable to finish it within a time span of 3 days and not more than that. The opened bottle is more prone to external contamination or even carbon dioxide induction.

The taste will go for a change, and its validity will go for a toss if extended.

The other types of water, like sparkling, carbonated, or flavored water, have their own set of protocols. They can be retained in an unopened bottle for months without a problem.

However, they must have lost their taste or even their sparkling nature as long as you prolong keeping them. It is best to finish these types of water within 2 or 3 months of the best-by date.

The opened bottle has to be completed within 2 or 3 days. It can be refrigerated, but you must check that it has not lost flavor. 

The above table is an optimum description of the duration of water. Although these estimates are rough and not very accurate, a slight change in the timeline would still hold good.

How To Store Water?

Storing water is not so complicated, and you may be aware of the following techniques. The following protocols will hold well when it comes to the storage of water.

1. Unopened bottles of water should be stored in a cool, dry place.
2. It can also be kept in a kitchen cabinet that is not hot.
3. The above rule applies to carbonated and flavored water as well.
4. When you have opened the bottle, make sure you store the water in another tightly-sealed bottle.
5. A half-opened bottle of water can stay at room temperature when closed properly.
6. The above rule may not apply to carbonated or flavored water.
7. The opened carbonated or flavored water should be stored in the fridge.
8. Tap water can be stored in large bottles for some time.
9. Prolonging the storage of tap water for a very long time dwindles the taste of the water.
10. Tap water should be replaced once in a while.

Can You Freeze Water?

Yes, of course, water can be frozen. It makes ice that you can use to cool your beverages or use for other purposes. Water tends to expand when frozen. 

So when you store water in a small bottle, there are chances the water might leak out or explode with scratches.

Thus, if you need to freeze water to make ice, a simple suggestion is to use ice trays so you can easily take them out. 

What Are The Signs Of Spoilage For Water?

Water retains its color even when it turns bad. There would not be any visible patches, so you can discard the water. However, when you look at the water and spot some debris or cloudiness, then it should be disposed of immediately. 

You can also take a sniff and conclude whether it has turned bad. If none of the above helps you to infer the condition of the water, tasting a little bit out of your own risk could help detect its true condition. 

If the bottle is not stored properly or has been opened for a long time, it may have attracted some external microbes. So throwing it out serves the purpose. 

Shelf Life Of Tap Water

Tap water can be stored in a sealed bottle for up to 6 months. The risk factor associated with this is still slightly higher in this case. 

Carbonated tap water cannot be stored for 6 months as it would leak out the flavor, and by the time you use it, it would have lost its flavor. 

Regular water can develop a sour taste when stored long enough for 6 months. Carbon dioxide from the outside air mixes with the water in the bottle and gives it a stale taste.

When storing tap water, make sure you use a filtered and clean bottle that is extremely sanitized. Label the date and cork it tight enough there is no air intrusion.

Conclusion

We all know water can be stored for a longer time, but there are certain intricacies that we need to be wary of. Bottled water has the tendency to go bad when it gets mixed with chemicals in a plastic bottle over time. 

There are some protocols to store water, which involve careful monitoring of the water. A fridge and freezer would help a great deal, but there are limitations there as well.

This article would be a clear description to understand the efforts involved in storing water and how long it lasts. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)